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SSHRC IG Notes

Prepared by Rob Oxoby (with input from legion)


May 13, 2015 version

SSHRC Insight Grant & Insight Development Grant Notes


These notes detail some of the aspects of applying for SSHRC grants. These have been assembled
based on feedback from reviewers, committee members, applicants and other SSHRC sources.

Details on SSHRC applications:


1. SSHRC will NOT require a Notice of Intent for the Fall 2015 Insight Grant competition (cf.
NSERC and CFI applications).
2. The Canadian Common CV (CCCV) is required for the Fall 2015 IG competition.
3. Applications must be submitted through the new Research Portal (rather than the previous
SSHRC online system). If you have not used the new Research Portal previously, you must
register and create an account. Your data will not be transferred over from the old SSHRC
system. An updated description of the IG program will be available on the SSHRC website in
mid-June, with forms available in mid-July.
4. SSHRC has changed the maximum award to $400,000 over 5 years.
5. Applicants may not apply for an IG and an IDG within the same calendar year (e.g., a researcher
who applied for an IDG in February 2015 may not apply for an IG in October 2015) regardless of
whether it is for a different project or whether the IDG application was successful.
6. A researcher can simultaneously hold an IDG grant and an IG grant as Principle Investigator
provided the grants are for different projects.
7. Please note near final drafts are due to the Deans office by September 21st for review and
approval by an Associate Dean (Research). Please include the appropriate cover sheet
(Research Funding Application Approvals form) for signatures, signed by yourself and your
Department Head.
8. Applications are due to the Research Services Office (Robin Smith) by October 1st for detailed
administrative review and institutional approval. Applications received after October 1st will
receive a basic review only, with minimal opportunity for feedback. Research Services will not
accept applications after noon on October 13th (external deadline is October 15th). To submit
your application to Research Services, click the Submit in the SSHRC online system (you must
click the Verify button before being able to click the Submit button; note that the Verify
button does not submit your application). The Deans Office will send the signed Research
Funding Application Approvals form to Research Services. Both the application and approvals
form must be received in order to place your application in the queue for review and approval.

Faculty of Arts Mentoring Program for 2015 IGs


Based on the success of last years mentoring program, the Faculty of Arts will be continuing with a
similar program for all Insight Grant applications. Last year, we obtained a success rate of
approximately 50% among those IG applicants going though the program. As last year, we will be
providing benefits to those who complete the program and receive a 4A status in the upcoming
round. Applicants who participate in the program and receive a 4A designation in the Fall 2015 IG
competition (i.e., those ranking above the 50th percentile but not receiving funding) will receive a
GA(N)T to be used for research assistance to start the project. This research assistant can be used in
either the Spring/Summer, Fall or Winter semesters. To be eligible to receive this support,
applicants must meet the following deadlines and requirements and must re-submit their
application in either the Fall 2016 or Fall 2017 IG competitions. Applicants not meeting the
deadlines will have access to mentoring/review as resources are available but will not be eligible
for the GA(N)T. Participants from the 2014 IG mentoring program who received a GA(N)T are not
eligible for the 2015 GA(N)T unless they have used their GA(N)T prior to grant re-submission.

1. By July 6th early drafts of applications must be submitted to Rob Oxoby. These need not be
complete drafts, but must contain at least the project description and knowledge mobilization
sections along with a preliminary budget and justification. These will be reviewed and
comments will be provided from at least three people by August 15th. Reviewers will include
current and past grant holders, past members of adjudication committees, and current
applicants. The received comments will not be anonymous so that you can contact the reviewer
to seek additional comments.
2. Between July 13th and August 10th those participating in the review program will be asked to
review at most two applications from others participating in the program. Please provide
comments to Rob Oxoby by August 10th. These comments will not be anonymous when they are
returned to the applicant.
3. By September 1st please submit a complete draft (with all sections) to Rob Oxoby.
4. Between September 1st and 15th reading groups will meet. In these groups participants will
review applications face-to-face and discuss details of the applications. The feedback from
these sessions will be useful in preparing the final drafts.
5. By September 21st final drafts must be received by the Deans office for review and signature
by an Associate Dean. Comments will be provided on the final drafts.
6. By October 1st submit final drafts to Research Services for detailed administrative review.
7. By October 13th (prior to final submission) applicants must provide a note regarding if and
how they incorporated the comments from the reviewers, the ADR, and RSO.
For applicants who cannot make all above deadlines, we will be providing peer reviews and ADR
reviews whenever individuals have drafts available. Please do not hesitate to forward your
application to Rob Oxoby for distribution to reviewers.

