What is Safeguarding Research
Research security efforts seek to safeguard research from being inappropriately accessed and used to advance the strategic, military, intelligence or surveillance capabilities of a threat actor. Work in sensitive areas is particularly vulnerable to this threat.
Research Security refers to the ability to identify possible risks to your work through unwanted access, interference, or theft and the measures that minimize these risks and protect the inputs, processes, and products that are part of scientific research and discovery. (ISED: Why safeguard your research? (science.gc.ca)
Why is Safeguarding Research Important
Your international partnerships are critical to your work. Research security practices help you safeguard your work and make informed decisions about the partnerships you pursue.
Conducting routine due diligence regarding your potential partners will help you build safe, mutually-beneficial and transparent partnerships.
Risks can be mitigated by applying routine due diligence practices. Safeguard your work by:
- Knowing your industry partners and team members
- Strengthening cybersecurity measures in place
- Employing effective data management processes
Safeguarding Research at York University
Safeguarding practices at York aim to equip staff and faculty with information and tools to make informed decisions about global partnerships so that they can pursue healthy, transparent and mutually-beneficial relationships. We will provide you with information, training and resources to help you safeguard your work.
How Can We Support Your Work
Safeguarding Your Work Abroad
We work alongside York International, UIT and Risk Management to help protect your research in your travels.
If you are travelling with access to sensitive information, you may wish to employ additional measures to safeguard your research.
In the News & Updates
January 17, 2023
October 26, 2023
Announcing York U’s new associate director research security
Resources
Federal
Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern
National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships
Ministers’ statement on Protecting Canada’s Research
Research Security Training Courses
A Guide to Canada’s Export Control List
Risk Mitigation
Conducting Open Source Due Diligence for Safeguarding Research Partnerships
Mitigating economic and/or geopolitical risks in sensitive research projects