Safeguarding your research

The Public Health Agency of Canada, Centre for Biosecurity, Public Safety Canada, and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission recognize the tremendous value of research in science, technology and engineering. Nonetheless, there may be risks involved with research and innovation, including theft and misuse of knowledge by individuals or foreign entities and directed to alternate purposes. It is important to be aware of potential risks and to take necessary precautions to ensure activities are secure.

The Government of Canada collaborates with academic institutions to provide guidance on how to safeguard research, protecting research data and intellectual property from theft and misuse.

The “Safeguarding Your Research” portal will help researchers self-evaluate and take actions to mitigate the risks of theft or misuse of knowledge and results associated with research, partnerships and international travel. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of such tools; there have been repeated efforts to gain illegal access to Canadian research e.g. on a COVID-19 vaccine.