General Notes on SSHRC Grants


General Tips
1. Applying for grants is part of the process of a career in academics. You should look at applying
for grants (SSHRC and others) as a longer-term venture, similar to the way one looks at the
publication process. Grants may get rejected and revised numerous times prior to acceptance.
2. IGs are for the advancement of knowledge. These grants can be for a maximum of $500K over 5
years. IDGs are development grants designed to get a program of research started with the
expectation that investigators will apply for funding for a larger, related project. This is an
appropriate grant for new scholars and for those taking their research in a new direction or
area in which they may not have a record of achievement. For the IDG competition, a minimum
of 50% of the funds are reserved for Emerging Scholars and Emerging and Established scholars
are ranked in separate groups.
3. In all your grants, defend the need, importance and relevance of your research and how it
advances knowledge.
4. Some committees cover a wide range of topics. Applicants need to make sure that the content of
the grant is accessible to the committees members. In cases like Economics, where there is a
single committee and a fairly unified methodology across genres, technical language and
specialized methodological considerations may be appropriate. On other committees, where
there are researchers from very different disciplines, there is a need to make sure a nonspecialist can understand the method and the significance of the research questions.
5. Grammar, style and presentation are important. Committee members are reading a large
number of applications. Proposals with typos, poor grammar, and poor organization create a
bad impression and can color the impressions of the more substantive aspects of the proposal.
6. The grant should be straightforward to read, internally consistent, and provide a compelling
story for the research questions under investigation. Respect the page length, margin,
headings, and font size requirements as these may result in an application being rejected on
administrative grounds.
7. Prepare well in advance and have peers and non-specialists read your application.

Evaluation Process and Comments from Committee Members


1. Insight Grants are graded on:
Capability (40%; researcher track record),
Challenge (40%; proposal content) and
Feasibility (20%, budget, knowledge mobilization and outputs).
SSHRC has recently changed the way application is deemed fundable (i.e., 4A status) is
determined. Under the new system, grants ranking above the 50th percentile are deemed
fundable. These grants will receive funding or 4A status, as resources permit in each committee.
2. A minimum of two external assessments will be sought. The committee considers, but is not
bound by, the judgments of the external assessors.
3. There is a general increased emphasis on capability scores. Applicants need to consider recent
years productivity when applying for a grant to make sure there is evidence of successful
scholarship. Moreover, there needs to be some demonstration of recent publications/output
within the area of the grant. (This is less an issue for IDG grants that focus on new
initiatives/research.) In the end, the committees are looking for evidence that the individual has
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4.
5.
6.

7.

the expertise to undertake the project and a publishing record (as evidence of communicating
results). Individuals with modest publication records may wish to consider applying for the
Insight Development Grant (February deadline).
Committee members look for clearly articulated and feasible projects. Ensure your project is
not too grandiose to be successfully completed in the time frame laid out. In recent rounds,
overly ambitious projects have not been funded.
If a multidisciplinary evaluation is requested, click the box marked Multidisciplinary
Evaluation. If numbers warrant, a multidisciplinary committee will be established within the
applications research group.
Proposals need to strike a balance between the presentation of methodological details
regarding what will be done and a grasp of the overall contribution of the project to the
field/discipline. As a general rule, the proposal should demonstrate how a portion of the
proposed research contributes to the big questions/picture within a field. This can be included
in the mobilization plan via discussions with individuals outside academia/journal audiences.
There has been an increasing importance attempting to communicate research results and
reach non-academic audiences through the Knowledge Mobilization Plan.
While there is variation across the different committees, committees are cutting some budgets
(typically no more than 10%). While SSHRC will be giving committee members clearer
directives on their role in scrutinizing budgets, it should be noted that budgets considered
significantly inflated or not well justified have received feasibility scores less than 3.0, putting
them below the 50% percentile and making them ineligible for funding. Budgets need clear
justifications and budgets without enough detail receive lower scores in the committees
assessment.

