The University of Cambridge is committed to complying with UK Export Control legislation. It must ensure that specific research material is not exported from the UK to unauthorized parties. This material includes goods, technology, or software. At the University, Export Control affects research for military or WMD (Weapons of Mass Destruction) use.
The responsibility for compliance with export control regulations ultimately rests with the Principal Investigator (PI). Compliance with export control legislation requires the PI to consider whether they may need an export licence from the Export Control Joint Unit to carry out an activity and, if required, to obtain the licence before any export is made. Failure to obtain a licence when one is required or failure to observe the terms of a licence is a criminal offence for which the PI responsible is likely to be liable.
There is more detailed information on the University Export Control website.
Export control and open research
Export control does not affect a researcher's ability to openly share their research. It matters only where the University mediates access, e.g., through embargoes. Material in the public domain is exempt from export control, although copyright rules apply.
What should researchers do about Export Control when sharing their work on Apollo?
- Check the University Export Control Procedure (PDF, 144kb) and website for guidance before depositing your work on Apollo.
- Contact the Export Control Managers at the Research Office if you are unsure about Export Control: researchgovernance@admin.cam.ac.uk
- Select 'Yes - export control applies' on the Symplectic Elements form when depositing your work.
- Consider if you could make your work open in Apollo, rather than, say, under embargo or controlled access.
- Consider whether to approve access requests for your item if it is under embargo in Apollo and is subject to Export Control.