Guidance

Foreign Influence Registration Scheme: guidance for academia and research

Provides information for the research, academia and higher education sector on how to comply with the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme.

• From: Home Office
• Published: 1 April 2025

Documents

Sector-specific guidance on the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS): academia and research sector (accessible version)

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Sector-specific guidance on the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS): academia and research sector

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Details

The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS) will protect the safety and interests of the UK by improving the understanding of activity taking place in the UK at the instruction of a foreign state or certain foreign state‑controlled organisations. It is contained within part 4 of the National Security Act 2023.

This document provides additional sector-specific information on the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme for the research, academia and higher education sector. This includes guidance on arrangements on research projects, funding arrangements, exemptions and the publication of information.

This guidance explains the main requirements of the FIRS scheme. However, if you are affected by FIRS, it is your responsibility to comply with the scheme based on your own specific circumstances.

Published 1 April 2025