Specific Application Requirements and Suggestions (by section)

1. Participants
Individual applicants as well as teams can apply. However, the contributions by team members
must be articulated to demonstrate the value of a team approach.
Participants from other countries must be Collaborators for the Insight Grant. Funds for
collaborators participation in research (e.g., equipment, travel) is not eligible for funding from
SSHRC. The only costs that may be covered are to attend conferences to disseminate results. The
expectation from SSHRC is that Collaborators will have funds through their home
institutions/countries to conduct the research. (See below for eligible and ineligible expenses.)
2. Research Activity Aboriginal Research and Research Creation
Priority areas are no longer used by SSHRC. These have been replaced by Future Challenge
Areas. Applicants may make reference to these areas in their applications if they wish (e.g. to
demonstrate significance) but this will not affect the adjudication of applications and
committees will not be formed around them.
SSHRC has retained the Aboriginal Research and Research Creation categories. If you indicate
alignment with these areas, your application will likely be routed to adjudication committees
formed for that purpose (instead of the disciplinary RGs). Be sure that your research aligns with
these areas, as defined by SSHRC, before selecting them. Research Creation projects may be
adjudicated in conjunction with the Canada Council for the Arts.
3. Response to Previous Critiques: This is an optional section as there is no official memory of
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previous submissions (i.e., the committee does not see previous applications or comments on those
applications). If you respond to previous critiques, provide a thorough, well-crafted response.
Defensive or non-neutral responses raise concerns regarding the overall quality of the application.

4. Summary of Proposed Research


Tailor the summary for non-specialists in clear, plain language.
Capture the originality, importance and feasibility of the program.
Indicate clearly the problem or issue to be address and the potential contribution of the
research both in terms of the advancement of knowledge and of the wider social benefit.
Review committee members will use the summary to refresh their memory of your application.

5. Detailed Description (max. 6 pgs.)


Demonstrate the importance, originality and contribution to the advancement of knowledge.
The required sections are Objectives, Context and Methodology.
Lay out each stage of your research plan clearly.
Define all key terms or concepts.
Although the limit is six pages, do not simply end the application at the 6th page. Include a
conclusion to facilitate the quick review of key project aspects by committee members.
5.1 Objectives
Provide clear and precise objectives that are attainable within the timeframe. These objectives
are considered in the Committees evaluation of the projects feasibility. Projects that come
across as too grandiose or too limited suffered in their feasibility and challenge scores in
previous competitions. It is important to strike a balance that identifies a contribution to the
field that is feasible during the term of the grant.
Be clear about what you want to accomplish and relate to the bigger questions in the field and
of interest to external audiences (e.g., the public).
5.2 Context
Situate the research in the appropriate literature.
Demonstrate a clear theoretical or conceptual framework.
Relate your research to the bigger question, not just the focused questions -- helps reviewers
know where your research fits. It is important to answer the So what? question as to how
your research informs the broader field.
Demonstrate the potential impact of the research within or beyond academe (if appropriate).
Describe results from previous research grants. This is an important aspect of demonstrating
capability of the researcher(s).
5.3 Methodology
Demonstrate appropriateness and effectiveness of the research strategies or methodologies.
Provide clear and detailed description of both data collection and data analysis techniques.
Justify your choice of methodology including, if applicable, a rationale for your choice of sample
groups, sample sizes, comparison sites, etc.
Establish the link between the objectives, the methodology and the budget.
Provide a contingency plan if access to materials or samples may be unavailable or be limited.
You should include a timeline for the project. This is particularly important for projects
requesting a full 5 years of funding. If space is an issue, the timeline can be included in other
parts of the application (e.g., the knowledge mobilization plan).
6. Knowledge Mobilization Plan

Provide an appropriate strategy for disseminating results within the academic community
(peers through refereed journals, conferences, etc.) and the non-academic community
(practitioners, policy makers, etc.). Detail specific activities and tools (e.g., including new digital
technologies, Open Access, and plans to engage the various audiences).
Consider who is interested in your research and where would they go to find the outcomes.
Note that SSHRC now has an Open Access policy for peer-reviewed publications resulting from
SSHRC-funded research. See http://goo.gl/gVH8ox for the open access policy.

