Questions for self-evaluation

Have you been able to cover every desired subjects and include all relevant people in your joint activities?
Have you been able to ask the questions you needed to ask?
Have you been asked to modify or hide the results of your project?
Are you free to disseminate the results of your project as planned?
Have you been contacted by Chinese networks of influence (embassy, associations, Chinese students in Switzerland) in order to modify your project?
Have you been granted access to reliable and pertinent information in China?
Do you find that the way your collaboration happens with China satisfies the same standards of other international cooperation? If not, why and is it acceptable or not?

If you are censoring yourself, is it beyond “courtesy” standards?
Is self-censorship necessary to continue the collaboration without jeopardizing personal safety of people involved in it?
Can you use a different vocabulary and rephrase sensitive issues to avoid self-censorship?
Are you subject to pressures from students in the classroom or during public events?
Are you subject to pressures from colleagues, official bodies or informal actors?
Have you benefited from incentives that may reduce your freedom of speech?
Do you fear retaliation measures: visa denial, access to sources or individuals in the field, etc? Does it impact your research or studies?
Are you dependent on funding from Chinese partners? If yes, does it impact your freedom of speech?

Is personal data used for research correctly protected?
Is research on human beings compliant with UNIGE ethical standards?[1]
Is animal use compliant with UNIGE’s ethical standards?
Are individuals discriminated in the project?
Is the region in which you are operating in China subject to breaches of Human Rights? If yes, what are the consequences of your project on this situation?

Is your collaboration with Chinese partners subject to political influence?
Is your project financially sustainable without Chinese funding?
What is the political background behind the collaboration? (even if it is about fundamental research)
Have you identified soft power mechanisms impacting your collaboration?
What are the links of interest and affiliations (e.g. military) of your partners?
Have you researched the political background of the partner institution?
If you receive funding from Chinese sources, are you aware of the legal and ethical implications linked to it?
If you change or adapt your project in order to have access to Chinese funding, are you significantly restricting your academic freedom?

Is your field of research subject to Dual-Use?
Is your field of research subject to Dual-Use Concern?
Even if you are active in fundamental research, could the cooperation lead to undesirable transfer of knowledge and be translated in technology that can be used for actions which are contrary to your values?
Are you aware of the links between your Chinese partner and the military sector?
Have you clarified if you are collaborating with colleagues/students who have direct links with the military sector?

For internal recommendations on dual-use issues, see https://cureg.unige.ch

Have you thoroughly discussed the use and ownership of project results with your partner?
Have you thoroughly discussed the use and ownership of personal data with your partner?
Have all your agreements been reviewed by the competent offices at UNIGE? (Legal affairs, Research, UNITEC)?
Do you comply with regulation on data protection?

Have you considered using different phones or computers for different purposes?
Have you considered using external hard drives and USB-sticks for your sensitive data?
Are you using public Wi-Fi, university networks or hotspots to have access to the internet?
Have you clarified with your partner the possibility to use UNIGE’s/the host’s VPN?

[1] See reference in section 3

[2] https://www.unige.ch/cybersecurite/

Have you contacted UNIGE’s Legal affairs Office, UNITEC or the Research Service in order to negotiate and formalize the agreements concluded within the framework of the collaboration?
If the partnership is mainly funded by China, have you discussed how intellectual property rights will be shared?

Do you understand your partner’s agenda and motivations?
Have you inquired about the affiliations of your (institutional/individual) partner?
Do you understand the responsibilities and the roles of the project’s stakeholders?
What problems could arise from the partner’s side that could modify the project?
Do you know which rules and legislation apply?
If Chinese law applies, do you understand the consequences on your project?

Have you thoroughly discussed equal access issues with your partner?
Are objectives and expectations integrated in written in the collaboration agreement?
Which guidelines are you following to protect your own research, facilities and data?

Does you collaboration agreement include a clause for immediate termination of the collaboration which can be activated by both sides at any moment?
Have you thoroughly discussed sensitive topics with your partner before the beginning of the collaboration?
Are you regularly and overtly discussing potential issues of non-compliance with your partner?

Have you checked UNIGE’s policy on risk areas and the associated websites before going to China?
Are you aware of the Hong Kong National Security Law[1] and how it can impact your activities?
Are you aware of China’s zero tolerance policy on drugs[2]?
If you are dual national, are you aware of the recommendations of your second home country’s government regarding China?
Are you aware of discrimination issues in China or in Switzerland by Chinese or Swiss colleagues on the basis of gender, race, religion or sexual orientation?

[2] Foreign Travel Advice, Local laws and customs, British Government