March 28, 2024 update: Please see the new Tri-Agency guidance on the STRAC Policy and CFI Research Security for up-to-date information for the research community on the implementation of research security measures by the federal granting agencies.
On January 16, 2024, the Government of Canada released a new Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC).
To be eligible to receive new research funding in a Sensitive Technologies Research Area (STRA) from any of the Tri-Agencies (Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI)), each researcher listed on a research funding application must provide an individual attestation that they do not have any affiliations with or are not in receipt of funding or in-kind support from entities on the Named Research Organizations list.
Individuals are considered affiliated to any organization at which they are employed, appointed, or conduct research. In cases where individuals hold multiple affiliations, all must be identified and considered when ensuring compliance to this policy. Funding and in-kind support includes monetary or non-monetary contributions, that include but are not limited to goods, equipment, materials and supplies, professional services, use of facilities (office space, lab access), software, technologies and databases.
Tri-Agency funding for projects on the STRA list will not be granted if a listed researcher has an affiliation with a named research organization. Implementation will begin in spring 2024 so that researchers can end current affiliations of concern before applying for a Tri-Agency grant.
Please see STRAC FAQs for additional information. More information will be posted as it becomes available.
