Trusted Research & Safer Partnerships
The importance of Trusted Research and Safer Partnerships has grown significantly in the UK due to increasing concerns over research security, foreign influence, and national security compliance. Research institutions must navigate complex regulations while maintaining international collaborations and safeguarding research integrity.
The Trusted Research and Safer Partnerships Special Interest Group will provide a central platform for knowledge sharing, advocacy, and capacity building to help ARMA members effectively address the challenges associated with Trusted Research and Safer Partnerships.
Champions:
Our Special Interest Group champions are responsible for the activity and resource base of the group.
Emily Ashenden, Research Compliance Officer, University of Bristol
Emily Ashenden joined the University of Bristol as a Research Compliance Officer in 2023, bringing a background in domestic and international law and health research ethics. In her current role, she advises researchers on regulatory requirements in areas such as export control, national security, and subsidy control. Emily is also pursuing the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) to qualify as a solicitor.
Since transitioning from private practice to the higher education sector, Emily has actively engaged in sector-wide initiatives and networking opportunities, including HEECA and the Trusted Research Network. She believes that collaboration and straight forward dialogue across institutions are essential for navigating an increasingly complex research and regulatory landscape. Committed to strengthening trusted research, she welcomes opportunities to share knowledge, develop practical solutions, and contribute to meaningful discussions that build confidence and drive progress.
Joe Timlin, Trusted Research Manager, Loughborough University
Joe joined the research management profession in 2018 in Pre-Award having previously worked for a foundation and cultural venue in the charitable sector.
He is currently Trusted Research Manager at Loughborough University where he is operationally responsible for due diligence and research security matters, including regulatory compliance. Joe has co-authored two national reports published by the Association of Research Managers and Administrators, notably the ‘Complex Collaborations’ (2023) report on operationalising research security measures in the UK, and most recently, ‘Stronger Cooperation, Safer Collaborations’ (2025) on operationalising research security measures in the European context.
Joe is a passionate advocate for the research management profession, regularly contributing to ARMA training and development events; sub-groups of the Higher Education Export Control Association and Higher Education Security Forum; and events held by Department for Science, Innovation and Technology; National Protective Security Authority; and Science and Technology Network.
Mary Beth Kneafsey, Head of Research Governance, Policy & Integrity, University of Glasgow.
Mary Beth joined the University of Glasgow in 2001, bringing experience from varied areas such as real estate law and fine wine sales. She also has a varied educational background but more recently has achieved an MBA (2010) and an EdD (2024) from Glasgow. At the University of Glasgow, she has held a number of positions, including supporting the development of PGT and Executive Education programmes in the Adam Smith Business School, taking on the role of PGR Strategy Manager in Research Services in 2010 and then the role of Head of Research Governance, Policy and Integrity in 2023. In these roles, she has demonstrated a long-term commitment to supporting researchers and researcher education as well as ensuring that researchers are able to operate in an enabling policy environment.
Rhiannon Sullivan, Senior Legal Compliance Manager, Wellcome Sanger Institute
As part of the Legal and Governance Team at the Wellcome Sanger Institute, Rhiannon is responsible for the legal and regulatory compliance framework.
She has been a risk, compliance and assurance specialist for over 10 years, predominantly within the charity sector and is passionate about helping organisations navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes with simplified and streamlined ways of working. Rhiannon looks forward to supporting members with their trusted research and safer partnership roles.
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