University researchers must protect their work from being targeted by hostile entities (including state actors and state-owned entities) who intend to steal Canadian innovation and technology.
The new Research Security Directorate is here to help you safeguard your work and comply with the government-issued .
What are the latest updates from the federal government regarding research security requirements?
On January 16, 2024, the Government of Canada released its .
The policy states that research funding applications submitted to the federal granting councils (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) involving a * will be denied if:
- Any of the researchers involved in the grant-supported activities are affiliated with, or in receipt of funding or in-kind support from, a or any other entity connected to military, national defence or state security entities that could pose a risk to Canada鈥檚 national security.
*Research that will merely use an existing technology is not within the scope of this policy.
What resources or support does 91精品黑料吃瓜 offer on security requirements?
Our 91精品黑料吃瓜 Research Security webpage is a good place to start 鈥 it outlines the importance of research security and collates key resources for researchers. They include bilingual online Government of Canada training, risk assessment forms for federal or provincial funding applications, research security news and relevant 91精品黑料吃瓜 policies (e.g., on international travel).
We鈥檙e creating complementary tools, such as quick reference guides on completing a risk assessment form and navigating export controls.
We鈥檒l also be offering recorded training sessions for research advisers and other 91精品黑料吃瓜 support staff, which will be available on our webpage. Additionally, we鈥檙e planning a research security briefing series involving visits to individual faculties to offer discipline-specific support and engagement.
As well, we鈥檝e developed a strategic plan to inform research security at 91精品黑料吃瓜 and promote a secure research environment.
How do I conduct an early-stage assessment of risks when considering research partnerships?
Consider the sensitivity of your research, including whether it involves critical minerals or infrastructure, or could have dual-use (civilian and military) applications. Any of these could increase your risk of being targeted and your research misused. Consult the on a regular basis.
Understand your partners鈥 motivation in participating in the research. Check their governance and ownership structures, search for current intellectual property (IP) or research outputs and look for news or government sanctions involving them. See this guide on and consult the list of .
Keep in mind that these lists are subject to future updates. Institutions that are not on the list may still pose a risk.
What should I consider when assessing the risks associated with potential research partners, particularly those with state ownership or influence?
Any foreign ownership, staff affiliations or military links can indicate the risk of foreign influence, unwilling knowledge transfer or IP theft. The Research Security Directorate can help with advice and review risk mitigation plans.
If I have security concerns about a current collaboration, what measures can I take to comply with federal guidelines without compromising the research project?
Report research security concerns related to foreign interference, spying or unwillingly knowledge transfer to the Research Security Directorate.
The RSD can help vet research partners, interpret government research security guidelines and review risk mitigation plans, which could inform your decision whether to continue a research collaboration.
Report IT security incidents to 91精品黑料吃瓜鈥檚 IT team (through ) and privacy breaches to 91精品黑料吃瓜鈥檚 .
Report incidents related to campus health and safety, well-being or harassment to the appropriate contact using this campus safety quick reference.
I鈥檓 new to export controls. How I can comply with 91精品黑料吃瓜 and government guidelines, especially in areas related to sensitive or dual-use technologies?
Export controls are laws and regulations that govern the transfer of goods, technology or funds across countries. These can be used for purposes counter to the interest of the exporting country and are controlled to protect national security and prosperity.
Make sure you know whether your research is related to goods or technology on the . The list covers dual-use, military and strategic items. For more, see this .
Consider seeking advice from 91精品黑料吃瓜鈥檚 Innovation Support Services. Depending on the situation鈥檚 complexity, you can also email the University鈥檚 legal team.
Given the importance of global collaboration, how does the University strike a balance between academic freedom and safeguarding against security risks from foreign entities?
Our ability to retain and commercialize data, IP and innovation depends on identifying and minimizing risk, while maintaining openness and collaboration.
Attracting research talent and safeguarding our research interests aren鈥檛 mutually exclusive. The prosperity of Canada鈥檚 research and innovation ecosystem relies on that balance.
We are committed to supporting our 91精品黑料吃瓜 research community pursue their work in compliance with the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships.
How can I stay informed about national security risks and changes in guidelines that affect my research?
We鈥檒l continue to post news, government policy changes and support tools for researchers on our website. As we develop more support resources, we鈥檒l publicize them via university newsletters and briefing events.