University of Calgary and University of Alberta host successful 2023 research security conference

The University of Calgary and the University of Alberta joined forces Oct. 26-27 to host the 2023 Research Security Conference, the first of its kind to be held in Alberta.

Under the banner theme Mitigating Risk in a Changing World, the conference brought together a diverse array of partners, including representatives from 54 post-secondary institutions, 12 Government of Canada departments and agencies, three provincial or territorial governments, and 26 other civil society and research organizations. The event served as a platform for collaboration and information sharing on critical issues surrounding research security.

Before the main conference, attendees from the U15 group and Canada’s smaller and mid-sized universities gathered in working groups to identify common challenges and explore opportunities for collaboration. This proactive approach set the stage for constructive discussions during the conference.

Throughout the event, sessions focused on relevant topics such as the evolving geopolitical landscape, practices to safeguard sensitive research and technologies, and the integration of research security with the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion. These discussions provided critical insights for attendees seeking to navigate the complex landscape of research security.

"We're thrilled to have hosted the 2023 Research Security Conference in partnership with the University of Alberta,” says Dr. William Ghali, vice-president (research). “The event was a powerful platform for fostering collaboration, sharing knowledge, and building a stronger and more secure research community.”

The UCalgary Research Security Division, which played a central role in organizing the conference, supports researchers with a variety of research security-related resources and services. The team is dedicated to upholding academic freedom and access to global talent, while ensuring that principles of equity, diversity and inclusion are woven into the fabric of research security efforts.

For researchers seeking assistance with grant applications, research partnerships, risk mitigation plans, or personalized travel briefings, the Research Security team stands ready to offer their expertise. They can be contacted at researchsecurity@ucalgary.ca.

For more information about ongoing research security initiatives, please visit the Research Security web page.