MI5 has warned British universities that their research is being used to improve China’s spying capabilities.
The security service said more than 100 UK-linked academics have contributed to projects funded through the China General Technology Research Institute (CGTRI).
MI5 said the institute, also known as the China Academy of General Technology (CAGT), has “very strong ties” to China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS).
It said the “primary purpose” of CGTRI “is to fund academic research that directly improves MSS technical capability for espionage”.
MI5 said: “In some cases, academics may not be aware that CGTRI is funding the Chinese research project they are contributing to.”
The projects cover artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, covert communications systems and steganography, which involves concealing information within other files or messages.
MI5 said: “This activity supports MSS espionage, which poses a threat to UK national security.”
The security service said many universities and researchers may have worked with CGTRI in good faith because of its “obfuscated links” to Chinese intelligence.
Universities have been urged to immediately review current or planned collaboration with the institute, while academics have been told to establish the ultimate funding source behind research partnerships with Chinese institutions.
MI5 said: “This is to ensure MSS derives no further benefit from UK universities or research institutions.”
The alert also warns researchers about possible offences under sections 3 and 17 of the National Security Act 2023, covering assisting a foreign intelligence service and obtaining a material benefit from one.
Under section 3, an offence can be committed where someone knows, or “ought reasonably to know”, that their conduct is likely to materially assist a foreign intelligence service.
MI5 said: “Any institution or individual continuing to conduct research ultimately funded by CGTRI following publication of this espionage alert should take their own independent legal advice, in particular (but not limited to) in relation to the offences under sections 3 and 17 of the National Security Act 2023.”
Dan Jarvis, the security minister, said the alert exposed efforts by Chinese intelligence to “covertly benefit from the expertise and research of our academics, undermining our national security, and that of our allies”.
Jarvis said he had written to every university vice-chancellor “to ensure they support their staff to end all arrangements with this company, preventing further benefit to the Chinese intelligence services and ensuring compliance with the National Security Act”.
He added: “International partnerships are vital to ensure our universities and research institutes continue to thrive, but we will take robust action to defend against the threats we face.
“That means supporting our police and intelligence services to expose and disrupt harmful activity, using the full force of the law.”
One academic whose work has received funding connected to CGTRI is Michele Vendruscolo, Professor of Biophysics at the University of Cambridge.
Vendruscolo contributed to a 2024 study examining how a group of enzymes change shape. The research received funding from a joint fund established by the China Academy of General Technology and China’s state-funded National Natural Science Foundation of China.
The funding was awarded to a Chinese academic at the University of Minnesota who co-authored the research.
Vendruscolo told The Telegraph that neither he nor Cambridge received any of the funding and said the research did not concern intelligence, security, AI, cybersecurity or covert communications.
The public alert represents an escalation in MI5’s efforts to protect British research from foreign intelligence services.
The security service has previously raised concerns with universities privately, but publishing CGTRI’s alleged links to the MSS means researchers have now been explicitly warned about the organisation and the potential legal consequences of continuing to work on projects it funds.
Earlier this year, representatives from more than 70 universities attended a closed-door security briefing with Sir Ken McCallum, MI5’s director-general, and Richard Horne, chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre, amid concerns over foreign states seeking access to British research.
Libby Hackett, chief executive of the Russell Group, said: “The ground-breaking research that Russell Group universities produce, including in fields of strategic national importance, is an incredibly important asset for the UK.
“International collaboration remains a crucial part of the picture, but we know our world-leading research strengths can make the UK a target for hostile actors.
“As such, all our universities take national security responsibilities very seriously. Working closely with government departments and the security services enables universities to take swift action to protect UK interests – and we will continue to do so in the face of new and emerging threats.”
The Chinese Embassy rejected MI5’s allegations.
A spokesman said: “The accusations made by the UK intelligence agency against the relevant Chinese entity are imaginary and purely fabricated. We firmly oppose such baseless allegations and have lodged solemn representations with the UK side.
“Exchanges and collaboration between UK universities and China have always been conducted on a voluntary basis and in compliance with laws and regulations. Such exchanges and collaboration are mutually beneficial.
“We urge the UK intelligence authorities to stop spreading falsehoods and stop undermining educational exchanges and research cooperation between China and the UK.”
