Vice-chancellors from 24 leading universities were briefed on the threat by the security services and the government on Thursday.

They were warned cutting-edge research could be targeted by states to boost their own militaries and economies.

The deputy prime minister has announced a consultation on measures to protect UK universities.

There has been no direct reference to any one state, but Parliament's intelligence and security committee warned last year that China could be gaining undue influence in British academic research.

Leaders from institutions including the University of Oxford, University of Cambridge and Imperial College London were told research in sensitive areas could be targeted by states intent on stealing intellectual property to enhance their own economic and military capabilities.

Felicity Oswald, interim chief executive of the National Cyber Security Centre, joined MI5 director general Ken McCallum at the meeting - which followed a government review of the national security threats facing higher education.