Research policies and guidelines

Funds must be used within one year from the end date of the position’s term. Extensions to this period will normally be granted for maternity, parental or sick leaves and will only be for the duration of the leave. Any spending requests outside of Tri-Agency guidelines or extension of term beyond one year (which does not meet the extension guidelines in the above paragraph) must be made to the Vice-President (Research and International), with a full explanation of why funds could not be used during the term and an additional one year. Such extensions will be granted only in truly exceptional circumstances such as family emergencies or exceptional obligations which prevented the pursuit of a research program within the timeframe.

Research funds for eligible Endowed Chairs or Professors must be used by the end date of the position’s term. Extensions to this period will normally be granted for maternity, parental, or sick leaves and will only be for the duration of the leave.

Any spending requests outside of the Tri-Agency guidelines or extension of term (which does not meet the extension guidelines in the above paragraph) must be made by Associate Dean (Research) to the Vice-President (Research and International), with a full explanation of why research funds could not be used within the term. Such extensions will be granted only in truly exceptional circumstances such as family emergencies or exceptional obligations which prevented the pursuit of a research program within the timeframe.

Externally-Funded Research Chairs Support

Available for new faculty members in a tenure or probationary tenure-track position (contingent, term or lecturer positions are ineligible for Office of the Vice-President Research and International (VPRI) matching support). The intent is to start a successful program of research, scholarly work and creative activities and its research-related expenses effectively.

Research start-up funds are effective for five (5) years from the new faculty member’s Letter of Offer start date.

• Researchers must ensure there are no commitments beyond the end date of their startup
• Any remaining balances automatically go back to the Faculty and the VPRI to support other research initiatives
• Extensions granted are only due to maternity, parental, medical or family medical leaves.

General rules of eligible expenses follow the applicable Tri-Agency guidelines to conduct responsible research activities. Some examples include:

• Costs associated with setting up a lab
• Purchase research equipment
• Hire a research assistant(s), research associate(s), graduate student(s), postdoctoral fellow(s)
• Pay research assistance to students using the Scholarship, Fellowship & Bursary Form under the category Research Grant for Research Purposes
• Invite Visiting Researcher(s) to develop research collaborations
• Attend conferences related to research
• Visiting other research laboratories/sites to develop collaborations
• Computer equipment required for specific research activities including dual use items (e.g., camera), if justified.