The Research Support Fund assists Canadian postsecondary institutions with the costs associated with managing their research enterprise, helping them to maintain a world-class research environment. Grants are intended to make Canada a world leader in research and development:
- maintain modern labs and equipment;
- provide access to up-to-date knowledge resources;
- provide research management and administrative support;
- meet regulatory and ethical standards; or
- transfer knowledge from academia to the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors.
Definition of Indirect Costs
There are a number of centralized institutional activities and services that support the research mandate of the University. These vary in scope and size but are critical to our success.
Institutional activities and support services include the following areas:
- Library: operations and information acquisitions and resources
- Computing and Communications: computing infrastructure including central services, telecommunications, and data services
- Physical Plant: utilities, housekeeping, maintenance, grounds, and planning services (excluding ancillary operations)
- Research Administration: Research Services Office including central animal services, grants and contracts administration and legislated requirements for reporting on grants and activities, communications, and business development
- Central Support Services: a wide range of services ranging from payroll, accounting including research accounting, audit, environmental and occupational health, security services and purchasing to institutional costs such as legal and insurance costs
Each of these activities is vital to the overall effectiveness of the institution. Coordinating and delivering these services is a complex task and there are significant efficiencies to be obtained by managing them centrally.
Overview how University of Guelph Allocates the Research Support Funds grant
In general, the allocation of the RSF grant to specific units that support research activity at the University is calculated as:
| RSF Allocation | = | (Total Unit Costs * Percentage of Research * Percentage of Federal * RSF Grant ) |
| RSF Eligible Costs |
Units incurring indirect costs of research are identified within the broad categories outlined as eligible by the RSF program. The specific units, by category, are as follows:
- Research Facilities (Utilities, Physical Resources, Waste and Chemical Resources, Advanced Analysis Centre)
- Research Resources (Library Operations, Library Information Resources, Central Computing Systems)
- Management and Administration of the Institution’s Research Enterprise (Office of Research, Research Financial Services, Administrative Offices, Insurance, Research Administration Information Management System)
- Regulatory Requirements and Accreditation (VP Research-General Risk, Animal Care Services, Environmental Health & Safety)
- Intellectual Property and Knowledge Mobilization (Research Innovation Office)
It is then determined what portion of the unit costs are used to support research activities, using various assumptions depending on the specific unit.
The total research costs determined above are prorated to reflect the portion of research that is federally funded using a three-year average of total funding received from NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR and Networks of Centres of Excellences, as reported to the University in the RSF credit data, divided over total received from external sponsors (excluding RSF & CFI). This represents total costs eligible for RSF funding.
The actual amount of the RSF grant that the University receives does not cover the total amount of eligible costs, so the grant is attributed on a pro rata basis to the eligible costs of each of the units.
Use of Funds
![University of Guelph - Use of RSF and IPG Funds: 2024-25 - RSF Portion: $5.8M [Not included in pie chart: IPG Amount $746,885, Research Security Amount: $347,980]. Management and Administration - $1,426,439, 25%. Intellectual Property and Knowledge Mobilization - $140,478, 2%. Research Resources $2,286,832, 39%. Research Facilities - $1,795,605, 31%. Regulatory Requirements and Accreditation - $182,095, 3%.](https://www-research.uoguelph.ca/research/system/files/use-of-funds-2025-26.png)
![University of Guelph - Use of RSF and IPG Funds: 2024-25 - RSF Portion: $5.8M [Not included in pie chart: IPG Amount $746,885, Research Security Amount: $347,980]. Management and Administration - $1,426,439, 25%. Intellectual Property and Knowledge Mobilization - $140,478, 2%. Research Resources $2,286,832, 39%. Research Facilities - $1,795,605, 31%. Regulatory Requirements and Accreditation - $182,095, 3%.](https://www.uoguelph.ca/research/system/files/use_of_funds-2024-25.jpg)
RSF Institutional Performance Objectives and Indicators
| Eligible Expenditure Category | Output | Institutional Performance Objective(s) | Performance Indicator(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Facilities | Invest a portion of Research Support Fund grant in operations, upgrades, and maintenance of the University’s Advanced Analysis Centre (AAC). | To increase the use of centralized research scientific equipment through the AAC by offering cost- effective and efficient testing and experimental support services to researchers across campus. |
Continuous improvement in both volume of services processed, relevance of services provided and response times for research services across all AAC research service facilities. Increase usage by researchers across campus (students, staff, faculty). Continued investment in new infrastructure. |
