my.ryerson.ca

Office of Research Services (ORS)

Grant Applications

As a faculty member interested in information on potential funders, you should first contact Daphne Paszterko (Social Sciences and Humanities projects), Susan Haggis (Physical and Life Sciences) or Paul McArthur (Institutional applications and Infrastructure Programs) with a brief synopsis of the SRC activity you envisage. After some discussion to clarify the synopsis, they will assist you by accessing the Community of Science database, consulting the Canadian Directory to Foundations or other materials to identify possible sources of funding. The list of sources and their requirements/focus may indicate a change in emphasis in the proposed activity. The final identification of the most appropriate source(s) and the thrust of the work may take considerable time and interaction, and may require contacting the sponsors for more specific information.

In the application preparation stage, you will be given all the necessary forms and instructions for completion. Due to the high degree of competition for funding across Canada, the granting councils and other sources tend to be exacting with regard to the form and completeness of the application as well as adherence to all published guidelines. They will guide you through the process with these things in mind, and will share with you any information we may have obtained on the expectations of the grant selection committees. They will also assist you with editing the application and constructing an appropriate budget; and will advise on whether an ethics review may be required, and if so, how to proceed.

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. Otherwise, we may not be able to process your application in time for submission. Under no circumstances will the granting councils extend submission deadlines.

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 Ryerson research policy.

In addition to the advantages of the experience and knowledge at ORS, this approach allows you to deal with the research content in an unencumbered way. It is often very difficult to maintain credibility as an authority in the field while negotiating ownership rights and contract budgets, and ensuring compliance with University policy. Therefore, these matters should be worked out with ORS in cooperation with you, the researcher.

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.

Click here to see information on: