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Research Security

Australia’s world-class and internationally engaged university research system makes an important contribution to the research development and innovation that underpins our future, contributing to Australia’s continued prosperity and economic growth. As a result, 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 broader government frameworks.

ARC Act changes

The ARC’s research security processes have been enhanced to comply with strengthened requirements of the amended Australian Research Council Act 2001 introduced in July 2024. These amendments were informed by the 2023 Review of the Australian Research Council Act, which included wide consultation with universities, peak bodies and researchers.  

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

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

Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference 

The Australian Government works together with the higher education sector to take steps 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. The Guidelines assist decision makers to assess and manage risks from foreign interference. They build on existing risk management policies and security practices in Australian universities. 

Critical Technology  

On 17 November 2021, the Australian Government released the Blueprint and Action Plan for Critical Technologies. It identifies critical technologies as “current and emerging technologies that have the capacity to significantly enhance or pose risk to our national interest”. 

The Blueprint sets out a vision and strategy for protecting and promoting critical technologies in our national interest. It also articulates Australia’s strategy for maximising their opportunities while managing the risks related to them. More recently, the Australian Government also released 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.

ARC Countering Foreign Interference Framework  

An overview of the ARC's approach to managing national security risks within the National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP) and other programs is provided by the ARC Countering Foreign Interference Framework.

In addition to identifying whether research relates to critical technology, the ARC also considers whether any other risks may be present, including: 

  • Current or recent foreign financial support, education or research related activities.
  • Current or recent involvement in a foreign talent program or obligations to a foreign university.
  • Current or recent associations with a foreign government, military, police or intelligence organisation.
  • Recent association with a regime, person or organisation with which Australia has sanctions in place. 

Assessments will take into account information supplied within applications and researchers' RMS profiles. Open source information such as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) sanctions regimes and consolidated list will also be considered. 

Where the ARC identifies that a risk may exist, national security agencies and/or external independent providers may be invited to review and advise if there are concerns.

What happens next? 

The presence of a foreign interference 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. 

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