Topic

Research Security Requirements for Grant Applications

red checkbox Please Note

The federal government has implemented new research security requirements which take effect May 1, 2024. These new requirements impact all new funding applications to the Tri-Agencies and Canada Foundation for Innovation that involve conducting research aimed at advancing a sensitive technology research area. For more information, please see New Requirements for Federal Funding - STRAC

What do I need before I can begin?

No information is required to begin.

Please be advised that funding opportunities include relevant research security requirements. 

For information on different funding sources, see the U of T Funding Opportunities Database
For information on grant application requirements pertaining to cyber and data security, contact the Research Information Security Program team or see Information Security.

Overview

Pre-Application

The RST can assist researchers in different ways while they are in the process of preparing their grant applications, including conducting due diligence on corporate partners and external grant research team members and providing advice on completing any funding opportunity research security forms, such as the following.

When conducting due diligence reviews, the RST replicates the type of analysis granting agencies may conduct to identify potential concerns. Should concerns be identified, the RST will provide advice to the researcher on how to address them prior to submission, including assistance crafting appropriate mitigation strategies.

Researchers can contact the RST at any point during the funding application writing process for assistance with research security considerations.

Researchers are also encouraged to contact the RST early in any partnership development process or grant application process for assistance. See Minimize Risks When Establishing Partnerships for more detail.

Applicants should note internal deadlines for grant applications and allow sufficient time for the review. The RST cannot guarantee that applications submitted on short notice will be reviewed prior to submission to the granting agency.
 

Post-Application

The RST also assists researchers if the granting agency identifies any research security concerns that require information after a funding application has been submitted but prior to a funding decision being rendered. This process may include submitting an official attestation document that requires approval by designated university leadership.

Applicable Research Security Policies for Grant Applications

There are three distinct processes that may apply to funding opportunities posted by the Tri-Agencies (Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)), the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)), and the Ontario Research Fund (ORF).

In some cases, more than one process may apply to a funding opportunity. Funding opportunity literature will indicate which processes apply, if any.

For more information on each process, please see the following.

Forms & Downloads

VPRI Role

  • Provide support in conducting research security due diligence and partner vetting
  • Provide guidance and support with research risk assessments and attestation forms
  • Provide outreach and training on best practices for safeguarding your research
  • Communicate updates on research security requirements

VPRI Contact

Staff

Other Resources