A shared response to issues of international scholarly co-operation
In an environment characterized by intensifying global scientific collaboration and the rise of new concerns related to research security, the two institutions have chosen a shared approach based on a framework of openness, scholarly trust and responsibility.
The rise of artificial intelligence, the growing sensitivity of research data, questions of scientific sovereignty and the risk of foreign interference require us to rethink the conditions of research internationalization, without reducing its reach or dynamism.
Rather than sealing ourselves off or adopting an attitude of general distrust, we must incorporate research security into a broader vision of responsible internationalization, one that takes into account the growing interdependence between academia, economics and diplomacy.
A novel Franco-Canadian observatory
The Franco-Canadian observatory on research internationalization, created for a five-year period, will offer a space for foundational Canada-France dialogue and study in support of responsible international scientific co-operation. It aims to foster better understanding of national contexts, to boost the convergence of research security approaches and to support the emergence of common reference points that serve science diplomacy.
A joint chair in research security
Drawing on the observatory to fuel its work, a joint chair in research security has been established for an initial two-year period with the possibility of renewal. It will offer a structure for high-level scholarly expertise on issues in research security, highlighting scientific integrity, protection of knowledge, risk prevention and study of the conditions for sustainable international co-operation.
Marie-Eve Sylvestre, uOttawa president and vice-chancellor, and Jeanick Brisswalter, president of Université Côte d'Azur
A partnership rooted in major international efforts
This initiative is part of a strengthened Canada-France research partnership framework, as well as Europe-wide reflections on research security and international scholarly co-operation. It also builds on the relationships within the U7+ Alliance, in which the University of Ottawa and Université Côte d'Azur have strengthened their collaboration, particularly during the 2025 U7+ Alliance Presidential Summit, which took place in Ottawa.
Université Côte d'Azur's strategic positioning
Through this initiative, Université Côte d'Azur is confirming its leading role in structuring global reflection on responsible research internationalization and secure science, in collaboration with its academic partners the world over.
University of Ottawa's strategic positioning
With this initiative, the University of Ottawa is reinforcing its position as a strategic partner in responsible research, embedding within its dual mission of internationalization and promotion of the scientific Francophonie, a foundational contribution to Franco-Canadian debates on scientific security, integrity, and sovereignty.
