Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security (MINDS)

The Mobilizing Insights in Defence and Security (MINDS) program is designed to facilitate collaboration and mobilize knowledge between the Department of National Defence, the Canadian Armed Forces, and academia and other experts on defence and security issues. Through its Targeted Engagement Grants, collaborative networks, scholarships, and expert briefings, MINDS works and collaborates with key partners to strengthen the foundation of evidence-based defence policy making. These partnerships drive innovation by encouraging new analyses of emerging global events, opportunities, and crises, while supporting a stronger defence and security dialogue with Canadians.

The MINDS Annual Report for 2019-20 can now be accessed online.

The Network for Research on Hateful Conduct and Right-Wing Extremism in the CAF (RWE-CAF Research Network), led by Dr. Barbara Perry from Ontario Tech University and Dr. David Hofmann from the University of New Brunswick, brings together Canada’s leading scholarly experts and practitioners who will examine policy-relevant issues on hateful conduct and right-wing extremism (RWE) in the CAF. 

Follow on Twitter: @RWE_CAF_Network

Led by Dr. Bessma Momani from the University of Waterloo, the Defence and Security Foresight Group (DSF) explores three policy challenges through five regional clusters: North American Security; Sub-Saharan Africa and Multinational Stabilization Operations; Russia, Eastern Europe, and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); the Middle East and North Africa; and the Asia Pacific. DSF contributes to ongoing efforts to anticipate new challenges by providing near- and mid-term research on pivotal security flashpoints.

Follow on Twitter: @DSF_Group

The North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network (NAADSN), based at Trent University, is headed by Dr. Whitney Lackenbauer. NAADSN addresses the Defence role in the Arctic and NORAD by conducting research with students, current and emerging scholars, as well as Northern stakeholders/rights holders. It plays an important role in informing the implementation of SSE’s commitments related to the Arctic and NORAD by providing cutting-edge research, and testing assumptions about the changing security environment.

Follow on Twitter: @NAADSN_RDSNAA

Based at Concordia University, the Security/Policy Nexus of Emerging Technologies (SPNET) is led by Dr. Kash Khorasani. SPNET is focused on the implications of using autonomous systems, artificial intelligence and cyberspace. New technologies, such as artificial intelligence, hold great promise but also carry risks. SPNET helps inform the development of effective policy instruments to mitigate these risks.

The Innovative Methodologies for Defence Challenges Network provides a window onto the world of reflexive military practices for education and research purposes. They bring together leading commanders, planners, developers and instructors to share their expert knowledge of emerging reflexive turn in military affairs for transforming and (un)making contemporary conflicts.

The Network for Strategic Analysis (NSA) brings together more than 80 renowned scholars and seasoned practitioners to mobilize Canadian and global expertise on three strategic challenges for Canada: the evolving role of great powers in a shifting world order, multilateral cooperation in international security, and the future of defence capacity building for global partners. The Network also mobilizes the expertise of international collaborators and emerging Scholars, and is supported by a Scientific Board and an Advisory Board.

Follow on Twitter: @RAS_NSA