Complex Collaborations - Efficiency, Equity, Quality and Security in International Research

Setting New Benchmarks for Research Security and International Partnership

UK research organisations face complex challenges when conducting due diligence with international partners, balancing efficiency, equity, and security. To address this, Research England commissioned ARMA to pull together a team of sector experts to deliver a comprehensive sector-wide engagement to find pragmatic solutions.

Our Approach

Formation, led by Sapna Marwaha, co-steered this ambitious project, combining practical insight, sector expertise, and a global partnership ethos. We:

• Engaged over 70 universities, research, government and professional organisations through surveys, roundtables and qualitative research

• Tested and refined practical recommendations for research due diligence, including developing an innovative “maturity curve” and process wireframe

• Ensured that equitable partnership principles—especially regarding international collaboration—underpinned all recommendations, safeguarding collaborative global research

Our approach centred on building trust with the research community and fostering co-creation in all processes.

The Impact

The March 2023 Complex Collaborations report has become a touchstone for the sector, with its maturity curve and recommendations for progress informing progress across the sector. Our work has led to invitations to deliver further capacity-building projects internationally, showcasing our commitment to accessible, equitable, and responsible research environments globally.

Colleagues from Formation, Loughborough University and Stirling University led this project on behalf of the Association of Research Managers and Administrators UK. The project was funded by Research England.