Safeguarding Your Research

As part of a world-class research university, University of Alberta researchers regularly collaborate in international partnerships, developing innovative solutions to shared global challenges and fundamental research questions. The U of A is committed to safe and responsible research, commercialization and technology transfer collaborations.

New in 2024

  • October 7, 2024, The Safeguarding Research Office has developed a new tool to help researchers quickly identify the research security requirements that apply to specific funding opportunities as well as information on next steps. Note: this PDF must be downloaded to be able to use the links throughout.
  • September 4, 2024, New research security training requirements that will support the U of A research community in safeguarding their research are being introduced - please click here for more information.
  • July 15, 2024, on July 12, 2024, the National Research Council of Canada (NRC) released a statement on research security, available here.
  • May 1, 2024, as of May 1, 2024 there are new Tri-Agency and Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) research security requirements in place that could impact your research funding application. Talk to someone on our team at safegrd@ualberta.ca to find out what these requirements could mean for you.
  • April 22-23, 2024, Alberta Post-Secondary Institutions Research Security Workshop. Read the workshop summary here.
  • March 28, 2024, new guidance on implementing the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern and FAQs were released, along with the related attestation form. U of A researchers can reach out to the Safeguarding Research Office at any time for advice and support on implementing this new policy which enters into effect in May 2024.
  • January 16, 2024, the federal government announced the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC). 

Now Available — Resources for Researchers

U of A employees can now view the new Safeguarding Research Office website to access additional information, guidance and resources.

Employees must sign in to their browser with their ualberta.ca email account to view this resource.

What is research security?

Research security refers to the efforts to safeguard research and researchers against activities which threaten intellectual property, national security, critical infrastructure and the integrity of the research ecosystem. These activities can include foreign interference, espionage, and unwanted knowledge transfer or theft.

Why is safeguarding research important?

Researchers must protect their research investments against threat actors seeking to acquire and exploit knowledge and data for their own advantage. Safeguarding your research means you retain control over when, where and how your research is shared, published and applied, while also contributing to Canada’s national security.

How you can safeguard your research

Research security is a shared responsibility, and your actions increase our collective resilience. The Safeguarding Research Office has the resources and information to help ensure your research is protected.

The Government of Canada is introducing new guidelines for researchers under the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern. Resources on how you can implement the policy will be coming soon from the Safeguarding Research Office.

RESOURCES

Government of Canada

U15

U of A Information Services + Technology (IST)