Research Security

Australia’s research sector is globally recognised and contributes significantly to national prosperity and innovation. This does, however, mean that research undertaken at Australian universities can sometimes be an attractive target for foreign interference.

As the main funding agency for non-clinical research in Australia, the Australian Research Council (ARC) works proactively with universities to help identify and manage potential risks associated with international research collaboration, in line with government frameworks.

ARC Research Security Framework

The ARC Research Security Framework provides ARC stakeholders with transparency in relation to ARC risk assessment processes to support Ministerial powers relating to Australia’s security, defence and international relations under the Australian Research Council Act 2001.

The Framework identifies four high-level principles underpinning the ARC’s approach to managing research security risks, which are: 

  • Advance Australia’s national interest 
  • Research security is a shared responsibility 
  • Proportionate, risk-based decision-making 
  • National and global responsibility.

The Framework outlines ARC expectations of researchers and research institutions within the context of the National Competitive Grants Program. It has been prepared in consultation with Australian Government agencies holding responsibility for the management of Australia’s security, defence and international relations.

Strengthened Research Security Processes

Following amendments to the Australian Research Council Act 2001 in July 2024, the ARC has enhanced research security processes. These changes were informed by the 2023 Review of the Australian Research Council Act, which included wide consultation with universities, peak bodies and researchers.  

All schemes opened for applications after 1 July 2024 are now subject to the strengthened security screening.

Key improvements to the research security process include:  

  • Earlier security screening: Security checks that were previously applied at the end of the assessment process are now being brought forward to allow earlier identification of potential risks.
  • Use of broader open-source evidence: The ARC is drawing on a wider range of information to identify researcher affiliations and funding sources to more effectively assess risk.
  • Reinforcing existing expectations on disclosure: Clarifying requirements for the disclosure of foreign affiliations and funding, to support more consistent risk assessments, at the time of application and throughout the course of funded projects.
  • Greater engagement with Administering Organisations: Validating declarations and seeking specific assurance on risk mitigations.
  • Enhanced compliance measures: Issues or information identified through research security screening that relate to other grant compliance matters may be referred for consideration in relation to eligibility or research integrity.  

ARC processes continue to be informed by the strategic direction of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security’s (PJCIS) Inquiry into national security risks affecting the Australian higher education and research sector (2022), and the University Foreign Interference Taskforce’s (UFIT) Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector (2021). 

What happens if a potential research security risk is identified?

The presence of a research security risk in relation to a research project does not mean a project should not be funded.

Should a potential risk be identified, the relevant Administering Organisation (lead university) will be contacted. They will be provided with the opportunity to outline the controls they have in place at both the institutional and the project level to mitigate the risks. The ARC will not contact researchers directly about the assessment. Administering Organisations may choose to contact researchers as part of their processes.

Information on risk factors and mitigations will be provided to the Minister to support their legislative role relating to security, defence and international relations.

Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference

The Australian Government works with the higher education sector to keep Australian research secure. Formed in 2019, the University Foreign Interference Taskforce (UFIT) is a key part of this collaboration.  

The Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector (Guidelines) were developed by UFIT. These Guidelines assist decision makers in assessing and managing risks from foreign interference, building on existing risk management policies and security practices in Australian universities. 

Critical Technology

The Australian Government has identified critical technologies with a high impact on Australia’s national interest, including our economic prosperity, national security and social cohesion. The Government’s overall approach to is detailed in the Critical Technologies Statement. 

The ARC identifies critical technology using the Department of Industry, Science and Resources’ List of Critical Technologies in the National Interest.

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