| Research Resources | Invest portion of Research Support Fund grant to support new research data management (RDM) process (staff and IT resources). |
To increase the volume of collection and improve the access to research data through a centralized research management data information system. Increase the number of Data Management Plans (DMP) created by researchers. Increase the use of the Canada-wide tool DMP Assistant to create plans. |
Increase in total number of data sets and associated code books captured in the RDM system each fiscal year. Increase number of registered researchers and associated data management plans in the DMP Assistant system each fiscal year. |
| Management and Administration of the Institution’s Research Enterprise | Invest portion of Research Support Fund grant to support e-system development for the integrated administration of animal ethics, human ethics, biosafety and grants and contracts. | Identify system requirements and complete Request for Proposal (RFP), procurement, and implementation processes. | Continued automation and process improvement of research administrative processes for staff and reporting to stakeholders. |
| Regulatory requirement and Accreditation | Invest portion of Research Support Fund grant towards salary support of personnel within Animal Care Services for Post Approval monitoring. | Continued implementation of the Post-Approval Review (PAR) program in support of PIs and their research teams when conducting research involving animals. | Continue to implement the full PAR program focusing on direct support to researchers and their team by involving PAR in the review of all AUP annual renewals, developing refinement in animal user, and offering PAR services with species and procedure expertise that will also add to PAR’s goal of encouraging and modelling best practices in animal-based research. |
| Intellectual Property and Knowledge Mobilization | Invest portion of Research Support Fund grant to support faculty disclosures including communication, training, and support services to faculty. | To be one of Canada’s most inventive universities. | Number of inventions per research dollar in comparison to other institutions in Canada. |
RSF Progress Reports
| Eligible Expenditure Category | Target Outcomes for 2024/25 | Reported Outcomes 2024/25 | Target Outcomes 2025/26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Facilities |
The AAC (Advanced Analysis Centre) expects to realize a 5% annual increase in total user fee income. Increase awareness and usage of core research facilities through our affiliation with the Office of Research, our updated website, and various campus events to promote the list of services provided. New modern equipment acquired from CFI will be installed in the following 3 facilities: Mass Spectrometry, Molecular and Cellular Imaging, and Genomics. |
The AAC successfully installed new modern equipment in the Mass Spectrometry Facility and Advanced Light Microscopy, enhancing research capabilities. The Genomics Facility is undergoing extensive renovations to accommodate new instrumentation, which will further improve its services. The AAC organized a highly successful multi-day workshop in the Genomics Facility, showcasing cutting-edge equipment and attracting significant interest from researchers. The AAC continues to be widely used by faculty and their trainees, with over 150 faculty members utilizing one or more of the five labs. |
The AAC aims to continue increasing total user fee income by 5% annually. Further increase the awareness and usage of core research facilities through enhanced outreach and promotional activities. Continue investment in new infrastructure and equipment to support cutting-edge research and the continued training of the next generation of HQPs. |
| Research Resources |
Data deposits:
Usage statistics:
Research data management / planning:
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Data deposits:
Usage statistics:
Data management planning:
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Data deposits:
Usage statistics:
Research data management / planning:
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| Management and Administration of the Institution’s Research Enterprise | Complete Request for Proposal (RFP) process for an animal care research administration solution as the second module in a fully integrated research administration system. |
Completed recruitment processes to hire three new staff members to support implementation of the human ethics solution (i.e., project manager, change manager and processes/systems manager); worked to configure the solution to implement revised workflow processes; developed forms for human ethics administration within the system, initiation and consultation with research community to ensure robustness and accuracy of forms, etc. System implementation live in summer 2024. |
Finalize the implementation of the human ethics research administration solution, ensuring full integration and user training by the end of Q2 2025/26. Resume the RFP process for the animal care research administration solution, with a focus on securing necessary resources and stakeholder engagement. Enhance overall research administration efficiency through continuous improvement initiatives and stakeholder feedback. |
