Office of Research Services (ORS)

Getting Started

One of the first questions that comes up when developing a new research program or project is "Where can I find funding to support this idea?" The Office of Research Services (ORS) is dedicated to assisting Ryerson faculty in the search for and development of proposals for external research sponsors. As a first step faculty members are encouraged to contact ORS with a brief synopsis of the SRC activity you envisage. ORS staff members have extensive experience with granting council programs. We will also access other services such as the Community of Science funding opportunities database or the Canadian Directory to Foundations or other materials to identify the most promising source of funding.

Proposal Development
When you are ready to prepare an application ORS will provide you with all the necessary forms and instructions for completion or direct you to the appropriate URL for on-line applications. We will continue to assist you with the application process and provide an administrative review of the application. After completion of the application, ORS will obtain the appropriate signature on behalf of the University. The principal investigator is responsible for obtaining departmental signatures, as required. ORS may provide photocopying and courier services when time permits. With respect to those funding sources that have application deadlines, it is extremely important to submit applications/proposals for review and signature 1 week before the sponsor deadline in order to provide sufficient time for review, feedback and signature.

Contract Negotiations
Prior to or immediately following the initial contact between a faculty member and a potential sponsor, the faculty member should seek the advice and assistance of ORS before making any verbal commitments on contractual matters. ORS will then cooperate with you, the faculty member, to negotiate a contract that will satisfy the research requirements in a manner which recognizes your rights and needs while complying with the University's research policies. With respect to industrial contracts, ORS can determine at an early stage: whether there is an opportunity to secure government matching funds; how to draft the contract with the company so as to maximize the chances of success of the grant application; and how to draft the grant budget to the benefit of the company as the corporate partner. The prospect of a matching grant is often an effective bargaining tool in dealing with the company. ORS will also counsel company personnel in completing the corporate part of the application, and any other documentation that may be required from them.

Ethics - Human Subjects & Animals
Should your research whether funded or unfunded involve human subjects (this includes interviews, questionnaires, observations of behaviour, use of non-public records that contain identifying information, administration of drugs, blood samples, tissue samples, tests, or other procedures) then you must have an approved protocol in place before commencing research activities. Similar procedures govern the use of animals in research. All research involving the use of animals must be approved by the Animal Care Committee. Detailed information on obtaining an approval for an ethical protocol can be found in the Ethics & Integrity section of this website.

Biohazards, Radioactive Materials & Environmental Impact Assessment
All research involving biohazards, radioactive materials or activities that would be subject to an environmental impact assessment must obtain approval before commencing research. Further information is available in the section

Administration
ORS will also assist you in the management of your research grants/contracts. The Office will establish a research account for you once all the required paperwork has been completed. While primary responsibility for fulfillment of the sponsor's and the University's fiduciary and research requirements resides with the PI, ORS will review expenditures for compliance. ORS will provide financial reporting for your research grants/contracts as required, including monthly financial reports. Further information may be found in the section Project Administration.