Research Security

Contents

1. Introduction
2. Research Security Framework
3. TARLA Access Policy
4. User Declarations
5. Research Commitment
6. Verification and Oversight
7. Publication of Past Results

 

1. Introduction

International scientific collaboration is vital for tackling global challenges, fostering innovation, and advancing knowledge. At TARLA, we are committed to maintaining an open, inclusive, and secure research environment. While collaborations with international institutions bring many benefits, they may also involve certain risks, especially when sensitive research areas or partnerships are concerned. TARLA, in this context, complies with national and international regulations to ensure research security and develops clear and secure access policies for its users.

2. Research Security Framework

In line with best practices adopted by other large-scale facilities worldwide, TARLA is establishing guidelines to safeguard research integrity and security, especially in areas involving advanced technologies, dual-use equipment, or sensitive data.

These efforts aim to ensure that TARLA remains open to scientific excellence, while also fulfilling institutional and national responsibilities in research security.

3. TARLA Access Policy

The primary means of accessing TARLA’s research infrastructure is through peer-reviewed submission processes that prioritize scientific excellence. Our users are expected to produce scientific outputs and publish their results.

TARLA is open to international collaboration and is committed to providing equal access to researchers from all countries. Our users are not asked to provide personal information such as nationality, ethnicity, or place of birth at any stage.

4. User Declarations

To ensure research security, TARLA requires its users to fulfill the following obligations before participating in experimental activities:

All users who register with TARLA must declare all their current institutional affiliations and declare that they have read and understood the specified policies and obligations and will comply with them. Existing users will update this information once a year via the TARLA User Portal.

5. Research Commitment

Prior to submitting a proposal, the project leader or spokesperson must confirm that they and their team will comply with the policies in effect throughout the duration of the project and until the results are published. This obligation includes ensuring that no one on the research team has active ties with high-risk institutions or receives financial or in-kind support from such institutions.

Definition of Research Team: Researchers, master’s/doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, technical staff, and other individuals listed as co-authors in publications who contribute to the project.

Definition of Financial or In-Kind Support: This refers to direct or indirect contributions, such as money, equipment, software, databases, laboratory space, and professional services.

Principal Investigators (PIs) must attest that:

• Their research team is not affiliated with any institution identified as high-risk under national or international guidelines.
• The project does not receive direct or indirect support from such organizations, including funding, equipment, or technical services.
• They will remain compliant throughout the project, including the dissemination of results.

6. Verification and Oversight

TARLA may use publicly accessible information (e.g., institutional websites, publications, official databases) to verify user affiliations and funding sources. If inconsistencies are identified, the user will be contacted for clarification. In cases of non-compliance, beamtime access may be denied or revoked. TARLA reserves the right to refuse access to its infrastructure in cases of serious research security concerns, even beyond the specific scope of national policies.

7. Publication of Past Results

Research involving institutions now identified as high-risk but conducted before the implementation of TARLA’s research security policy can still be published at the discretion of the user. We ask that users clearly state the beamtime dates and acknowledge TARLA’s support in any resulting publications.