The University of Guelph has hired a research security specialist in response to a recent announcement from the federal government about new measures to protect Canadian research.
Earlier this month, the federal government announced a ban on federal funding for sensitive research being conducted with more than 100 Russian, Iranian and Chinese institutions it deems a risk to national security. New guidelines were also released for sensitive research fields like artificial intelligence, weapons, robotics and surveillance.
In an emailed statement, U of G spokesperson Deirdre Healey said the university does not have any research agreements with the listed institutions, and has been “proactively preparing” for the release of the new guidelines.
“As part of this, we have been communicating with our researchers and other stakeholders about the anticipated changes since we were first made aware of them in the spring of last year,” she said. “Most recently, we provided information and resources to our researchers to support in navigating the new guidelines.”
A research security specialist has been hired “to support researchers in making security assessments of their research partnerships as well as developing and managing associated processes and procedures.”
The specialist’s job, she said, is to develop and promote research security processes and practices by advising the university community on potential current and emerging security risks associated with research in sensitive areas or research partnerships.
In addition, the specialist will help researchers in developing project-specific risk assessments and mitigation plans using a web-based tool to help identify high risk affiliations that potential research partners have.