7. List of References (max. 10 pgs.) : List referenced literature referenced in conventional format.

8. Research Team, Previous Output and Student (max. 4 pgs.)


8.1 Description of the research team
If the application involves team members (co-applicants and/or collaborators), clearly explain
why a team approach is appropriate by describing the roles, expertise, detailed responsibilities,
and specific contributions of each member (including the proportion of time to be spent by each
member in light of their current commitments, and their % contribution to the project). It is
important to be specific about what each team member will be doing in the project the
evaluation committee often scrutinizes this.
Demonstrate the appropriateness of researchers for the proposed program in terms of cultural
fluency, language skills, methodological/technical training, and knowledge of research contexts.
8.2 Description of previous and ongoing research results
This section allows the applicant to provide a narrative of the longer term program of research,
expanding on the brief review included in the context section of the detailed description not
merely a list of grants received nor a restatement of your CV, but rather a narrative of how the
proposed research fits into a larger program. One may also discuss in this section any work in
progress and highlight particular publications that have been important to the development of
this project. This permits you to re-introduce major publications that fall outside the 5-year
window of the SSHRC CV.
In the case of team research, include summaries for any relevant projects undertaken by coapplicants. Note that this gives you the opportunity to expand upon the previous and potential
contributions of the previously mentioned team members.
If you have multiple grants, it is important to address how the proposed research fits or does
not fit with these grants.
8.3 Description of proposed student training strategies
Provide a plan for student training, benefitting both the students and the program of research.
This section is intended to outline the duties students will be engaged in and indicate the
contributions that will be made to the students training, e.g. students will be encouraged to
present papers at conference and/or publish.
Make sure to demonstrate adequate involvement of the student in the project. Both too little
involvement (e.g., only assisting with a literature review) and too much involvement (e.g.,
running the whole project) can be perceived as a problem.
Consult SSHRCs Guidelines for Effective Research Training for guidance on what to address in
this section, and ideas for crafting a strong training plan.
9. Funds Requested from SSHRC
SSHRC has changed the maximum grant amount for Insight Grants. The maximum grant is
$400,000 over 5 years, with an annual maximum of $100,000 in a given year.
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Cost your budget carefully. Committees may suggest minor cuts to budgets, but if perceived as
inflated you will receive low scores for feasibility. Budgets considered inflated or inadequately
justified by greater than 30% or including ineligible costs may result in your application being
rejected. Include costs associated with inflation (e.g., increases of 2-3% per year).
SSHRC no longer specifies amounts for stipends to graduate students and post-doctoral fellows.
Research assistants (graduate and undergraduate students) and postdoctoral fellow cannot be
paid both in the form of a stipend and a wages during a given year. As such, indicate how you
would like to pay your research assistants as well as how much you would like to pay them. The
current GSA agreement sets a minimum rate of $17.50 an hour for Graduate Research
Assistants with a maximum of 450 hours per academic year.
If paying by stipend, the students work should align with their thesis research. The value of a
stipend should be in line what is required to attract graduate students in your discipline. A
typical rate for a stipend is approximately $24K (including benefits).
Note that it is possible to change the form of payment from year to year. Student support should
also include funds for conferences (fees and travel money).
If you are requesting funds for a postdoctoral fellow, the University of Calgary recommends a
minimum rate of $45K per year, plus $2K per year for mandatory Plan C benefits.
Observe the Universitys travel expense guidelines for travel and subsistence expenses.
SSHRC, as part of a tri-council harmonized initiative, has adopted an Open Access Policy for
peer-reviewed journal articles arising from SSHRC-funded research that awardees must comply
with as of May 1, 2015. As such, include appropriate funds for open access fees in your budget.
See http://goo.gl/gVH8ox for the open access policy. As a no-cost alternative, you can deposit
peer-reviewed manuscripts in the UofCs institutional repository to comply with the policy,
provided you have retained these rights from your publisher.
Include any in-kind support. This is increasingly becoming important to SSHRC as a means of
demonstrating institutional support for the research.
Please pay attention to the SSHRCs list of eligible and ineligible expenses, available in Research
Services Tri-Council Guidelines (http://goo.gl/KLSPs9) and Tri-Council Financial
Administration Guide (http://goo.gl/XKWuHW). Please note that expenses for collaborators
are only permitted as they relate to the dissemination of results (e.g., conferences).
9.1 Budget Justification
The budget justification is not just a breakdown of expenses. It must justify all expenses in
terms of the needs of the research.
Justification should be presented in the categories of the Funds Requested from SSHRC screen.
All resources referred to in the methodology should be in the budget justification.
Distinguish between travel for research purposes and travel for communication purposes.
Include student hours and salary in justification, reserving what they will be doing for the
training section although you may make brief reference to their role for justification.
For supplies, stress their relation to the research.
To justify computer hardware and other non-disposable equipment requests, you must mention
these items are not accessible through the institution.
Applicants should demonstrate that there is no overlap between funding sources. If other funds
from other sources are held, those projects should be delineated from current project.
10. Exclusion of Potential Assessors (max. 1 pg.) : This page is optional and held in strict
confidence. It is not provided to external assessors or members of the adjudication committee.
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11. Intended Outcomes of Proposed Activities: Describe the potential benefits/outcomes that
could emerge from the proposed research and/or related activities in the text box.

