Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Research Security Framework
- User Declarations and Institutional Agreements
- Proposal Submission Attestation
- Verification and Oversight
- Publication of Past Results
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.
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.
User Declarations and Institutional Agreements
All users applying for beamtime at TARLA will be required to:
- Declare current institutional affiliations at the time of proposal submission or registration.
- Confirm compliance with TARLA’s research security and collaboration policy.
- Provide institutional agreements (IAs) between TARLA and their home institution prior to beamtime or experiment participation.
TARLA will not enter into formal agreements with institutions listed on any national or international watchlists concerning research integrity or security.
We strongly encourage new users to initiate the registration process well ahead of proposal deadlines to ensure institutional agreements can be arranged in time.
Proposal Submission Attestation
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.
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.
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.