A recent report has revealed that Canadian ocean research is susceptible to foreign espionage, theft, or misuse, largely due to a lack of recognition of its importance by adversaries. The report was commissioned by the federal government and published by the Council of Canadian Academies.
The document highlights that the risks associated with ocean studies have not been prioritized in policies as much as other scientific fields, such as research on dangerous pathogens. It notes the absence of comprehensive measures for identifying sensitive ocean research and assessing when it poses a security concern.
According to the report, titled “Balancing Research Security and Open Science,” commissioned by Defence Research and Development Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada, there is a growing need to address the vulnerabilities in this area of study. Martha Crago, a professor at McGill University and chair of the council”s expert panel, remarked on the evolving nature of espionage, stating that “spies who once wore trench coats are now wearing lab coats.”
The report raises critical issues about how to identify and protect research that may be weaponized or holds strategic value for public health and safety. The federal government has expressed concerns over foreign adversaries seeking to acquire sensitive Canadian research and intellectual property through collaborations with local academics.
To mitigate these risks, the Canadian government has implemented national security guidelines for research partnerships and has restricted funding for sensitive scientific research linked to institutions in countries such as China, Iran, and Russia. Key research areas deemed strategically important include artificial intelligence, quantum science, and aerospace systems.
The council”s report points out the “limited state oversight” of sensitive research not funded by government sources. It emphasizes that the private sector plays a crucial role in Canada”s research landscape, and their involvement in both open science and research security measures is essential for responsible sharing of research findings.
As the research ecosystem becomes increasingly global and decentralized, governments and institutions may struggle to maintain control over how research, particularly sensitive studies, is conducted and shared. The report advocates for better integration of government policies to balance the need for open research with necessary security measures.
Furthermore, the authors of the report stress that there is no one-size-fits-all strategy for identifying or protecting sensitive research. Collaborative efforts to harmonize approaches to research security and open science are crucial for reducing burdens on researchers and minimizing confusion when working across different jurisdictions.
The panel focused on ocean research and pathogen research to illustrate how different fields face varying levels of regulatory scrutiny. While pathogen research is subject to strict protocols due to its potential risks to human health, ocean research encompasses a broader range of studies with varying sensitivities.
Ocean researchers must navigate several potential risk factors, including international collaborations, Arctic research, and the handling of data that may include personal information. The report warns that unrestricted access to extensive data, such as fish tracking information, could lead to overfishing by companies with access to this information.
The report concludes that unlike the stringent oversight in pathogen research, ocean scientists currently lack adequate guidance on evaluating the sensitivity of their research and implementing necessary safeguards. This gap could expose ocean research to significant risks, similar to those faced by other scientific fields.
As the landscape of scientific research continues to evolve, it is imperative for researchers across various fields, including the social sciences and humanities, to be aware of the potential security risks related to their work.
