More than 100 academics linked to UK institutions have unknowingly contributed to projects funded by a research institute “with very strong ties” to China’s intelligence service, compromising British national intelligence, according to MI5.

In an espionage alert issued this afternoon, the UK’s internal security agency warned that the primary purpose of the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI), part of a state-owned conglomerate, is to fund research that “directly improves Chinese Ministry of State Security technical capability for espionage”.

The MI5 alert has told UK academic institutions to “immediately review any ongoing or planned collaboration with CGTRI” to prevent further benefit to the Chinese intelligence services.

Links between CGTRI and China’s Ministry of State Security had been unclear prior to this alert.

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UK academics have been working on CGTRI-funded projects across a range of topics including AI, cybersecurity, covert communications systems and steganography (hidden messaging).

Academics have been strongly advised by MI5 to review ties with Chinese institutions and “establish the ultimate funding source” when undergoing any future research collaboration.

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Universities should make sure CGTRI is not involved in any way.

The agency has also reminded academic institutions, staff and researchers of the potential criminal consequences of assisting a foreign intelligence service, as set out in the National Security Act 2023.

Security minister Dan Jarvis has written to all the university vice-chancellors urging them to “end all arrangements” with CGTRI.

Jarvis said: “This alert exposes attempts by Chinese intelligence to covertly benefit from the expertise and research of our academics, undermining our national security, and that of our allies.”

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Emphasising that international partnerships are “vital” for the longevity of British universities and research institutions, Jarvis cautioned that “robust action to defend against the threats we face” should be taken.

“That means supporting our police and intelligence services to expose and disrupt harmful activity, using the full force of the law.”

Science and innovation minister Chris McDonald said: “Britain’s research base is something we should be hugely proud of. It’s a real national strength and it plays an important role in both our security and our prosperity.”

But while international collaboration will “always be crucial” to the success of UK research, he added, “We can’t ignore the risks”.

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“As those risks continue to evolve, we’re making sure the sector has the advice and support it needs to protect valuable research while continuing to deliver the innovation, discoveries and breakthroughs that will shape the industries of the future.”

rosalind.skillen@timeshighereducation.com