Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Previous | Next

• ​​​​​Register for the Safeguarding Science workshop
• Test of the ENS system coming tomorrow
• Nominate someone today! The Waterloo Values Annual Awards

Register for the Safeguarding Science workshop 

University of Waterloo community members are invited to join Public Safety Canada (PSC) for several online workshops throughout Fall 2026. In addition to their Safeguarding Science module as an introduction to the topic, the Research Security Centre also offers modules that provide a deeper dive into research security-related topics, as well as French virtual sessions. 

Registration is required to receive an MS Teams link for the session(s). 

Module 1: Safeguarding Science: Raising Awareness of Security Risks and Mitigation Tools in the Research Ecosystem. Friday, September 11, 2026, 1 to 2:30 p.m. (English) 

• The Safeguarding Science workshop aims to raise awareness within Canada's scientific and academic communities about research security-related issues. The primary objective of this workshop is to explain the potential for misuse of sensitive research, technology and materials, along with possible risk indicators and mitigation tools to protect Canadian research assets. 

Module 2: Dual-Use Technologies: Know Your Research – Know Your Partners – Assess the Risk. Tuesday, October 6, 2026, 1 to 2:30 p.m. (English) 

• The module elaborates on dual-use technologies and research with specific examples. These examples highlight the complex nature of dual-use technologies and ways to recognize their sensitivities. The outcome of the module will enhance understanding of the dual-use nature of any research, whether in STEM, social sciences, or humanities, and give frontline researchers and institutions tools to perform their due diligence and evaluate risks appropriately. 

Module 6: Travelling Safely: Protecting Your Research While Travelling Abroad. Thursday, November 5, 2026, 1 to 2:30 p.m. (English) 

• This module provides a global overview of the threat environment when travelling, a summary of techniques used by foreign governments to gain an advantage over and acquire research, and best practices to follow before, during and after your trip. 

Module 7: Conducting Open-Source Due-Diligence. Thursday, October 22, 2026, 1 to 2:30 p.m. (English) 

• This module provides an overview of open-source due-diligence techniques for researchers to use when evaluating the risks related to potential partners. The outcome of this module will enhance researchers' ability to find relevant information using open-source methods. 

Module 8: Protecting Knowledge: Research Security in Social Sciences and Humanities. Monday, September 21, 2026, 1 to 2:30 p.m. (English) 

• This module explores research security in the social sciences and humanities, including risks related to foreign influence, harassment and misuse of sensitive data. Through case studies, participants learn how research can be vulnerable to misuse and how to identify and manage security risks. 

Participation is limited to 250 people per module. Please use your university email address to register. 

All modules are intended for, but not limited to, researchers, research staff including technicians, postdoctoral fellows and students, research security professionals, research administrators, information technology and information management staff, security personnel, biosafety and radiological safety officers, human resources personnel, supply chain personnel, senior management and any other university personnel. 

Visit the Public Safety Canada website for more information and to register. If you have any questions about the modules, please email researchsecurity-securiteenrecherche@ps-sp.gc.ca. 

Test of the ENS system coming tomorrow

On Thursday, September 3, the University will conduct a campus-wide test of the Emergency Notification System (ENS) provided by Regroup.

The test will send messages through the following channels:

• SMS/text message
• Email
• Regroup Mobile (safety app)
• Desktop Alert
• Campus Safety webpage

What you need to do before the test:

1. Download the Regroup Mobile app and complete the login and recommended settings.
2. Confirm your cell phone number is up to date:
   • Staff: update it in the Regroup app
   • Students: update it in Quest
3. Install the Desktop Alert tool on your computer if it is not managed by the University.

If you have questions about the test or need help installing the Regroup app or Desktop Alert, please email ens@uwaterloo.ca.

Nominate someone today! The Waterloo Values Annual Awards 

We’re excited to launch a new employee annual awards program celebrating the individuals and teams who bring Waterloo’s values to life every day and in extraordinary ways.  

Developed by Human Resources and the Office of the President, this program recognizes meaningful contributions across the University—from small, everyday actions to transformational achievements—that reflect our commitment to thinking differently, acting with purpose, and working together.  

Award categories include:  

• Vivek Goel Impact Award (Signature Award)  
  Honouring one individual whose work reflects all three values and creates lasting, university-wide impact  
   
• Values in Action Champion Awards (Individual)  
  Up to three awards recognizing individuals who consistently demonstrate a core value in action 
   
• Values in Action Collaboration Award (Team)  
  Celebrating a team or group whose collective efforts bring all three values to life through collaboration  

 This program reflects and celebrates President Vivek Goel’s leadership in embedding our values across Waterloo. All employees are eligible. Nominations close on October 1 and can be submitted in writing or by video. Recipients will be recognized at a public celebration this fall and direct a $2,000 contribution to student-focused initiatives.    

Learn more about this program on the Values webpage, and consider who you want to nominate! Let’s celebrate the people who make Waterloo stronger—together.