| Regulatory Requirement and Accreditation | Continue the Post-Approval Review (PAR) program as the quality assurance for conducting and progressing research projects involving live animals. Emphasis is placed on providing support and services to the investigators and research team members in all aspects of their live animal use. |
The appointed ACS Post-Approval Veterinarian (since April 2024), now working directly in PAR Team with the PAR Coordinator, has substantially strengthened the post-approval support and services to investigators and their research teams in the conduct of approved studies, especially in health and welfare related matters. This was recognized at the CCAC Assessment Visit with follow-up reports. CCAC stressed the PAR program as integral to identifying and mitigating risks to animal health and welfare, including that verification of facility standards are met. |
With the PAR Team strengthened, the program continues as the quality assurance mechanism for conducting and progressing research projects involving live animals. The emphasis remains on providing support and services to investigators and their research team members in all aspects of live animal use. |
| Intellectual Property and Knowledge Mobilization | Number of inventions per research dollar in comparison to other institutions in Canada. | U of G reported 126 inventions, and a 3-year average of 139. The 3-year average results in approximately 1 invention per $1.3M of research, which places UG among the top universities in the country according to that metric. |
Increase the number of faculty disclosures and patent applications by 10%. Strengthen partnerships with industry to facilitate commercialization of research outcomes. Promote knowledge mobilization activities to ensure research findings are effectively disseminated to relevant stakeholders. |
| Eligible Expenditure Category | Target Outcomes for 2023/24 | Reported Outcomes 2023/24 | Target Outcomes 2024/25 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Facilities |
The AAC (Advanced Analysis Centre) expects to realize a 5% annual increase in total user fee income. Increase awareness and thus usage of core (centralized) research facilities is expected through our affiliation with the Office of Research, our updated website and various campus events to promote the list of services provided. |
While internal user fee income decreased by 11% in 2023-24, external user fee income was up 57% from the previous fiscal year. New equipment acquisitions were secured for modern equipment to be installed in the Mass Spectrometry Facility, Advanced Light Microscopy and the Genomics Facility. The AAC keeps research initiatives at the forefront and raises awareness in its operations through the organization of regular seminars. For instance, the Molecular and Cellular Imaging Facility organized demonstration events with 4 different vendors in 2023-24. These events engaged faculty and graduate students in new technologies and exhibited how these new approaches could advance their research. The AAC is widely used by faculty and their trainees: Over 150 faculty used one or more of the five labs. |
The AAC (Advanced Analysis Centre) expects to realize a 5% annual increase in total user fee income. Increase awareness and thus usage of core (centralized) research facilities is expected through our affiliation with the Office of Research, our updated website and various campus events to promote the list of services provided. |
| Research Resources |
Data deposits:
Usage statistics:
Research data management / planning:
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Data deposits:
Usage statistics:
Data management planning:
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Data deposits:
Usage statistics:
Research data management / planning:
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| Management and Administration of the Institution’s Research Enterprise |
Complete Request for Proposal (RFP) process for an animal care research administration solution as the second module in a fully integrated research administration system. Implement human ethics research administration solution in a production environment by the end of Q4 2023/24. |
Completed recruitment processes to hire three new staff members to support implementation of the human ethics solution (i.e., project manager, change manager and processes/systems manager); worked to configure the solution to implement revised workflow processes; developed forms for human ethics administration within the system, initiation and consultation with research community to ensure robustness and accuracy of forms, etc. System go-live planned for summer 2024. |
Complete Request for Proposal (RFP) process for an animal care research administration solution as the second module in a fully integrated research administration system. Implement human ethics research administration solution in a production environment in summer 2024, including migration of legacy protocols. |
| Regulatory Requirement and Accreditation | Continue the Post-Approval Review (PAR) program focusing on direct support to PIs and their research teams by focusing on the collaborative work between researchers, veterinarians, animal care staff, animal facility management, dedicated PAR staff, and the Animal Care Committee. | The PAR program was strengthened by the appointment of a new ACS veterinarian (continuing full-time, April 2024) with focus on post-approval support and services to investigators and their research teams in the conduct of approved studies, especially in health and welfare related matters. | Continue the Post-Approval Review (PAR) program as the quality assurance for conducting and progressing research projects involving live animals. Emphasis is placed on providing support and services to the investigators and research team members in all aspects of their live animal use. |
