In an encrypted volume hidden in a secret location on the computer, that can only be opened with a program called truecrypt, and a keyfile.
Truecrypt is the research watcher's best friend, you can even make a 'hidden' volume, so if you were dumb and named it research, and someone forces you to open it, you can type in a different password and theres no research there! Then whenever they leave, type in your research password and viola, 'tis be back!
Source: NOYB.
This is actually the most secure way to do this, as there is no possible way to prove that there is anything inappropriate on the volume without the correct volume password.
Just store everything in the hidden volume, and put a normal password on the normal volume.