12. Career Interruptions and Special Circumstances


If applicable, state special circumstances or career interruptions clearly and objectively.
Common examples of an interruption/delay might be a bereavement period following the death
of a loved one, maternity/parental leave, or relocation of your research environment.
Descriptions might include start and end dates, impact areas, and an explanation of the absence.
There should be evidence that the circumstance resulting in reduced productivity has ended
and that your productivity will increase.

13. Contributions to Training


Provide information on students you have trained within last six years by indicating your role
in supervising or co-supervising on-going and completed theses. Describe contributions you
made to involve students (doctoral, masters, undergrad) in your research activities.
Mention how many undergraduate students you supervised that went on to graduate studies,
received nationally competitive scholarships or moved on to successful professional practice
and how many of your graduate students now have faculty positions.
Mention if student research assistants presented at conferences, published work under your
supervision and if you mentor students to publish work or provide specific training techniques.

Who is Research-creation for?


The Insight Grants funding opportunity invites artist-researchers or teams of artists and researchers
affiliated with Canadian postsecondary institutions to apply for research grants of up to five years
duration to support projects in research-creation.
All applicants and participants must meet the eligibility criteria specific to their category as well as the
Insight programs objectives. Professional artists may participate, as research collaborators, as
consultants and/or professional service providers or participants. If artists are involved as paid
consultants or participants, the fees should be in accordance with the principal investigators
institutional requirements. Applicants should consult artists representation agencies such as the
Canadian Artists' Representation /Le Front des artistes canadiens (CARFAC), lUnion des artistes or
Actors Equity, etc. for more detailed information regarding artists fees.
Who will assess my application?
SSHRC and the Canada Council for the Arts (CCA) collaborate for the merit review of research-creation
applications. The committee that adjudicates research-creation applications is a peer review
committee that brings together researchers, artist-researchers from universities as well as independent
professional artists and arts professionals selected by the Canada Council for the Arts. The committee
is structured to ensure a representation of expert knowledge, including expertise and practices from a
broad range of fields from the research community and the artistic community, as well as providing
regional, linguistic, cultural and gender balance.
How will my application be assessed?
The SSHRC evaluation criteria Challenge, Feasibility and Capability form the basis for the merit review
selection committees decisions. Artistic merit and quality measures will be assessed according to the
established standards of the discipline and the artistic practice. The Challenge, Feasibility and
Capability evaluation criteria are not limited solely to research and can be applied to artistic merit.
What should I include in the application?
Application form, a Curriculum vitae and Support material.
What support material should I select for my application?
Support material is the equivalent of your portfolio and is mandatory. It complements and strengthens
the written grant application. Committees base their rating of artistic merit on the support material as
well as the evaluation criteria. The art works provide examples of your previous and/or current work,
and artistic development. SSHRC highly recommends that applicants submit an on-line digital portfolio.
Choose material that reflects the path of your artistic development and achievements, and shows
promise. You can include some earlier work to show the committee where you have come from
artistically but should include recent work that bears a relationship that has relevance to the grant
application.

