A balance of risks

Due diligence is a crucial part of international collaboration, say Pam Hicks and Jennifer Stergiou.

The Global Challenges Research Fund has substantially increased UK research organisations’ international collaborations. Owing to the priorities of Official Development Assistance, most of the overseas partners in these projects are based in lower or middle-income countries.

Such projects bring a particular set of risks. These countries often have relatively high levels of corruption and financial irregularity. They can also have less stringent health and safety procedures, or rules and processes around research ethics.