National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships: Best Practices to Complete the Risk Assessment Form – Mar. 1, 2022

In July 2021, the Government of Canada released the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (the Guidelines) to safeguard Canada’s research and intellectual property against foreign interference, espionage and theft. The purpose of the Guidelines is to integrate national security considerations into the development, evaluation, and funding of research partnerships. 

In their initial implementation phase, they apply to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) Alliance Grants program for applications with a private sector partner. Applicants are now required to complete a Risk Assessment Form, including a mitigation plan where appropriate, as an integral part of the grant application. 

Beyond the Alliance program, all researchers and institutions are encouraged to exercise due diligence when managing their research and their partnerships, which includes good data management and security practices. Resources and tools to help you identify and mitigate risks, including the Guidelines, are provided on the Safeguarding Your Research portal.

This presentation by representatives from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED) and NSERC aims to present the Guidelines and, more specifically, to provide guidance and best practices to complete the Risk Assessment Form. Following the presentation, the presenters will answer any questions from participants.