Once the support material is ready to be submitted, make sure that the hyperlink is functional and the
website of the best possible quality. Provide the necessary information in the application forms
support material section (one-page attachment).Only links provided in the support material attachment
will be viewed during the adjudication meeting.
What should I do?
Determine if your research falls under the SSHRC mandate before submitting your proposal. Firsttime applicants might find it helpful to contact the research office of their institution or the program
officer to clarify eligibility, assessment criteria or other details.
When working with new technologies, the sciences or architecture ensure that the research falls
within the SSHRC mandate and not NSERC. The objectives and outcomes should be related to the social
sciences and the humanities. Clearly incorporate and describe the creation process and artistic output.
Verify with your research office of any ethical considerations regarding research involving humans or
involving Aboriginal Peoples.
Proposals should contain, simultaneously, a developed scholarly apparatus and an integral connection
to contemporary literary/artistic practices. A Research-Creation approach has to do with sustained,
reflective research set directly and actively within the creation process itself, not simply research
about the creation process or about literary/artistic productions, nor creative work involving minimal
scholarly investigation.
The research-creation proposal must address clear research questions, offer theoretical
contextualization within the relevant field(s) of inquiry, present a well considered methodological
approach and creation process, and produce an artwork. Both the research and the resulting
literary/artistic works must meet peer standards of excellence and be suitable for publication, public
performance or viewing.
Propose a project that meets the requirements as outlined in the definition of research-creation and
the funding opportunities guidelines. Proposals that do not meet the requirements for example, do not
involve research questions or a creation process will be considered not relevant for ResearchCreation. However, this does not render them ineligible; they will be redirected to the selected group
committee for adjudication. Applicants will be informed of the decision.
Show that your project is well thought out and can be carried out as planned. Ensure that the theory
and methodology are aligned with the objectives of the proposal, and contribute to the advancement
of the artistic practice, knowledge or the arts in general. Clearly describe how the research informs
the creation process and how the creation process is integrated and relevant to the project.
Provide relevant background information. Do not presume that the merit review selection committee
is familiar with your work or the specific terminology and peculiarities of your field of specialization.
Be concise and to the point. Do not write lengthy, vague, general statements about your proposed
project.
What are the last steps in preparing my application?
Make sure your text is free of spelling mistakes and your budget is realistic and well justified. Ensure
that your application is complete. Incomplete applications are automatically ineligible.
TIP: Ask someone who has not read your application to read it and give you constructive criticism.
Submit your application to the research office of your institution by the internal deadline.

Research Services Office


SSHRC Grant Budget Resources
Budget Resources
The following information may assist you in developing your SSHRC budget and is extracted from the SSHRC
program guides and the Tri-Agency Financial Administration Guide.
1. Personnel Costs
Definitions
Stipend Financial support given to a recipient of a training award, or provided by a grantee to
a trainee*, to support them while they are working on their research thesis and/or
gaining research experience.
Salary
Remuneration for work performed by research personnel, in accordance with
institutional employment contracts or collective agreements, where applicable.
*Trainees may range from undergraduate students, to graduate students and post-docs.
Grant funds may be used to supplement salaries or stipends paid from other sources, such as other Agency
grants and individual training awards.
Trainees may be hired as research personnel on a grant (normally on a part-time basis, i.e., hourly) and/or
be paid a stipend from a grant (in which case the work done is part of the training of the student and
constitutes the thesis or comparable academic requirement).
Stipends Graduate Students
As of September 2011, SSHRC removed limits on stipend amounts. Prior to 2011, SSHRC grant stipend rates
were $12K/$15K/$31.5K per annum for MA, PhD and post-docs respectively. While these rates are no longer
in effect, you may use them as a baseline for guidance.
Current SSHRC competitive scholarship rates are $17.5K/$20K for MA and PhD respectively. These should
therefore be considered guides for maximum amounts.
Check with your Faculty or Department for stipend rates there are no University-wide regulations, but
some units have minimum stipend requirements.
If your Faculty or Department do not have minimum stipend requirements, for general guidance:
If the student has other support (e.g. TA-ship) request a minimum:
o $7K/year for a Masters student
o $12K/year for a doctoral student
If requesting full support, and the student work on the project is directly connected to their thesis research
project:
o $12K to $17.5K/year for MA
o $15K to $20K/year for PhD
These rates are in line with the amounts previously set by SSHRC (before 2011) with an upper limit
consistent with current competitive scholarships offered by SSHRC. You may offer different rates as justified
by skill requirements or department/faculty/discipline standards.
Salaries Undergraduate, Graduate, Post-doctoral, and non-student employee
When students are paid by wage, the amounts should be determined in accordance with the university's
collective agreement or policy. Consult you Faculty HR Advisor for appropriate rates. Be sure to include
benefits if applicable.
A) Undergraduate students
o Typically hired on a casual, hourly basis
Updated July 2014

