There are foreign powers who try to interfere in the Australian university and research sector. Our universities produce world-class research and great ideas for helping Australia succeed in many areas, such as science and policy making. While working with other countries is crucial to this success, it is happening in an ever more complex and changing world.
University taskforce and guidelines
To keep our country safe, the Australian Government and university leaders joined forces. They created an important group called the University Foreign Interference Taskforce, or UFIT, to stop foreign countries from secretly controlling our choices, stealing our research or suppressing discussion on Australian campuses. It aims to:
- mitigate risks of foreign interference
- promote Australia as an attractive international research and education partner.
The UFIT developed the Guidelines to Counter Foreign Interference in the Australian University Sector. They support the sector’s response to foreign interference. To build resilience and learn more, see Due diligence, risk assessments and management.
Research community at risk
The Australian research community is also at risk of foreign interference.
The Counter Foreign Interference Coordination Centre (CFICC) is a team in the government working with research organisations to identify threats from foreign interference. It offers guidance on assessing and managing risks and taking steps to protect sensitive information. This helps ensure that our country's scientific progress isn't compromised by malicious activities.
Find out more at Countering foreign interference.
