Cookie policy
How and why we use cookies on our website
RAND Europe cookie policy
Last updated: 25/09/2025
This Cookie Policy explains how RAND Europe uses cookies and similar technologies on the Quantum Technology Observatory for Policy and Society (QTOPS) website. This policy should be read alongside our Privacy Notice.
What are cookies?
Cookies are small text files stored on your device when you visit websites. They help websites remember your preferences, improve functionality, and provide insights about website usage.
How we use cookies
We use cookies to:
- Ensure website functionality and security
- Understand how our research dashboard is used to improve user experience
- Remember your cookie preferences for future visits
- Provide relevant content and research findings
Types of cookies we use
- Strictly Necessary Cookies (Always Active)
- Purpose: Essential for website operation and security
- Examples: Session management, load balancing, security features
- Legal Basis: Legitimate interests under Article 6(1)(f) of the UK GDPR. These cookies are essential for the website to function and are set to enable core site features and services.
- Retention: Session-based or up to 24 hours
- Analytics and Performance Cookies (Optional)
- Purpose: Help us understand how visitors use our research dashboard
- Data Collected: Page views, time spent on pages, click patterns, general geographic location
- Tools: Google Analytics (configured with IP anonymisation)
- Legal Basis: Consent under Article 6(1)(a) of the UK GDPR and as required by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). Analytics and performance cookies are only set with your explicit consent.
- Retention: Up to 26 months
- Opt-out: You can disable these cookies by selecting Manage consent
- Functional Cookies (Optional)
- Purpose: Remember your preferences and provide enhanced features
- Examples: Language preferences, accessibility settings, dashboard customisation
- Legal Basis: Consent under Article 6(1)(a) of the UK GDPR and as required by the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR). Functional cookies are only set with your explicit consent.
- Retention: Up to 12 months
- Opt-out: Available through selecting Manage consent
Third-party cookies
We may use third-party services that set their own cookies:
Google Analytics
- Purpose: Website usage analysis
- Privacy Information: Google Analytics Privacy Policy
- Opt-out: Available through Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on
Content Delivery Networks (CDNs)
- Purpose: Faster content delivery and website security
- Types: CloudFlare security cookies
- Retention: Varies by service (typically 24 hours to 1 month)
Your cookies choices
Managing Cookie Preferences:
- Use our Manage consent option (displayed on bottom right-hand side of website) to manage optional cookies
- Browser Settings: Configure your browser to block or delete cookies
- Opt-out Tools: Use Google Analytics opt-out add-on for analytics cookies
Impact of Disabling Cookies:
- Essential cookies: Cannot be disabled as they are required for website functionality
- Optional cookies: Disabling may reduce website functionality but will not prevent access to research data
Manage consent
You can manage your cookie preferences at any time by selecting Manage consent displayed on the bottom right-hand side of the observatory, which provides:
- Granular control over different cookie categories
- Clear descriptions of what each cookie type does
- Easy enable/disable toggles for optional cookies
- Apply settings for future visits
Cookie consent
New Requirements (Data (Use and Access) Act 2025):
- Under the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR), we obtain your consent before setting any cookies on your device that are not strictly necessary for the operation of our website.
- Strictly necessary cookies (those essential for providing a service you have explicitly requested) do not require your consent.
- All other cookies—including analytics, performance, functional, and marketing cookies—are only set with your explicit consent, in accordance with Regulation 6 of PECR and Article 6(1)(a) of the UK GDPR.
- The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 does not change the requirement for consent under PECR for non-essential cookies.
Your Rights:
- Information: Right to know what cookies we use and why
- Control: Right to enable/disable optional cookies
- Withdrawal: Right to withdraw cookie consent at any time
- Complaint: Right to complain to the ICO about cookie practices
Updates to this policy
We may update this Cookie Policy to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. The “Last Updated” date indicates when the policy was most recently revised.
Contact us
For questions about our use of cookies:
Email: REDPO@randeurope.org
Address: RAND Europe | Eastbrook House, Shaftesbury Road, Cambridge, CB2 8BF, United Kingdom
Phone: +44 (0)1223 353 329
For cookie-related complaints: Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) at ico.org.uk or 0303 123 1113.