| Intellectual Property and Knowledge Mobilization | Number of inventions per research dollar in comparison to other institutions in Canada. | U of G reported 126 inventions, and a 3-year average of 139. The 3-year average results in approximately 1 invention per $1.3M of research, which places UG among the top universities in the country according to that metric. | Number of inventions per research dollar in comparison to other institutions in Canada. |
| Eligible Expenditure Category | Target Outcomes for 2022/23 | Reported Outcomes 2022/23 | Target Outcomes 2023/24 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Research Facilities |
The AAC expects to realize a 5% annual increase in total user fee income. Increase awareness and thus usage of core (centralized) research facilities. |
Internal user fee income met and exceeded the target user fee income predicted for 2022-23. Usage remained strong in both the Genomics and Imaging Facilities. Increased services in the Mass Spectrometry Facility also contributed to the doubling of the annual increase predicted. The total number of faculty members using the AAC increased only modestly from 2021-22. Faculty usage of AAC facilities is consistent and they are utilizing more services than in the previous year. User fee income from external sources increased by 18.5% from 2021-22. This source of income is unpredictable as it depends on global factors beyond our control. |
Realize a 5% annual increase in total user fee income. Increase awareness and thus usage of core (centralized) research facilities is expected through our affiliation with the Office of Research, our updated website and various campus events to promote the list of services provided. |
| Research Resources |
Data deposits:
Usage statistics:
Research data management / planning:
|
Data deposits:
Usage statistics:
Data management planning:
|
Data deposits:
Usage statistics:
Research data management / planning:
|
| Management and Administration of the Institution’s Research Enterprise |
Complete Request for Proposal (RFP) process for a human ethics research administration solution as a first module in a fully integrated research administration system. Implement human ethics research administration solution in a production environment by the end of Q4 2022/23. |
The RFP process for a human ethics research administration solution was completed; the procurement process took place to select the most suitable vendor; and the contract was signed. |
Complete Request for Proposal (RFP) process for an animal care research administration solution as the second module in a fully integrated research administration system. Implement human ethics research administration solution in a production environment by the end of Q4 2023/24. |
| Regulatory Requirement and Accreditation | Continue the Post-Approval Review (PAR) program focusing on direct support to PIs and their research teams by focusing on the collaborative work between researchers, veterinarians, animal care staff, animal facility management, dedicated PAR staff, and the Animal Care Committee. |
The PAR program was re-instated in its full capacity after lifted COVID-19 restrictions. Regular PAR visits have been conducted in animal facilities at Guelph Campus, at the agricultural and aquatic research stations, and on the regional campuses Ridgetown and New Liskeard. The PAR visits were ‘Proactive’ - scheduled meetings with investigators, and research team members, and ‘Reactive’ - on-site visits occurring following animal incidents, regulatory requirements, or decisions from the Animal Care Committee. The PAR program also introduced monthly written reports to the Animal Care Committee for visits with the PAR Coordinator. |
Continue regular PAR will continue as the quality assurance for conducting and progressing research projects involving live animals. |
| Intellectual Property and Knowledge Mobilization | Number of inventions per research dollar in comparison to other institutions in Canada. | U of G reported 215 inventions, and a 3-year average of 159. The 3-year average results in approximately 1 invention per $1.1M of research, which places UG among the top universities in the country according to that metric. | Number of inventions per research dollar in comparison to other institutions in Canada. |
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RSF Progress Report 2021-22
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RSF Progress Report 2020-21
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RSF Progress Report 2019-20
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RSF Progress Report 2018-19
Institutional Project Grant (IPG)
Stream 1: Advanced Analysis Centre
The Advanced Analysis Centre (AAC) at the University of Guelph is a premier research facility located in the Summerlee Science Complex. It houses over $37 million in research equipment and offers state-of-the-art facilities such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Mass Spectrometry (MS), Electron Microscopy (EM), Advanced Light Microscopy (ALM), Genomics, and a plant growth facility (Phytotron). The AAC's mission is to provide researchers with access to modern research services, analyses, instruments, technology, technical expertise, and training that are typically too expensive or specialized for individual researchers.
