Keeping up with changing U.S. federal policies and their implications for Canada and Canadians can seem like a full-time job these days. This article aims to lighten the load by summarizing the key changes affecting Canadian researchers and suggesting ways to mitigate negative impacts.
Briefly, Canadian researchers may be affected by the loss of access to data housed on U.S. federal websites, the loss of access to U.S. federal funding for certain types of research or termination of current U.S. federally funded projects and face additional risks and barriers if travelling to the U.S. for research and conferences. In addition, colleagues and research collaborators at some U.S. universities are facing the threat of direct political interference in their autonomy and funding cuts.
Data related to climate change, certain health-related data, and other government-managed data has already been removed or may be under threat of removal from websites. If you are worried that data you need has been affected, seek out groups of collaborators who may be working to preserve data. For example, as reported by CBC, U of G researcher Eric Nost, Associate Professor in Geography, is involved with colleagues in efforts to preserve climate change data.
With regard to U.S. research funding, the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT) warns that the recent questionnaire sent to some Canadian researchers by U.S. federal research funding agencies is a potential threat to the integrity and independence of academic research in Canada. The questions posed imply that if the research involves climate or environmental justice, elements related to equity, diversity, inclusion, and gender, or does not advance American interests, then it could be subject to cuts or termination. To date, the Office of Research is not aware of any U of G researchers having received the questionnaire, but colleagues in other institutions may be affected. If you do receive the questionnaire, please contact the Research Services Office for guidance on how to proceed.
The CAUT also cautions that travel to the U.S. now entails additional risks for Canadian academics, particularly for transgender academics and academics who are citizens, residents, or recent travelers to countries where there are diplomatic tensions with the U.S. or travel bans. In addition, careful consideration is needed regarding the protection of information and research data held on electronic devices when crossing the border. Be sure to consult the safe travel information and resources provided by the Centre for International Programs when you’re planning to travel.
Finally, your colleagues and collaborators based at U.S. post-secondary institutions may be affected by the recent attempts by the current administration at interference in academic freedom and autonomy. Harvard University is currently leading a group of institutions aiming to unite against the current policies and their negative impacts on research, teaching, and higher education in general.
We hope this short summary has provided a useful overview of current implications for Canadian researchers of changing U.S. federal policies affecting research and higher education. For more information and research support, please contact the Research Services Office. For more information about this article or IEDI in Research please contact Joanne Garcia-Moores, jmoores@uoguelph.ca.
Resources
Guelph prof works to save U.S. climate data before it’s scrubbed from websites | CBC News
Trump administration threatening Canadian researchers | CAUT
CAUT advises academics against non-essential travel to the U.S. | CAUT
Harvard won’t comply with Trump administration’s demands — Harvard Gazette
Safe Travel Resources for Faculty and Staff | Centre for International Programs
