International travel for research is often required for data acquisition, information sharing, and establishing and maintaining collaborations that enhance and accelerate the pursuit of knowledge.
The present geopolitical reality means that Canadian researchers travelling abroad may be targeted for their access to data and certain sources of information. Checking the Government of Canada's Travel advice and advisories website before planning your trip is a good starting point to identify potential risks.
The U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities and Universities Canada in collaboration with the Government of Canada-Universities Working Group have created a guide that focuses on risks created due to the intersection of geopolitical dynamics and research areas. It describes the nature of economic and geopolitically motivated threats to you or your research, provides basic steps you can take to mitigate risk and suggests actions you can take in case of incidents.
As per the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities and Universities Canada, reasons Canadian researchers may be of interest and at risk include:
- Research topics
- Access to partners
- Access to the U.S.
- Travel & travel companions
- Your personal profile
- Interpersonal connections
- Physical and cyber intrusions