The AAC fosters scientific collaborations and advances research capabilities by offering cost-effective and efficient testing and experimental support services. It supports the education and training of highly qualified personnel (HQPs) through workshops, webinars, and hands-on training sessions. The AAC generates data for approximately 150 primary publications annually, illustrating its significant impact on research. Recent acquisitions, such as a helium recovery unit and a Biomek liquid handling robot, have enhanced resource efficiency and operational capabilities.
The IPG supports the AAC in the following priority area: Facilities renewal, including deferred maintenance.
Stream 2: EthOS Human Ethics System
The Ethics Online System (EthOS) at the University of Guelph streamlines the submission, review, and approval of human participant research protocols. EthOS enhances the efficiency and compliance of research operations, providing a seamless platform for managing research ethics applications. It supports the university's research community by offering extensive training and support for researchers through workshops, webinars, and hands-on training sessions.
EthOS continues to deliver many benefits across the research enterprise, including improved user experience, reduced administrative burden, and enhanced compliance with regulatory and funding organizations. The system's functionality includes automated workflows, real-time status information, and an integrated administration platform, replacing outdated forms and email submission processes.
Continued IPG funding is essential for sustaining licensing and human resource costs, which are critical for optimizing the system's efficiency and effectiveness. EthOS aims to increase the number of processed applications and enhance outreach and promotional activities to further increase awareness and usage of the system.
The IPG supports EthOS in the following priority area: Information resources, including digital resources, open access, and databases.
IPG Performance Objectives and Indicators
| IPG Priority Area | Output | Institutional Performance Objective(s) | Performance Indicator(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facilities Renewal | Invest a portion of Research Support Fund grant in operations, upgrades, and maintenance of the University’s Advanced Analysis Centre (AAC). | To increase the use of centralized research scientific equipment through the AAC by offering cost-effective and efficient testing and experimental support services to researchers across campus. |
Continuous improvement in both volume of services processed, relevance of services provided, and response times for research services across all AAC research service facilities. Increase usage by researchers across campus (students, staff, faculty). Continued investment in new infrastructure. |
| Information Resources | Invest a portion of Research Support Fund grant in sustaining and enhancing the EthOS Human Ethics System. | To optimize the efficiency and compliance of research ethics applications through EthOS by providing a seamless and efficient platform for managing research ethics applications. |
Increase in the number of processed applications. Enhanced user satisfaction and reduced administrative burden. Improved compliance with regulatory and funding organizations. Continued investment in system upgrades and user support. |
IPG Progress Report
| IPG Priority Area | Target Outcome for 2024/25 | Reported Outcome 2024/25 | Target Outcome 2025/26 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Facilities Renewal $746,885.00 invested in AAC |
The AAC (Advanced Analysis Centre) expects to realize a 5% annual increase in total user fee income. Increase awareness and thus usage of core (centralized) research facilities is expected through our affiliation with the Office of Research, our updated website, and various campus events to promote the list of services provided. New modern equipment acquired from CFI will be installed in the following 3 facilities: Mass Spectrometry, Molecular and Cellular Imaging, and Genomics. |
Both predicted internal and external user fee income are expected to decrease by 18% this year. Delays in installing new equipment in the Genomics Facility, due to extensive renovations and intermittent closures, negatively impacted overall income. Temporary staffing issues also contributed to this decrease. Despite these challenges, the AAC remains proactive in promoting research initiatives. For example, the Genomics Facility organized a hands-on workshop to showcase new equipment, supported by $40K in reagent costs and staff from the manufacturer. This event, which received 50 proposals for 8 spots, allowed participants to train on sample preparation and have their samples analyzed for free. The AAC is widely used by over 150 faculty and their trainees, who utilize one or more of the five labs. |
The AAC aims to continue increasing total user fee income by 5% annually. Further increase the awareness and usage of core research facilities through enhanced outreach and promotional activities. Continue investment in new infrastructure and equipment to support cutting-edge research and the continued training of the next generation of HQPs. Target a 10% increase in the number of seminars and workshops conducted to promote new technologies and equipment. Aim to reduce downtime and improve operational efficiency by addressing staffing issues and ensuring timely installation of new equipment. |
