GPLL435 - Funding-related research proposals in the natural sciences, engineering, and health

Description

This workshop will help students to improve their draft research proposals for scholarship applications, many of which are due in the coming weeks. In this class, we will focus on applications to the major federal and provincial agencies providing scholarships in research sectors related to natural sciences and engineering (NSERC, FRQNT), as well as health (CIHR, FRQS). A brief overview of general strategies and tips regarding the research proposals, will be followed by breakout groups where students will discuss and brainstorm their emerging proposals.

In addition to having an outline of their own proposed research prepared before class, students will also be entrusted with the chance to discuss the work of others. Some of this will be done within the workshop setting, while some amount of “homework” will need to be exchanged by email in the days following this meeting. This exchange of feedback (peer-review) between students is expected to unfold in a respectful, confidential, and constructive way.

***Notes: Students are ultimately responsible for ensuring their own applications conform to the instructions and standards laid out on by each agency for the specific funding program( s) they select. Peer-review can be an excellent source of constructive criticism, but it is the responsibility of the individual author to decide which feedback to use.***

Learning Objectives

After attending this workshop, participants will be have gained:
1. Common strategies when drafting a competitive research proposal;
2. How to provide and receive courteous and constructive peer-review;
3. A small group of least 2-3 other students, with whom peer-review can be exchanged.
a. It is important to realize that you will not only receive feedback on your own draft, but also be expected to provide feedback on the work of others.

Leaders Information

Sylvie Ouellette is a PhD candidate in the Chemistry and Biochemistry department at Concordia. Prior to her studies in science, she had obtained a degree in Journalism, after which she spent many years working in scientific communications. Her work has been published in books and magazines, as well as in multimedia and on educational websites. She has obtained numerous competitive awards, bursaries and grants, both for her research (NSERC, FRQNT) as well as for her fiction work (Canada Council for the Arts). Positioning herself as a knowledge broker, Sylvie aims to write about science for a general audience as she seeks to bridge research and the media.