Sheffield Hallam University Faces Pressure from China Over Human Rights Research

Mon Nov 10 2025 21:57:21 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Sheffield Hallam University staff were subjected to threats and intimidation from individuals believed to be connected to China's National Security Service. The university halted research on Uyghur forced labor due to fears of retaliation from China, raising concerns about academic freedom.

Documents obtained by the BBC reveal that Sheffield Hallam University was pressured by China's National Security Service to cease research into alleged human rights abuses against Uyghur Muslims. The intimidation campaign included threats to university staff and restrictions on access to university websites for prospective Chinese students. Although the university initially suspended Prof. Laura Murphy's research due to these pressures, it has now apologized and promised to uphold academic freedom. This incident highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by UK universities amidst geopolitical tensions with China.

Documents seen by the BBC reveal that China waged a campaign of harassment and intimidation targeted at Sheffield Hallam University, compelling it to shut down sensitive research into alleged human rights abuses. Staff at the university faced threats from individuals identified as affiliated with China's National Security Service, who demanded the cessation of the ongoing research.

The university's websites were also blocked from access in China, severely impacting its ability to recruit Chinese students as these pressures persisted for over two years. Internal emails from university officials indicated a challenging balancing act between maintaining business interests in China and upholding the integrity of academic research.

The UK government intervened upon learning of the situation, with then Foreign Secretary David Lammy warning China's officials that attempts to undermine academic freedoms would not be tolerated.

At the center of the controversy is Professor Laura Murphy, who conducted research alleging that Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang were subjected to forced labor—an allegation China has consistently denied. Following pressure from Chinese authorities and a defamation lawsuit against the university, Sheffield Hallam concluded that they could not publish Professor Murphy's final research. By early 2025, the university informed her that she could no longer continue her research on supply chains and forced labor in China.

In response, Professor Murphy initiated legal action against the university for failing to protect her academic freedom and submitted a request for internal documents. The findings illustrated that the university had engaged in negotiations with foreign authorities, sacrificing academic freedoms for access to Chinese student markets.

After later apologizing and restoring her ability to resume her research, there are ongoing concerns articulated by the University and College Union regarding the implications of the university's prior actions. A government spokesperson reiterated the UK's position that foreign attempts to intimidate individuals within its borders will not be tolerated.

Professor Murphy's case underscores the broader vulnerabilities facing UK institutions as they navigate the complex interplay of academic integrity and international relations, particularly with authoritarian states.