Research Services Office


SSHRC Grant Budget Resources
o
o
o

Should be paid as Phase 1 of the appropriate AUPE job family classification


Budget for 10.4% benefits (consists of 4.4% stat and 6.0% vacation pay out)
Student casual employees may work a maximum of 22.5 hours per week (except summer and
Christmas breaks).
o As general guidance, $16.50 - $20.00/hr is typical
B) Graduate students
o When hired as Research Assistants (i.e. the work on the project does not comprise their thesis
research project), they are hired as Graduate Assistants Research
o Minimum hourly rate, according to new GSA collective agreement, is $17.50/hour
o You may pay higher rates as justified by skill requirements or department/faculty/discipline
standards. As general guidance, $20-$25/hr is typical
o Budget for 7.5% on top of wage for employer-paid deductions
o Graduate Assistants may work up to 450 hours in an academic year (12 hrs/week typical)
o Consult GSA collective agreement for further details
C) Post-doctoral Fellows
o Support for post-doctoral fellows is limited to two years.
o The UofC recommends a minimum rate of $45K per year minimum for postdoctoral fellows, plus
$2K for Plan C benefits.
D) Research Personnel Employees (AUPE) Research Assistants, Research Associates, Research
Coordinators, Lab Technicians, etc.
o See the job templates and salary guidelines provided by U of C HR
o Benefit rates for full-time AUPE employees are 24.5%, part-time 17.5%
o There is a benefit calculator on the HR web page to assist researchers with benefit rates based
on salary levels.
o Jobs must be classified and posted through HR

Other compensation-related eligible costs include:


Consulting fees.
Fees paid to research participants, such as modest incentives for participation,
where approved by a Research Ethics Board.
Subcontract costs.
Clerical salaries directly related to dissemination activities, including manuscript
preparation.
Honoraria for guest lecturers.
Some SSHRC programs allow Salary Research Allowances for eligible coapplicants from Canadian non-profit organizations. Some SSHRC programs allow
salaries for Project Coordinators.
Ineligible costs include:
Any part of the salary, or consulting fee, to the grantee or to other persons
whose status would make them eligible to apply for grants.
Administrative (or management) charges and fees.
Compensation-related benefits to recipients of stipends.
Discretionary severance and separation packages.

Updated July 2014

Research Services Office


SSHRC Grant Budget Resources
2. Travel and subsistence costs
Separate your travel and subsistence costs into those required for research, and those required for
dissemination activities (e.g. conference attendance).
Note that with the exception of certain travel- and subsistence-related expenses (e.g. to attend
conferences to disseminate research results), SSHRC does not cover expenses that research
collaborators incur in the conduct of research or research-related activity.
Subsistence costs must be based on rates approved by the applicant's institution.
Current (2013) mileage rate for travel in a personal vehicle is $0.46/km
Per diem rates are currently $45/person/day within Canada and $63/person/day outside of Canada.
Consult the U of C Travel Handbook for further information, and updates to rates
Eligible costs include:
Air travel must be claimed at the lowest rate available, not to exceed full economy fare.
Travel cancellation insurance and seat reservations charges
Travel health insurance for research personnel who do not receive any such benefits from their
institution and/or other sources.
Safety-related expenses for field work, e.g. protective gear, immunizations, etc.
Entry visa fee (for grantees and/or research personnel) when required for the purpose of research.
Some child care expenses while a nursing mother or single parent is travelling (consult TAFAG)
Collaborators may claim travel and subsistence expenses related to research planning and exchange of
information with the grantee or for the dissemination of research results
Ineligible costs include:
Commuting costs of grantees and associated research personnel between their residence and place of
employment, or between two places of employment.
Passport and immigration fees.
Costs associated with thesis examination/defence, including external examiner costs.
Reimbursement for airfare purchased with personal frequent flyer points programs.
3. Other Expenses
Supplies
You may include supply items (e.g., software, stationery, postage, telephone calls) only if they relate
directly to the research. See attached table for additional information.
Non-disposable equipment Computer hardware or other
Purchase or rental of computers and associated hardware or other equipment (e.g., audio or video
equipment) is allowable only if these are not accessible through the university or employer.
Eligible costs include:
Computers, tablets, modems, emerging technology and other hardware and/or specialized software
required for the research not normally provided by the institution, and with adequate justification.
Monthly charges for the use of the Internet from the institution or the home, only when this service is
required for the purpose of research and not normally provided by the institution free of charge.
Cellular phones or smartphone devices when they are necessary for data collection, and/or personnel
safety reasons with adequate justification.
Monthly plan fees for electronic devices when being used for the research purposes (e.g. data
collection), and/or for personal safety reasons only.
Updated July 2014

