Encouraging more research in the college network: Some bursaries and funding programs to watch
On January 9th, 2015, Profweb attended the Belles Rencontres de l’ARC (Association pour la recherché au collegial). Throughout the day, many resource-people presented funding opportunites geared towards educational establishments, researchers and college students. In order to support research in the college milieu, Profweb made a commitment to share these potential sources of funding with the Teachers, Education Advisors and other stakeholders from the college network that make up its target audience.
Social Sciences
Éric Bergeron, Program Agent from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), provided a brief presentation of the new Community and College Social Innovation Fund and the Canada First Research Excellence Fund.
- The Community and College Social Innovation Fund is an institutional grant that promotes social innovation through the creation of partnerships between colleges or polytechnics and local community organizations. With a grant period ranging from 1 to 3 years, the maximum funding for a project is $200,000 (plus an additional 20% to cover overhead and administrative costs). The deadline to submit a letter of intent is March 2nd 2015.
- It is possible to view a recording of a presentation the ARC gave on December 17th of last year (in French). A Webinar in English will be held on January 15th at 1:00 p.m.
- The Canada First Research Excellence Fund is awarded for a period of 7 years and has no predefined value. It is intended to support world class initiatives within postsecondary institutions. The deadline to submit an application is March 2nd 2015.
Science and Technology
Odile-Marielle Dubois, Innovation Counsellor at the Ministère de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et des Exportations (MEIE), presented the Réseau recherche innovation Québec (web site in French only) which aims to encourage collaboration between actors working in the research and innovation sector (and the industrial sector in particular), which includes the expertise and studies developed within the college network.
- The upcoming QuébecInnove platform will be a focal point for coordination, networking and strategic intelligence for the research milieu.
- The MEIE offers various financing options for research and development (see this website, in French only at the time of publication).
Michel Garceau, of the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT) stopped by to present a summer work placement bursary program for college students.
- With a value of up to $5000, the bursaries are meant to encourage students that are not yet graduating to delve into the world of research in one of the various areas of research covered by the FRQNT. It is worthwhile to note that a student can come from a different area: It’s the domain of the work placement that determines whether or not the student is admissible for a bursary.
- For more information, contact the program coordinator by email.
Multidisciplinary
The ARC is inviting college-level students to submit an application for the 2014-2015 edition of the ARC Student Prizes contest.
- All programs and disciplines are eligible. The contest seeks to promote and encourage student involvement in research training activities offered within their college.
- The ARC will award three bursaries in the amount of $400, $600 and $1000. The deadline to submit an application is April 13th, 2015.
Robert Poulin, The Directeur général de l’enseignement supérieur at the Ministère de l’Enseignement supérieur, de la Recherche et de la Science (MESRS), briefly presented:
- The PART program (Programme d’aide à la recherche et au transfert);
- The PAREA program (Programme d’aide à la recherche sur l’enseignement et l’apprentissage); and
- The PSCCC program (Programme de soutien aux chercheurs et aux chercheuses du collégial).
It is now possible to consult the budgets on-line as well as receive information on project eligibility for each of these programs. Application forms are also now available.
