Data and IP Management
DATA MANAGEMENT AND RESEARCH OUTPUTS
In response to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) guidance on open research and Trusted Research and 
Innovation practices, NBIC has updated its Data Management Plan to strengthen provisions relating to 
data types, discoverability, and data security for outputs arising from NBIC-funded activities. As part of 
this work, during 2025 NBIC translated its internal repository of NBIC-funded academic publications into 
a structured and searchable database, improving internal oversight and organisation of research outputs. 
Building on this foundation, further development undertaken in collaboration with the University of 
Southampton’s iSolutions team has enabled the evolution of this resource into a live, searchable database, 
which will be made publicly available via the NBIC website in 2026. This approach supports transparency, 
portfolio-level oversight and improved access to NBIC-funded research outputs, while maintaining 
appropriate controls for commercially sensitive and IP restricted activity in line with UKRI expectations.
RESPONSIBLE AI
All published data will be deposited in appropriate open access and institutional repositories in line with funder 
and journal requirements, ensuring compliance with FAIR data principles. Data security will be maintained 
throughout the project lifecycle in accordance with open access policies, with appropriate measures applied to 
data at all stages of storage, transfer, and sharing. Where relevant, data will be shared within NBIC to support 
AI development and training on biofilm community datasets, under appropriate data sharing agreements.  
We recognise that complete open access to all project data may not be appropriate in all cases. In line 
with the AREA framework for responsible research and innovation (Anticipate, Reflect, Engage, Act), we will 
implement risk assessments prior to release of any dataset. While any de novo engineered communities are not 
anticipated to involve use of pathogenic organisms, we will apply RRI principles to anticipate any unintended 
consequences arising from the release of design, assembly, or functional data, including consideration of 
how such information might be used or repurposed beyond its original context. Where data is commercial-
in-confidence, arising from partnerships with industry collaborators, access will be restricted in line with 
contractual arrangements and governed by data transfer agreements specifying permitted uses, retention 
periods, and security requirements. We believe that this approach balances our commitment to open science 
and AI-enabled research with our responsibilities around anticipatory governance and responsible innovation.
IP ACTIONS
In line with its updated Intellectual Property (IP) Management Plan, NBIC is strengthening its operational 
approach to the recording and oversight of IP arising from NBIC‑funded activities. The updated plan reflects UK 
Research and Innovation’s (UKRI) expectations for the responsible management and exploitation of knowledge 
assets, while maintaining NBIC’s role as a coordinating centre rather than an IP‑owning or advisory body. NBIC is 
currently developing a central academic outputs platform to showcase publications outcomes in a transparent 
and accessible manner. The IP recording functionality will be incorporated into this same platform once 
academic outputs are published, ensuring that IP information is captured at the appropriate stage and presented 
alongside research outputs in a structured, consistent and auditable manner. This integrated approach 
supports transparency, portfolio‑level oversight, and traceability of NBIC‑funded outputs. In parallel, NBIC 
continues to undertake high‑level IP and market surveillance activities to identify emerging biofilms innovation 
and exploitation areas, increase awareness of new technologies and monitor developments across countries 
and regions. These actions support strategic oversight of the biofilms research and innovation landscape and 
contribute to the identification of unmet needs and opportunities for future impact. 
 
 
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