|
Information Resources $192,380.00 invested in EthOS |
Invest a portion of Research Support Fund grant in sustaining and enhancing the EthOS Human Ethics System. EthOS aims to increase the number of processed applications and enhance outreach and promotional activities to further increase awareness and usage of the system. |
EthOS continues to deliver many benefits across the research enterprise, including improved user experience, reduced administrative burden, and enhanced compliance with regulatory and funding organizations. The system's functionality includes automated workflows, real-time status information, and an integrated administration platform, replacing outdated forms and email submission processes. |
Target a 10% increase in the number of processed applications. Enhance user satisfaction by 15% based on post-application surveys. Reduce the average application review time. Conduct quarterly training webinars and workshops to ensure researchers are well-versed in using the EthOS system. Continue investment in system upgrades and user support to maintain high functionality and user experience. |
| IPG Priority Area | Target Outcome for 2023/24 | Reported Outcome 2023/24 | Target Outcome 2024/25 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Facilities Renewal $742,870.00 invested in AAC |
The AAC (Advanced Analysis Centre) expects to realize a 5% annual increase in total user fee income. Increase awareness and thus usage of core (centralized) research facilities is expected through our affiliation with the Office of Research, our updated website and various campus events to promote the list of services provided. |
While internal user fee income decreased by 11% in 2023-24, external user fee income was up 57% from the previous fiscal year. New equipment acquisitions were secured for modern equipment to be installed in the Mass Spectrometry Facility, Advanced Light Microscopy and the Genomics Facility. The AAC keeps research initiatives at the forefront and raises awareness in its operations through the organization of regular seminars. For instance, the Molecular and Cellular Imaging Facility organized demonstration events with 4 different vendors in 2023-24. These events engaged faculty and graduate students in new technologies and exhibited how these new approaches could advance their research. The AAC is widely used by faculty and their trainees: Over 150 faculty used one or more of the five labs. |
The AAC expects to realize a 5% annual increase in total user fee income. Increase awareness and thus usage of core (centralized) research facilities is expected through our affiliation with the Office of Research, our updated website and various campus events to promote the list of services provided. |
| IPG Priority Area | Target Outcome for 2022/23 | Reported Outcome 2022/23 | Target Outcome 2023/24 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Facilities Renewal $750,513 invested in AAC |
The AAC expects to realize a 5% annual increase in total user fee income. Increase awareness and thus usage of core (centralized) research facilities. |
Internal user fee income met and exceeded the target user fee income predicted for 2022-23. Usage continued to remain strong in both the Genomics and Imaging Facilities. Increased services in the Mass Spectrometry Facility also contributed to the doubling of the annual increase predicted. The total number of faculty members using the AAC increased only modestly from 2021-22. Faculty usage of AAC facilities is consistent and they are spending more (utilizing more services) than in the previous year. User fee income from external sources increased by 18.5% from 2021-22. This source of income is unpredictable as it depends on global factors beyond our control. |
The AAC expects to realize a 5% annual increase in total user fee income. Increase awareness and thus usage of core (centralized) research facilities is expected through our affiliation with the Office of Research, our updated website and various campus events to promote the list of services provided. |
Research Security Stream: University of Guelph’s Research Security Program
University of Guelph (UofG) is committed to safeguarding research while maintaining the integrity of scientific collaborations. UofG continues to develop a research security program that advances security matters in research, internationalization, and commercialization, while safeguarding against theft of research data, loss of intellectual property (IP), unwanted access and potential interference, and transfer of knowledge in ways that researchers do not intend while upholding the core value of inclusive research excellence.
UofG’s program embraces Canada’s guiding principles for research security, including the principle on equity, diversity and inclusion that promotes “diversity of identity and thought, with room for a variety of ideas, cultures, and views while ensuring that everyone, regardless of background or identity, is able to freely participate in the research ecosystem to help build an innovative, prosperous, and inclusive world.” This aligns with the University’s commitment to indigenization, equity, diversity and inclusion.