Research Services Office


SSHRC Grant Budget Resources
Ineligible costs include:
Standard monthly connection or rental costs of telephones.
Connection or installation of lines (telephone or other links).
Voice mail
Library acquisitions, computer and other information services provided to all members of an Institution.
Other: Dissemination Costs, Services, and Miscellaneous expenses
Eligible costs include:
Costs of developing web-based information, including website maintenance fees
Costs associated with the dissemination of findings, i.e., through traditional venues as well as videos, CD.
Page charges for articles published, including costs associated with ensuring open access to the findings
(e.g., costs of publishing in an open access journal or making a journal article open access).
Costs of preparing a research manuscript for publication.
Translation costs associated with dissemination of findings.
Costs of holding a workshop or seminar, the activities of which relate directly to the funded research
(including non-alcoholic refreshments or meal costs).
Recruiting costs for research personnel, such as advertising and airfare for candidates, etc.
Costs for the purchase of books or periodicals, specialized office supplies, computing equipment and
information services not formally provided by the institution to all its academic and research staff.
Costs involved in providing personnel with training and/or development in novel techniques required for
the conduct of the research project.
Specialized courses with adequate justification.
Hospitality costs (non-alcoholic refreshments or meals) for networking purposes in the context of formal
courtesy between the grantee and guest researchers and research-related activities in the context of
assemblies that facilitate and contribute to the achievement of the research objectives (e.g., grantee
meeting with partners, stakeholders, guest researchers).
Costs of membership in professional associations or scientific societies if necessary for the research
Monthly parking fees for vehicles specifically required for field work and only for month(s) when field
work was conducted.
Ineligible costs include:
Costs of alcohol.
Costs of entertainment, hospitality and gifts, other than those specified above
Costs related to staff awards and recognition.
Education-related costs such as thesis preparation, tuition and course fees, leading up to a degree.
Costs related to professional training or development, such as computer and language training.
Costs involved in the preparation of teaching materials.
Costs of basic services such as heat, light, water, compressed air, distilled water, vacuums and janitorial
services supplied to all laboratories in a research facility.
Insurance costs for buildings or equipment.
Costs associated with regulatory compliance, including ethical review, biohazard or radiation safety,
environmental assessments, or provincial or municipal regulations and by-laws.
Monthly parking fees for vehicles, unless specifically required for field work.
Sales taxes to which an exemption or rebate applies.
Costs of regular clothing.
Patenting expenses.
Costs of moving a lab.
Updated July 2014

Research Services Office


SSHRC Grant Budget Resources

Updated July 2014

KNOWLEDGE MOBILIZATION PLAN


Knowledge mobilization includes products, processes and relationships among researchers,
knowledge users, policy makers, etc.

Knowledge
Mobilization

What do you
want to do with
your research?

What kind of
change you are
hoping to bring
about?
Types of KM

Curiosity-based KM Researcher develops and implements a plan for making knowledge users
aware of the knowledge generated.
Problem-based KM: partners in research process: participatory/collaborative approach that is
action oriented.

Choose Your Audience


Think carefully who they are. Focus on actionable messages from your research rather than individual
findings

Audience engagement
Active versus passive engagement

Audience Outreach Tools/Methods:


publication, presentations, workshops, websites and social media, training, classroom,
community

Goals to generate:

Awareness
Interest
Policy change
Policy action
Behavior change
Inform research
Gain knowledge

Products

Tools
Documents: Policy briefs, reports, publications (professional and academic venues)
Presentations: public, academic, community lectures, webinars, workshops, training sessions
Media: Press releases, media articles, radio programmes, TV (interviews), opinion pieces
Networking and expertise sharing: advisory committee, e-bulletins, social media, online fora,
testifying/serving as an expert, networking event

Evaluate Impact

What is your research outcome? Choose outcome measures that match the context of your
target audience.
Who is your audience and why them? In what setting and context will the target audience apply
your research?
How do you reach them?
Existing contacts, communities of practice,
Evaluate impact of the activities

Sources:
Building Knowledge mobilization plans.
KNAER. http://www.edu.uwo.ca/research/documents/Info_Sheets_Building_KM_Plans.pdf
Writing your knowledge mobilization plan. Shawna Reibling, Wilfrid Laurier
University. http://www.slideshare.net/sreibling/how-to-write-a-knowledge-mobilization-plan
Building a Knowledge mobilization strategy for research projects. Michael Johnny, University of
York. http://www.slideshare.net/KMbYork/building-a-knowledge-mobilization-strategy

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