Risk Assessment Requirements for NSERC Alliance Grant Applications

Dear Colleagues,

On July 12, 2021, the federal government released new National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships.  The federal government is introducing these guidelines to ensure the Canadian research ecosystem is “as open as possible and as secure as necessary”.

The Guidelines integrate national security considerations into the development, evaluation and federal funding of research partnerships.  These guidelines will apply to “federal research partnership funding starting with all applications to the Natural Science and Engineering Research Council’s (NSERC) Alliance Grants involving a private sector organization partner”.

Researchers applying to this program are required to complete a risk assessment form for projects involving private sector organization partners, and any identified risks will require an accompanying risk mitigation plan. Information about the new guidelines and guidance for UBC applicants to NSERC Alliance grants can be found at https://uilo.ubc.ca/alliance-risk-assessments.

As we learn more about these new requirements, we will continue to develop appropriate support and processes. We appreciate your patience as we collaborate to best support you in responding to these new requirements. UBC remains committed to international engagement and global research partnerships.

Please direct any questions or concerns about the new Guideline to research.innovation@ubc.ca.

Sincerely,

Gail and Phil

“* All quotes from: https://science.gc.ca/eic/site/063.nsf/eng/h_98256.html”