Research Security Funding
2025-2026 Research Security
Description of the Research Security Priority Area
The Government of Canada introduced new funding through the Research Support Fund (RSF) in Budget 2022 to further support the activities related to the indirect costs of research security and to support the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships.
The investments in research security will provide $125 million over five years, starting in 2022-23, and $25 million ongoing per year, in addition to the existing investments for the RSF and Incremental Grant Projects (IPGs).
Research security is categorized as a fifth priority area of the IPGs. These investments are aligned with the RSF’s objectives to help Canadian postsecondary institutions ensure their federally funded research projects are conducted in world-class facilities with the best equipment and administrative support available. By directing funds to specific investments and to annual or multiyear projects initiated by institutions, research security funding will help to build capacity within postsecondary institutions to identify, assess and mitigate the potential risks to research security.
Trent University is dedicated to ensuring the safeguarding and security of research data and activities. While much of the research at Trent is open and collaborative - encouraging the free exchange of ideas and advancing knowledge - it is essential to assess and mitigate potential risks to maintain this environment. This includes: - Physical security of research sites, equipment, and data - Cybersecurity - Biosafety - Protection of research personnel - Evaluation of research and commercialization partners and partnerships to ensure aligned goals and mutual understanding of ownership and outcomes As research becomes increasingly collaborative, awareness of potential threats and the implementation of effective tools, guidelines, and best practices are more important than ever.
2025-2026 Proposed Allocation of Funds
Project: Hiring of research security personnel
Amount: $26,192
Performance Objective
| Project title | Output (investment of research security funds) | Performance objective | Performance indicator | Target outcome |
| Hiring of research security personal | $20,192 invested to aid in the employment of research security personnel | The position will be tasked with creating and implementing a robust safeguarding research program, including processes for implementing the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships. | Aid in identifying and mitigating research security risks | University specific program to provide education, tools, and to mitigate risks related to research security (e.g. physical, cyber, partnerships, intellectual property, people) |
Trent University Research Security Reporting
Public Disclosure and Acknowledgement
Annual Outcome Reports