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Funding Opportunity: Bridging Divides Emerging Research Grants

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TMU researchers are invited to join the Migrant Integration in the Mid-21st Century: Bridging Divides research program

The Bridging Divides research program is a research partnership focused on the relationship between migrant integration and Advanced Digital Technologies in Canada. Applicants may propose research in new or emerging areas that contribute to ongoing Bridging Divides projects or propose new projects aligned with the program’s research themes. We particularly encourage collaborative proposals that span multiple disciplines, and proposals that involve partners from the Bridging Divides university network.

Value: Each proposal can request up to $75,000. Up to six proposals will be funded.

Duration: Up to 2 years. Funds will be released in January 2025 and must be utilized by March 2027.

Submission deadline: November 30, 2024

Results announced: January 10, 2024

About Bridging Divides

Funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) (external link) , Bridging Divides is an interdisciplinary research collaboration between Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), Concordia University, University of British Columbia, and the University of Alberta. The program seeks to generate innovative, practical knowledge by examining the relationship between Advanced Digital Technologies, digital communication tools, and migrant integration in Canada.

Proposals must include a focus on Advanced Digital Technologies or Digital Communication Tools and align with one of the four research themes outlined below.

Research themes and existing research projects

Work in the Bridging Divides program is structured into four thematic research streams, each focusing on a specific area of migrant integration. We welcome applications for all four research themes. 

Learn more about all Bridging Divides existing projects here.

Advanced Digital Technologies (ADTs) and digital communication tools

We welcome proposals that focus on Advanced Digital Technologies (ADTs) or digital communication tools as factors influencing migrant integration, as well as proposals that use ADTs for data generation, analysis, and/or knowledge dissemination.

ADTs refer to tools, systems, and platforms that leverage technological innovations in computing, data processing, and automation. Examples include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Big Data Analytics.

Digital communication tools are software, platforms, or systems that facilitate real-time or asynchronous communication, enabling people to exchange information, collaborate, and interact over digital networks. Examples include social media, instant messaging and chat applications, and platforms that support virtual meetings, webinars, and collaborative workspaces.

Eligibility

All faculty members (tenured or tenure-track), postdoctoral fellows, and BD Affiliated Researchers at TMU are eligible to apply as primary applicants or co-applicants. Postdoctoral fellows must specify a faculty (tenured or tenure-track) sponsor as co-applicant who will ensure project completion. To be eligible, postdoctoral fellows must have a valid contract with TMU for the duration of the project.

  • Each TMU researcher or postdoctoral fellow is allowed to submit only one application per competition as principal investigator. However, they can serve as a co-applicant or collaborator on multiple applications.
  • Non-TMU individuals are not eligible to apply as principal investigators or co-applicants, but they may serve as collaborators. Note that the Emerging Research Grant funds do not cover expenses incurred by collaborators while conducting research or research-related activities.

Evaluation criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

  1. Expected contribution to Bridging Divides research program and potential for impact, both within academia and beyond (50%)
  2. Feasibility of implementing proposed research, timelines, and knowledge mobilization plan, including appropriateness of budget (30%)
  3. Rank-commensurate track record and preparedness of researcher (20%)

Use of grant funds and conditions of award

We will award up to $75,000 to support ambitious projects that address significant research questions and aim to make a substantial impact. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that fully utilize the available funds. Smaller budgets will be considered if appropriately justified.

Awardees may charge only those expenses to the grant that are directly related to achieving the objectives for which the grant was awarded. The primary applicant will be responsible for administering the grant and handling all related reporting. Awardees are required to submit regular budget and research progress reports. Awardees are also expected to attend at least one CFREF conference, which takes place in May each year at one of the partner universities. Failure to comply will result in the termination of grant funding. All funds have to be expended by March 31, 2027.

Use of grant funds

The grant can cover direct costs related to the conduct and communication of research, including salaries for research assistants, travel and subsistence, technical consultations, research equipment and supplies, and the dissemination of findings. For more information on eligible expenses see the Tri-agency financial administration (external link)  guidelines.

Ineligible expenses

Funds cannot be used for teaching buyouts.
Funds cannot be used to cover research or dissemination expenses incurred by non-TMU researchers. Cross-university teams are expected to secure additional funding to cover costs.

Complete the application form and submit your proposal. The requested documents are a Current Academic CV and your Research Proposal (up to 4 pages).

Access the  (google form) Application form here (external link) .

About the application

The Research Proposal has 4 components. 1) Project Description; 2) Knowledge Mobilization Plan; 3) Contributions to Bridging Divides; and 4) Budget justification. It should be a maximum of 4 pages single-spaced.

The proposal should be structured as follows:

1. Project Description (up to 2 pages)

  • Research question and contribution: Clearly articulate the research question and its positioning within the relevant academic literature, including the contribution it seeks to make.
  • Theoretical framework and propositions: Outline the theoretical framework or approach, as well as the propositions, hypotheses, or key questions to be explored.
  • Research methods and data collection: Describe the research methods to be employed and, if applicable, the data collection strategies.
  • Roles of co-applicants and training: If relevant, include a description of the roles of co-applicants, the training and mentoring to be offered to students, emerging scholars, or other highly qualified personnel, and how they will contribute to the project.
  • Research timeline: Provide a detailed timeline of the research activities.

2. Knowledge Mobilization Plan (0.5 pages)

  • Target audience: Proposals must identify a primary target audience and, where relevant, a secondary target audience. Examples of potential audiences include researchers, settlement sector organizations, policymakers, media, international audiences, and the Canadian public.
  • Knowledge mobilization plan: Proposals should include plans for engaging the identified audiences, including a publication plan.
  • Knowledge mobilization schedule: A clear schedule for knowledge mobilization activities must be provided, outlining key milestones for disseminating research findings. Knowledge mobilization activities may extend beyond the award period, provided they do not require the use of grant funds.

3. Contributions to Bridging Divides (0.5 page)

  • Contribution to program goals: Proposals must clearly articulate how the research will contribute to the Bridging Divides program and the specific research theme it addresses.
  • Integration with existing projects: If relevant, proposals should describe how the research builds on or contributes to an existing Bridging Divides research project.
  • Multi/interdisciplinary contributions: Where applicable, proposals should highlight how the multi/interdisciplinary nature of the research team enhances the project.
  • Potential for influence and impact: Proposals should outline the potential for the project’s results to create influence and impact, both within and beyond the research community.
  • Advancement of equity and inclusion: Proposals must demonstrate a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion. Where relevant, proposals should also address contributions to Truth & Reconciliation/decolonization.

4. Budget and Budget Justification (1 page)

  • Budget: Use the spending categories below to provide a budget that accounts for all funds requested, ensuring that expenses are eligible. Estimating costs to the nearest $100 is sufficient.
  • Budget justification: Use the spending categories below to articulate specifically how proposed expenditures will support the goals and outcomes of your research program.

    Spending categories

  • Salaries for research assistants
  • Professional and technical services
  • Travel and subsistence costs
  • Research equipment and supplies
  • Dissemination of findings
  • Other (please describe)

For queries about the Bridging Divides research program and its themes, please contact Bridging Divides Executive Director, Martha Munezhi, at martha.munezhi@torontomu.ca. For all other questions related to this call for proposals, contact Bridging Divides Research Operations Manager, Maggie Perzyna, at mperzyna@torontomu.ca.