UofG will further develop its policies, practices and resources to enhance research security practices that are adaptive to evolving threats, raise awareness, and equip researchers to protect their data, results, and IP.
UofG’s program is built on strong relationships with government, funding agencies and colleagues to ensure alignment with government mandates, agency policy requirements and best practices.
Research Security Performance Objectives and Indicators
| Output (investment of research security funds) | Performance Objective(s) | Performance Indicator(s) | Target Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human resources for research security including hiring for a position dedicated to research security ($265,000) | Further develop and coordinate the Research Security Program across the institution. |
Research security position has been recruited. Processes and resources developed and published to support risk assessment and mitigation. |
Human resources in place to coordinate research security across the institution. |
| Technology-based due diligence screening tool(s) ($55,000) | Develop consistent, reliable and efficient partner screening processes. | License/subscription for a commercial technology-based due diligence screening tool has been acquired. | Due diligence screening tool has been incorporated into the process for risk assessments of research partners. |
| Outreach, professional development education, and awareness ($15,500) | Increase awareness about research security related risk and project-based mitigation measures and institutional level practices. | Outreach, awareness, and education opportunities provided to the University research community. |
Research security has been incorporated into funding program workshops. Safeguarding science workshop has been provided (if available through Research Security Centre). U of G is a member of University peer groups related to Research Security (e.g., Team Canada) and participates in related events and activities. |
| Issues management ($12,500) | Support of arising unanticipated research security related concerns. | Arising concerns related to safeguarding research identified and reviewed on a case-by-case basis. | Concerns related to safeguarding research are addressed. |
Research Security Progress Reports
| Output (investment of research security funds) | Performance Objective(s) for 2024/25 | Performance Indicator(s) for 2024/25 | Target Outcome for 2025/26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Human resources for research security including hiring for a position dedicated to research security ($265,000) |
Assist in coordinating research security across the institution. Develop and maintain tools and resources to assist researchers in assessing potential security risks within research proposals. |
Human resources in place to coordinate research security across the institution. Tools and resources developed and maintained by Research Security Specialist. |
Enhance tools and resources to address emerging security risks. Increase outreach and educational opportunities for stakeholders. Conduct regular training sessions for research staff on security protocols. |
| Technology-based due diligence screening tool(s) ($55,000) |
Develop consistent, reliable, and efficient partner screening processes. License/subscription for a commercial technology-based due diligence screening tool has been acquired. |
Due diligence screening tool incorporated into the process for risk assessments of research partners. |
Maintain and enhance the due diligence screening tool. Increase the efficiency and reliability of partner screening processes. Conduct regular reviews and updates to the screening tool. Implement additional layers of screening for high-risk collaborations. |
| Outreach, professional development education, and awareness ($15,500) |
Increase awareness about research security-related risk and project-based mitigation measures and institutional-level practices. Incorporate research security into funding program workshops. Provide safeguarding science workshops. Participate in university peer groups related to research security. |
Research security incorporated into funding program workshops. Safeguarding science workshops provided. Participation in university peer groups related to research security. |
Increase the number of workshops and training sessions on research security. Enhance collaboration with university peer groups. Conduct regular outreach and awareness campaigns across colleges. Develop online modules for continuous learning on research security. |
| Issues management ($12,500) |
Support arising unanticipated research security-related concerns. Identify and review concerns related to safeguarding research on a case-by-case basis. |
Concerns related to safeguarding research addressed. No arising cases identified. |
Develop a proactive approach to managing research security issues. Increase the responsiveness and efficiency in addressing concerns. Conduct regular reviews and updates to the issues management process. Establish a rapid response team for urgent security issues. |
| Output (investment of research security funds) | Performance Objective(s) for 2023/24 | Performance Indicator(s) for 2023/24 | Target Outcome for 2024/25 | Reported Outcome for 2023/24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human resources for research security including hiring for a position dedicated to research security ($265,000) | Assist in coordinating research security across the institution. | Research security position has been recruited. | Human resources in place to coordinate research security across the institution. | Role dedicated to Research Security was filled. Institutional process to support NSGRP review and implementation of STRAC policy developed. |
| Technology-based due diligence screening tool(s) ($50,000) | Develop consistent, reliable and efficient partner screening processes. | License/subscription for a commercial technology-based due diligence screening tool has been acquired. | Due diligence screening tool has been incorporated into the process for risk assessments of research partners. | Due diligence screening tool has been incorporated into the process for risk assessments of research partners. |
| Outreach, professional development education, and awareness ($15,500) | Increase awareness about research security related risk and project-based mitigation measures and institutional level practices. |
Research security has been incorporated into funding program workshops. Safeguarding science workshop has been provided (if available through Research Security Centre).
