Canadian Association of University Teachers

 
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Issues & Campaigns

Research

The freedom of academic staff to conduct research is fundamental to the advancement of knowledge. But increasingly academic researchers face a number of obstacles, including a lack of funding and attempts by governments and other interests to steer research and influence results.

Where we stand

CAUT is committed to safeguarding and supporting the integrity of academic research. We lobby governments to ensure adequate funding, and campaign to defend the freedom of academic researchers to pursue their work. We oppose attempts by governments and other interests to steer research, and insist on the right of the research community to determine what projects merit funding.

Resources

Policy Statements
Fraud and Other Misconduct in Academic Research
Nature of Academic Work
   
Statements and Letters
A CAUT letter to Prime Minister to end clampdown on scientists (Feb 2013)
A CAUT letter to Industry Minister Christian Paradis on cuts at Statistics Canada (May 2012)
Committee of inquiry into research ethics dispute exonerates U of Ottawa profs (Jan 2011)
Support Grows for Long-form Census (Sept 2010)
In a letter sent to Canada’s Chief Statistician, CAUT is asking for clarification about how proposed changes to the Census will affect Canada’s entire statistical system (Jul 2010)
Federal government must reconsider decision to scrap mandatory long form Census (Jul 2010)
Statement on the Canada Excellence Research Chairs (May 2010)
Federal budget must invest more in post-secondary education and research (Feb 2010)
Top scientist warns lack of stable funding for climate research will have serious consequences for Canada (Jan 2010)
Knowledge Infrastructure Program funding going mostly to repairs, not research (Nov 2009)
SSHRC president criticized for “bowing to political pressure” (Jun 2009)
CAUT calls for Minister Goodyear’s resignation over political interference and attack on academic freedom (Jun 2009)
“Powerful coalition” of scientists accused of “manipulating public reverence” in research funding debate (May 2009)
Top researchers discuss federal underfunding of university research at CAUT’s national council meeting (Apr 2009)
Granting councils unveil details of budget cuts (Mar 2009)
CAUT proposes three ways to safeguard academic research (Mar 2009)
Open Letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper (Feb 2009)
Letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper on the closure of the Office of the National Science Adviror (Mar 2008)
   
Poll Summaries
Poll finds two thirds of Canadians concerned about research funding cuts
   
Publications
Why we need blue-sky research (Mar 2012)
The Canadian Research Integrity Committee (CRIC) is releasing a report entitled: The State of Research Integrity and Misconduct Policies in Canada (Oct 2009)
Increase research funding and improve accessibility: Budget brief 2010 (Aug 2009)
Scientists Warn of Serious Implications of Cuts to Research Granting Councils (Apr 2009)
John Polanyi's, “Free Discovery from Outside Ties,” CAUT Bulletin