The scope for research collaboration across borders and disciplines is expanding and the movement of data and research results is accelerating.
As a top global university, UBC partners and collaborates in ways that enrich the global research ecosystem and enhance societal well-being and economic growth. Canadian and BC governments have recognized the social and economic importance of world-class university research and continue to make strategic investments to support this activity.
A core tenet of university research is the academic freedom to pursue wide-ranging research across all disciplines. Researchers need to have the freedom to operate with a minimum of barriers while being equipped to safely and freely pursue research in a global context. In a rapidly evolving global context, researchers need to be able to assess and manage risks that emerge when research topics intersect with economic, political or strategic interests.
Managing these risks often requires knowledge in areas unrelated to the research team’s expertise. The U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities and Universities Canada in collaboration with the Government of Canada-Universities Working Group have created a guide to many of the issues, including best practices.
Topics covered include:
- Assessing risk potential
- Mitigating risks
- Building a strong project team
- Knowing your non-academic partners
- Cybersecurity and data management
- Use of research findings and intellectual property