Our Work
International Scientific Cooperation in a Geopolitically Complex World
Canadian Academy of Medical and Engineering Sciences (CAMES)
Purpose
CAMES affirms that scientific knowledge is a global public good essential for addressing shared human challenges, including global health threats, climate change, technological transformation, and sustainable development.
However, international scientific collaboration increasingly operates within a complex geopolitical environment shaped by strategic competition, research security concerns, and fragmentation of global governance systems. These conditions require scientific institutions to balance openness with responsibility, cooperation with resilience, and innovation with ethical oversight.
This policy establishes CAMES’ commitment to promoting responsible, secure, and mutually beneficial international scientific cooperation that advances knowledge, supports global stability, and serves the public interest.
Guiding Principles
CAMES will conduct international scientific engagement according to the following principles:
Openness with responsibility
Promote the free exchange of scientific knowledge while safeguarding research integrity, intellectual property, data security, and ethical standards.
Science diplomacy and trust building
Use scientific collaboration as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and evidence-informed engagement across national boundaries.
Independence and academic freedom
Ensure that international cooperation is guided by scientific merit and ethical practice, free from undue political or institutional influence.
Equity and mutual benefit
Support inclusive partnerships that strengthen global scientific capacity and ensure fair participation and shared outcomes.
Resilience and adaptability
Maintain diversified and flexible cooperation frameworks capable of sustaining collaboration under changing geopolitical conditions.
Strategic Functions
Strengthen global scientific networks
Build partnerships with national academies, research institutions, and international organizations to support dialogue, knowledge exchange, and coordinated scientific action.
Advance collaborative research on global priorities
Promote cross-border research initiatives addressing shared global challenges, including health, environmental sustainability, emerging technologies, and complex societal risks.
Support science diplomacy and international policy engagement
Provide independent scientific expertise to inform international decision-making and facilitate dialogue among scientific, governmental, and multilateral stakeholders.
Promote responsible research governance
Develop and disseminate guidance on ethical collaboration, data governance, technology transfer, and dual-use risk management to ensure responsible and secure international partnerships.
Strengthen global scientific capacity and mobility
Support researcher exchanges, training programs, and collaborative education initiatives that foster long-term international cooperation.
Enable coordinated scientific response to global emergencies
Mobilize expertise and international collaboration in response to transnational crises, including pandemics, environmental emergencies, and emerging technological risks.
To advance international scientific cooperation, CAMES will:
Implementation and Accountability
CAMES will implement this policy through structured international partnerships, science diplomacy initiatives, research security frameworks, and targeted support for collaborative programs. Activities will be regularly evaluated to ensure effectiveness, transparency, and alignment with evolving global conditions.
Commitment
CAMES is committed to strengthening Canada’s role as a trusted and responsible partner in the global scientific community. By fostering open, secure, and principled international collaboration, the Academy will contribute to scientific progress, global stability, and the advancement of knowledge for the benefit of all.
Reports
The Canadian Academy of Medical and Engineering Sciences (CAMES), in partnership with the Canadian Scientists Group, conducted a series of collaborative activities aimed at strengthening national scientific capacity, promoting interdisciplinary research, and enhancing Canada’s role in international scientific cooperation.
The collaboration focused on knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, research coordination, and talent development across key priority areas including health innovation, emerging technologies, environmental sustainability, and research governance. .