Vice-chancellors fear that a draft export control bill will hamper cutting-edge research in universities and constrain academic freedom.
Universities UK is calling for exemptions for universities and intangible exports, such as knowledge, in the Export Control and Non-Proliferation Bill, which was published in draft form earlier this month.
Roderick Floud, provost of London Guildhall University and president-elect of UUK, gave evidence to the trade and industry select committee on Wednesday.