What is Research Security?
Research security is identifying possible risks to scholarly research practices through unwanted access, interference or theft and the measures that can be taken to minimize these risks and protect research inputs, processes and products.
How does the VPRI support research security?
The Division of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation has a dedicated Research Security Team (RST) who provide advice and support to researchers, academic administrators, staff, and trainees on funding applications, sponsor requirements, and institutional decision-making by assessing risks through the lens of research security, informed by national security, and geopolitical security evidence.
What do I need before I can begin?
If you are looking for assistance with research security processes for funding applications, please see the Research Security Self-Assessment tool to find out which processes may apply to your application.
- Research Security Self-Assessment Tool
- Ontario - Mitigating Economic and/or Geopolitical Risks in Sensitive Research Projects (MEGR) Economic and/or Geopolitical Risks in Sensitive Research Projects (MEGR)
- Federal Policy on Sensitive Technology Research & Affiliations of Concern (STRAC)
- National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (NSGRP) - Federal Programs
- International Research Security Standards
To safeguard Canadian research, the Government of Canada has developed requirements and guidelines to address research security concerns. Some provinces, including Ontario, and international jurisdictions, are undertaking similar measures. As part of the Government’s approach, Canadian universities are playing an active role in ensuring the integrity of Canada’s world-class research environment.
The University recognizes that research security is an evolving area. VPRI is committed to supporting our research community in this changing landscape to enable research activities that balance security awareness with open academic collaboration.
If you have questions about cyber security or how to manage and protect data sets, please contact the Research Information Security Program team or see Information Security at U of T.
If you have questions about export control or sanctions, please see the Export Control & Controlled Goods Program.
- Provide support in conducting research security due diligence and partner vetting
- Provide guidance and support with research risk assessments and attestation forms
- Provide advice on international research / service agreements
- Provide advice on industry/sponsored research agreements
- In collaboration with other central offices, provide advice for international visiting faculty, PhDs, and post-doctoral fellows
- Provide outreach and training on best practices for safeguarding research
- Communicate updates on research security requirements
Staff
Safeguarding Your Research >(Government of Canada)
Guidelines and Tools to Implement Research Security >(Government of Canada)
Protect Your Research - Ontario >(Government of Canada)
G7 Best Practices for Secure and Open Research >(Government of Canada)
Research Security Training Courses >(Government of Canada)
A Shared Commitment by Universities to Protect Ontario's Research >(Council of Ontario Universities)
