Key Highlights
- Sheffield Hallam University faced threats and intimidation from Chinese authorities to halt research into alleged human rights abuses.
- The university decided not to publish a final piece of research by Professor Laura Murphy due to pressure from China and legal concerns.
- The case highlights the vulnerability of UK universities to foreign influence and the protection of academic freedom.
- Chinese Embassy denied allegations, citing “fake reports” as “seriously flawed.”
Threats and Intimidation: A Case Study in Academic Freedom
The University of Sheffield Hallam found itself caught between international pressure and academic integrity when it was threatened by Chinese authorities to halt research into alleged human rights abuses. This case, detailed through internal documents obtained by the BBC, sheds light on the complex dynamics at play.
Research Under Siege
In 2021, Professor Laura Murphy of Sheffield Hallam University embarked on a series of investigations into forced labor in China’s Xinjiang region. Her research was met with fierce opposition from Chinese authorities who demanded the university cease its activities. As early as August 2022, the university faced significant disruptions when its websites were blocked and email communications halted.
According to internal emails, three officers of China’s National Security Service visited Sheffield Hallam’s office in Beijing, interrogating a local staff member for two hours regarding the research activities. This visit was part of a broader campaign that included threats and pressure from Chinese officials aimed at silencing Professor Murphy’s work.
Pressure Mounts: Legal and Financial Concerns
The pressure on Sheffield Hallam intensified in 2024 when Smart Shirts Ltd, a Hong Kong supplier, filed a libel suit against the university. The lawsuit was seen as a direct threat to the continuation of Murphy’s research and led to significant financial concerns for the university.
By May 2024, internal emails revealed that the university had “negotiated directly with a foreign intelligence service” in an attempt to protect its academic freedom, trading off Chinese student recruitment. The university admitted earning £3.8 million from China and Hong Kong in the previous year, highlighting the financial vulnerability that made it susceptible to such pressures.
A University’s Dilemma
Despite these challenges, Sheffield Hallam decided not to publish a final report on forced labor due to concerns over corporate insurance and staff safety. This decision led to the closure of Professor Murphy’s research unit in early 2025, impacting both her work and that of her research team.
“As long as the university system in the UK is so wildly underfunded as it is now, universities will be vulnerable to attacks like this,” argued Baroness Helena Kennedy KC, patron of the centre at Sheffield Hallam University. Her comments reflect broader concerns about academic freedom and the potential influence of foreign entities on UK institutions.
Government Response and Future Implications
The UK government responded by warning its Chinese counterpart against suppressing academic freedoms at British universities. In a statement, a spokesperson said, “Any attempt by a foreign state to intimidate, harass or harm individuals in the UK will not be tolerated.” This case has significant implications for future relations between China and UK higher education institutions.
Professor Murphy’s legal action and her pursuit of academic freedom underscore the growing tensions between international research and government influence. As universities continue to navigate these challenges, the role of foreign entities in shaping educational policy remains a critical issue.
