Call for applications: KIAS Research Cluster Grants up to $100,000 over 3 years

Are you part of an interdisciplinary research team in the social sciences, humanities or fine arts? Then consider sending us a Letter of Intent (LOI) for a Kule Research Cluster Grant! Deadline for applications is Monday, November 21st, 2016.

Adam Dombovari - 22 September 2016

Kule Research Cluster Grants support sustained activities of an interdisciplinary research team in the social sciences, humanities or fine arts that have the potential to be recognized as excellent at the national or international level. Grants are awarded up to $100,000 over three years to build an interdisciplinary research cluster.

Special note: In light of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action, we particularly encourage the development of proposals related to Aboriginal research as defined by SSHRC, but with the less restricted understanding that projects can also be on or for Aboriginal people (for the full SSHRC definition please consult http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/programs-programmes/definitions-eng.aspx#a0). We also encourage comparative indigenous research projects, especially those rooted in the Canadian experience. All proposals related to Aboriginal research will be adjudicated by an expanded Research Committee involving both indigenous and non-indigenous scholars.

Deadline for LOIs: November 21st, 2016

Eligibility: The Principal Investigator (primary applicant) needs to be a full-time faculty member at the UofA. Team members can be from university (Canada and international; core team from UofA), community organizations, government, and industry/business.

How to apply: Submit a short Letter of Intent to kias@ualberta.ca (please self-identify if your proposal should be considered under Aboriginal research). The LOI should be max. 5 pages using Times New Roman or Calibri 12 point fonts, single spacing and 1" margins.
In the LOI we would like to know what the focus of the research cluster will be, what the cluster expects to achieve, who will be involved, what activities you will engage in, and what you need KIAS support for. If your project is short listed by the Research Committee, then you will be invited to develop a full proposal with the support of the Director and Program Coordinator. Full proposals will go to the Administrative Board for final approval. ***More detailed instructions below***

Criteria: Potential of research cluster to achieve national or international recognition; interdisciplinarity and appropriateness of the team; suitability of the activities proposed; matching support; and commitment to developing other research funding opportunities.

Funding: Up to $100,000 over three years.

Budget allocation to be negotiated with the Director. Proposals are adjudicated by the Research Committee and approved by the Administrative Board.

When submitting a Letter of Intent we suggest you include the following information:
1. Title and Summary of the Project
What is the title of your project? Provide a short summary. (100 words)

2. Name of PI, Affiliation, and brief CV
Who is the Principal Investigator and what units is she / he affiliated with?

3. Names of others, their affiliation
Names and affiliation of University, national and international team members.

4. Discussion of Partnership
Discussion of the involvement of the PI and of the members of the cluster. Why is this team right for the project? Who would you try to involve in the cluster? What partnerships will be developed?

5. Description of Project
What is the research area of strength that the project will build? Discussion of the urgency of the project and strategic fit at the University of Alberta.

6. Activities and Timeline
Discussion of research activities to be conducted and how they will build this research area. Please provide a timeline.

7. Anticipated Outcomes
Discuss the anticipated outcomes of the project. What will the project prepare your team for? What might be the next steps after the cluster?

8. Brief Budget
Outline of support needed with justification. We do not expect an exact budget at this point.

9. Optional: References or citations (max. 1 supplementary page)

If you have questions or want to discuss ideas, please contact Adam Dombovari at kias@ualberta.ca and come in to talk about your project.