On April 13th, the University of Côte d’Azur and the University of Ottawa formalized the creation of two joint initiatives dedicated to international scientific cooperation: a Franco-Canadian Observatory for responsible research internationalization and a joint chair in research security. The agreement was signed at the headquarters of France Universités, in the presence of the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ottawa, Marie-Eve Sylvestre, and the President of the University of Côte d’Azur, Jeanick Brisswalter.
This initiative is part of a context of intensifying international scientific collaborations, marked by the emergence of new challenges related to research security, especially around artificial intelligence, protection of sensitive data, and questions of scientific sovereignty. Both institutions aim to promote an approach based on a “controlled openness,” reconciling international cooperation and risk management.
The Franco-Canadian Observatory, established for a period of five years, aims to structure a space for dialogue and analysis between France and Canada. Its mission is to support research internationalization practices, better understand respective national frameworks, and promote the convergence of approaches in scientific security. The goal is also to contribute to the development of common references in support of scientific diplomacy.
Linked to this Observatory, a joint chair in research security is established for an initial period of two years, renewable. It is intended to develop scientific expertise on issues related to academic integrity, knowledge protection, risk prevention, and conditions for sustainable international cooperation.
This partnership is in line with the strategic relations between France and Canada, as well as the discussions at the European level on research security. It also extends the work of the international university alliance Alliance U7+, of which both universities are members.
