Safeguarding Science – Module 1: Raising Awareness of Security Risks and Mitigation Tools in the Research Ecosystem – Jan 21, 2026

Session Description

Safeguarding Science Training Modules 2026 

Safeguarding Science: Raising Awareness of Security Risks and Mitigation Tools in the Research Ecosystem | Public Safety Canada

Module 1 (English) 

This module raises awareness within Canada’s scientific and academic communities about research security-related issues. It explains the potential for misuse of sensitive research, technology, and materials, along with possible risk indicators and mitigation tools to protect Canadian research assets. As a result of the ever-changing research and national security environment, this module is updated annually to ensure the inclusion of up-to-date and relevant information.

This module is offered virtually and in-person. It is recommended as an introduction to the topic of research security. Virtual French sessions of Module 1 are offered and registration can be accessed from the French Safeguarding Science page. Additional modules offering a deeper dive into research security-related topics are also available and detailed below.

Module 1 – Learning Objectives

• Learn guidance and tools to strengthen the security posture at research institutions
• Consider the ways in which research security intersects with research activities
• Understand best practices to identify and mitigate threats to research security
• Pursue and maintain safe research partnerships
• Maintain institutional reputation as a safe research organization
• Consider dual-use implications of research
• Protect valuable research, data, or potentially patentable property

Training Modules Overview 

Alongside other forms of engagement, Public Safety Canada’s Research Security Centre has actively been raising research security awareness through Safeguarding Science training modules. The Centre has partnered with other federal departments to create these training modules and ensure expertise in content, delivery, and focus. The modules are intended to enhance the research communities understanding of research security by introducing key concepts such as dual-use technologies, vulnerabilities, exploitation practices, threat vectors, relevant laws and regulations, and other associated risks. Topics of discussion focus on, but are not limited to, best practices in maintaining security-conscious research organization, geopolitical awareness, and research security guidance and tools to help recognize and address risk to Canadian research, researchers, and institutions.

Who should attend
The Safeguarding Science training modules are intended for all – regardless of academic domain. This includes researchers, research staff (including technicians, postdoctoral fellows, and students), research security professionals, research administrators, information technology and information management staff, security personnel, biosafety and radiological safety officers, human resources personnel, supply chain personnel, and senior management.

All Modules 

• Module 1: Safeguarding Science: Raising Awareness of Security Risks and Mitigation Tools in the Research Ecosystem
• Module 2: Dual-Use Technologies: Know Your Research – Know your Partners – Assess the Risk
• Module 3: Demystifying the International Student Immigration Process
• Module 4: Know before you Export: Canada’s Export and Brokering Controls
• Module 5: Sanctions 101
• Module 6: Travelling Safely: Protecting Your Research While Travelling Abroad
• Module 7: Conducting Open-Source Due-Diligence
• Module 8: Beyond the Lab: The Strategic Relevance of Social Sciences and Humanities in Research Security

More details, including French module options, are available online.