U of G is a member of University peer groups related to Research Security and participates in peer group meetings and events. |
Research security has been incorporated into funding program workshops. Safeguarding science workshop has been provided (if available through Research Security Centre).
U of G is a member of University peer groups related to Research Security (e.g., Team Canada) and participates in related events and activities. |
Research security incorporated into funding program workshops as applicable, including those associated with CFI, and NSERC. On-site briefings conducted by DG Academic Outreach and Stakeholder Engagement Branch of CSIS. Research security outreach conducted across colleges. U of G is a member of University peer groups related to Research Security (e.g., Team Canada) and participated in related professional development activities in areas related to Research Security including conducting partner due diligence. In person Safeguarding Science workshop not available during this reporting period |
| Issues management ($18,000) | Support of arising unanticipated research security related concerns. | Arising concerns related to safeguarding research identified and reviewed on a case-by-case basis. | Concerns related to safeguarding research are addressed. | Concerns related to safeguarding research addressed. No arising cases identified. |
| Output (investment of research security funds) | Performance Objective(s) for 2022/23 | Performance Indicator(s) for 2022/23 | Target Outcome for 2023/24 | Reported Outcome for 2022/23 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Human resources for research security including hiring for a position dedicated to research security ($270,000) | Further develop and coordinate the Research Security Program across the institution. |
Research security position has been recruited. Processes and resources developed and published to support risk assessment and mitigation. |
Human resources in place to coordinate research security across the institution. |
Initial processes and resources have been developed and published to support researchers in assessing research security risks and developing mitigation plans. Review processes developed and implemented. Research security specialist position developed, and recruitment initiated. |
| Technology-based due diligence screening tool(s) ($40,000) | Develop consistent, reliable and efficient partner screening processes. | License/subscription for a commercial technology-based due diligence screening tool has been acquired. | Due diligence screening tool has been incorporated into the process for risk assessments of research partners. | Due diligence screening tools assessed, preferred tool selected and procurement processes in final stages. |
| Outreach, professional development education, and awareness ($15,000) | Increase awareness about research security related risk and project-based mitigation measures and institutional level practices. | Outreach, awareness, and education opportunities provided to the University research community. |
Research security has been incorporated into funding program workshops. Safeguarding science workshop has been provided (if available through Research Security Centre). U of G is a member of University peer groups related to Research Security (e.g., Team Canada) and participates in related events and activities. |
Research security awareness incorporated into Research Services events and associated meetings. Safeguarding Science was not offered during this reporting period, however, is planned with our Regional Research Security Advisor once available. U of G participated in Team Canada activities as well as professional development opportunities through Canadian and international research administration organizations and universities. |
| Issues management ($13,000) | Support of arising unanticipated research security related concerns. | Arising concerns related to safeguarding research identified and reviewed on a case-by-case basis. | Concerns related to safeguarding research are addressed. | Concerns related to safeguarding research were addressed. No arising cases identified. |
Communication Strategy: Stories Demonstrating Impact of Research Support Funds at the University of Guelph
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2023-24 - Enhancing research security at U of G
- 2022-23 - New apple variety at U of G may juice up cider industry
- 2021-22 - No Waffling Around for Student Start-up Business
- 2021-22 - New Renovation to Improve Performance-Based Research at U of G
- 2020-21 - Two University of Guelph technologies receive Innovation of the Year Award 2020
- 2020-21 - Federal fund supports U of G research activities affected by COVID-19 pandemic
- 2019-20 - Enhancing research ethics at U of G
- 2019-20 - Turning research knowledge into action
Contact for Further Information
Research Services Office
research.services@uoguelph.ca