Research Security

What is Research Security?

Research security (also ‘safeguarding research’) refers to the principles and actions that protect the research enterprise from misappropriation, violations of research integrity, and foreign government interference.  By practicing research security, we safeguard sensitive information, research findings and technological advancements and innovations from theft or misuse.  This prevents harm to individual research endeavors, research institutions, as well as protects Canada’s economic and national security. It also ensures that Canada will continue to inspire innovation, encourage investment in Research and Development, and maintain a culture of trust and collaboration.  

 In Canada, research security is guided by two key federal initiatives:

1.    Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC) – This requires researchers working on specified sensitive technologies to avoid certain activities with research organizations identified as posing national security risks to Canada.  

2.    National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (NSGRP) – This integrates national security considerations into research partnerships involving private-sector organizations through risk assessments and mitigation plans.  

Research Security Team

Oversight of Research Security incorporates the following principles:

• Upholding academic freedom 
• Maximizing access to academic talent across the world
• Upholding the reputation of the university

In response to federal guidelines SFU has launched an integrated unit within Research Operations to support human research ethics review and research security issues. It will work closely with Research Services, Safety and Risk Services and Information Security Services.

The Research Security team supports the research community by:

• Reviewing risk assessments and mitigation plans associated with Tri-Agency funding 
• Advising, educating and training on research security
• Assisting faculty with partnership assessments

If you wish to discuss any research security related matter, please contact us: research_security@sfu.ca