Science Integrity Policy – Fact Sheet for Contractors and Collaborators

The Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Science Integrity Policy (SIP) seeks to foster and promote a culture of scientific integrity and to ensure the relevance and reputation of DND/CAF research, science and technology expertise.

The SIP applies to all DND employees and CAF members who design, conduct, communicate, manage, review or make use of defence and security research, science or related activities, and/or DND research facilities. This includes external contractors, collaborators and clients, as well visiting scientists and students.

DND/CAF contractors and collaborators need to know the following:

DND/CAF recognizes that the participation of DND/CAF researchers and scientists in the global scholarly community depends upon domestic and international collaboration and partnerships.

Such collaborations and partnerships provide important opportunities in developing research and scientific knowledge to the benefit of Canadians, as well as enhancing DND/CAF’s scientific capacity and leadership.

The responsible DND/CAF author(s) of any research or scientific communication must ensure due diligence in ensuring that all issues related to intellectual property and related matters have been resolved.

As an external contractor and or collaborator with DND/CAF, it is important to understand that the management of DND/CAF research outputs, in the form of Intellectual Property (IP), is governed by legislation such as the Public Servants Inventions Act.

DND/CAF contractors and collaborators are responsible to:

Assist in evaluating and/or reporting on performance indicators about scientific integrity when requested or required by the Office of Scientific Integrity (OSI).

Understand what constitutes a breach of the Science Integrity Policy by being familiar with the relevant guidelines and policies and share those procedures with staff.

Contact DND/CAF’s Office of Science Integrity when seeking more information and guidance on the breach process.

Report suspected breaches of scientific integrity as soon as possible and participate in good faith in resulting investigations.

Seek to resolve alleged breaches in a fair and respectful manner.

For questions, please contact: DND/CAF's Office of Science Integrity.