| September 11 | Module 1: Safeguarding Science: Raising Awareness of Security Risks and Mitigation Tools in the Research Ecosystem |
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
Date: September 11, 2026 | 1:00pm - 2:30pm (EST) Register here |
| September 21 | Module 8: Protecting Knowledge: Research Security in Social Sciences and Humanities |
This module highlights the importance of research security in the social sciences and humanities for analyzing and managing complex security challenges.It examines key threat areas, including foreign influence, harassment, and the misuse of sensitive research data. The module also illustrates how social science data, when misused, can be employed to shape public opinion, intensify surveillance, or support coercive practices that violate human rights. Through case studies and concrete examples, it helps participants deepen their understanding of the risks inherent to research in the social sciences and humanities. Learning Objectives: - Increase awareness and provide practical tools to identify and address research-related risks in social sciences
- Support informed decision-making in assessing social sciences and humanities grants through a research security lens
Date: September 21, 2026 | 1:00pm - 2:30pm (EDT) Register here |
| October 6 | Module 2: Dual-Use Technologies: Know Your Research – Know your Partners – Assess the Risk |
This module elaborates on dual-use technologies and research, with specific examples. These examples highlight the complex nature of dual-use technologies and ways to recognize their sensitivities. Whether working in STEM, social sciences, or humanities, the outcome of the module will enhance understanding of the dual-use nature of any research and provide frontline researchers and institutions with tools to perform their due diligence and appropriately evaluate risks. Learning Objectives: - Raise awareness of the risks arising from research in Sensitive Technology Research Areas and dual use technologies
- Illustrate, through examples, the dual use nature of specific research areas across multiple domains
- Create awareness, challenge, and enable participants to better recognize how their work may be sensitive or dual use
- Highlight the importance of due diligence and a researcher's responsibility to safeguard the intangible information critical to successful research
- Balance and reinforce the importance of collaboration in open science
Date: October 6, 2026 | 1:00pm - 2:30pm (EDT)) Register here |
| October 22 | Module 7: Conducting Open-Source Due-Diligence |
This module provides an overview of open-source due-diligence techniques for researchers to use when evaluating the risks related to potential partners. The outcome of this module will enhance researchers' ability to gather, analyze, and interpret, relevant information using open-source methods to ensure research security and integrity. Learning Objectives: - Find relevant information using open-source methods
- Frame open-source information to analyze and make security-conscious decisions
- Protect researchers during all stages of research
Date: October 22, 2026 | 1:00pm - 2:30pm (EST) Register here |
| November 5 | Module 6: Travelling Safely: Protecting Your Research While Travelling Abroad |
This module provides a global overview of the threat environment when travelling. It provides a summary of techniques used by foreign governments to gain advantage over and acquisition of research, and provides best practices to follow before, during, and after travel. Learning Objectives: - Raise awareness of travel risks
- Enable researchers to make risk-informed decisions to protect themselves and their research
Date: November 5, 2026 | 1:00pm - 2:30pm (EDT) Register here |
| TBD| Module 3: Demystifying International Student Immigration | Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada |
This module provides insight on the immigration process for international students and explains how prospective applicants are security screened for admissibility. The module provides an overview of the immigration forms, supporting documents and requirements necessary to obtain a study permit. The roles and responsibilities of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and its security screening partners are detailed. Case studies are included within the presentation to help demonstrate the process. Learning Objectives: - Learn about the Canadian process of obtaining a study permit for international students
- Review recent case studies
Date: TBD |
| TBD | Module 4: Know Before You Export |
Canada's Export and Brokering Controls | Global Affairs Canada Increases knowledge about Canada's export controls regime, including what is controlled and why. Explains how research institutions may be subject to export controls, demonstrates how to apply for an export permit, and provides resources and contacts. Learning Objectives: - Increase knowledge about Canada's export controls regime
- Understand how research institutions and academia may be subject to export controls
Date: TBD (Last offered January 19, 2026 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm (EST)) |
| TBD | Module 5: Sanctions 101 |
Global Affairs Canada Overview of Canada's current sanctions measures, best practices for conducting due diligence to verify sanctions compliance, and information on permit applications. Details how sanctions affect Canadian educational institutions, research collaborations, funding opportunities, and engagement with international partners in sanctioned countries. Learning Objectives: - Gain awareness of Canadian sanctions, exceptions, and permits
- Learn about compliance and enforcement
Date: TBD (Last Offered: February 5, 2026 | 1:00pm - 2:00pm (EST)) |
