Conducting Research in the National Security Space: Security Clearance, Access, Data and Ethical Considerations for ECRs to Consider

Date: 25 November 2024

Time: 2:00 PM GMT

Presenter: Dr. Sara K. Thompson

This talk focussed on key lessons learned working in the national security space that may have particular importance for ECRs. More specifically, Thompson discussed:

  • The challenges and benefits associated with being a female researcher in a male-dominated space;
  • Issues related to security clearance;
  • Gaining access to practitioners/data (particularly in a broader national context wherein robust relationships between academics and national security actors are in a nascent stage); and
  • Ethical considerations related to working with vulnerable populations and data sharing.

Missed the seminar? Download the recap here

About the presenter

Dr. Sara K. Thompson is a Professor of Criminology at Toronto Metropolitan University. She served as Associate Director of the Canadian Network for Research on Terrorism, Security and Society (TSAS) from program inception to close (September 2012 – May 2023) and co-chaired the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) Research Advisory Committee from 2018 to 2023.

Thompson is currently appointed to the National Hate Crime Task Force (Canada) and sits on the CACP Counter Terrorism and National Security - Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) Committee. Her recent and ongoing research focuses on hate crime, extremist violence, P/CVE programming, community reporting thresholds and preferences in the context of hate crime and violent extremism, and the evaluation of violence prevention programs and policy.

Thompson’s research involves mixed-methods and community-based participatory methodologies, deep engagement with security practitioners, and diverse knowledge mobilization activities to facilitate real-world impact on policy and society. She has been involved as a Principal Investigator on a number of multi-year, multi-site research projects funded by the Social Sciences & Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), Public Safety Canada, Defence Research & Development Canada, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Thompson has presented her research findings at a range of domestic and international academic and practitioner conferences and has briefed high-level government and security officials on issues related to hate crime, violent extremism, P/CVE and program evaluation.

Subscribe to the IAPSS newsletter.

Sign up to our newsletter and get the latest news and opportunities from the IAPSS community straight to your inbox.

Sign up now
Back to top