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Sheffield Hallam Lifts Ban on Uyghur Research After Pressure

11/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Sheffield Hallam University suspended Professor Laura Murphy over Uyghur forced-labor research after Beijing's pressure, citing safety concerns and legal risks.
The work was deemed too risky after threats from a Chinese company.
The university lifted the ban in October following Murphy's legal threats.
The UK government condemned foreign intimidation of academics and defended academic freedom.
Internal emails reportedly show commercial interests influenced the decision to restrict research.

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Story summary

Sheffield Hallam University suspended Professor Laura Murphy over Uyghur forced-labor research after Beijing's pressure, citing safety concerns and legal risks.
The work was deemed too risky after threats from a Chinese company.
The university lifted the ban in October following Murphy's legal threats.
The UK government condemned foreign intimidation of academics and defended academic freedom.
Internal emails reportedly show commercial interests influenced the decision to restrict research.