Published on 1 August 2025
Elements upgrade 14th -18th August 2025
Elements will be unavailable from Thursday 14th August until Monday 18th August while it is upgraded to its latest version. It will not be possible to make open access, research data or doctoral theses deposits via Elements into the University repository Apollo until the upgrade has been completed. Access to view Apollo will be available as usual. For more information see Elements upgrade coming 14th August 2025.
What's new?
This is a significant upgrade to the underpinning repository platform, DSpace. It allows us to continue development of a robust, safe and resilient repository infrastructure, and incorporate new functionality to further enhance discovery, access and long-term preservation of the research outputs of the University which are held in Apollo.
Whilst the majority of the upgrade takes place in the background, you can expect a few enhancements including a new quick link search icon, accessibility improvements and consistent use of preferred names.
If you have any questions or comments, please contact researchinformation@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Upcoming retirement of RGEA and enhancements to the Research Dashboard
As part of the University’s cybersecurity compliance work, the Research Grants Expenditure Application (RGEA) system will be retired. The Research Dashboard will continue to be supported and enhanced to meet user needs and compliance standards.
We’re not yet able to confirm the exact retirement date for RGEA, as this will depend on meeting security and compliance requirements. However, we’re working as quickly as possible to ensure the Research Dashboard is equipped with the features users need.
We’ll be working with users to ensure a smooth transition and will keep you updated as the work progresses.
Questions? Contact the Transforming Research Support programme team at transformingresearchsupport@admin.cam.ac.uk.
Worktribe updates
Curious about the latest updates in Worktribe? Head over to the What's New on Worktribe SharePoint page to explore updates designed to support your work. Highlights this month include:
- Risk questionnaire update - new questions on international collaboration have been added to align with the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme (FIRS), effective 1st July.
- Saved searches and reporting - fresh guidance is now available on the Using Worktribe SharePoint - see Report Creation. Saved searches let you quickly filter data by project status, academic lead, department, funder across projects, approvals and contracts.
- Upcoming training - join our next saved searches reporting training session on Tuesday 2nd September, 10am – 12:00pm. Sign up now to secure your spot!
ERC 2026 and 2027 Work Programme calls
The European Research Council (ERC) has introduced some changes in the 2026 and 2027 Work Programme calls. This includes -
- project descriptions and page limits on the application form
- evaluation changes that focus on proposal idea
- resubmission restrictions
- eligibility extensions in some circumstances
Please visit the ERC website for details of these changes.
Trusted Research scenario video – risks from talent plans, funding conflicts and changing research scope
The Research Policy, Governance and Integrity team is sharing the fourth of the National Protective Security Authority (NPSA) Trusted Research scenario videos. This example raises awareness of the risks that come from joining talent plans, or similar arrangements, as well as highlighting the importance of understanding who ultimately benefits from the research outputs.
The video explains a scenario in which a UK researcher’s actions conflicted with the conditions of the funding. Consequently, government medical funding was withdrawn from the university. This case shows the value of carrying out due diligence on partner organisations, especially UK subsidiaries of global companies, as well as researchers needing to understand risks and potential dual-use applications of their research.
NPSA Trusted Research scenario video – talent plan, funding conflicts and changing research scope
The Research Office has produced the following resources for researchers and professional services staff working in research administration -
- guidance for export control and sanctions
- learn about the University’s due diligence process.
- a briefing paper on the National Security Act (2023).
- information on the National Security and Investment Act (2021)
Other useful resources include -
- the Cabinet Office’s guidance on the National Security and Investment Act for higher education and research-intensive sectors
- the Export Control Joint Unit’s (ECJU) guidance on Export controls applying to academic research and on dual-use items
- the Home Office’s guidance on the National Security Act 2023