CIHR: Master’s Level (CGSM) “Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships” 2015 Dr. Patricia MacKenzie Associate Professor, School of Social Work patmack@uvic.ca

CIHR Research Themes Biomedical Clinical Health systems services Social, cultural, environmental and population health

CIHR Funding is for: all areas of health research, including biomedical, clinical, health services and policy, and social, cultural, environmental and population health. GOAL – The Canada Graduate Scholarships Master's Awards are intended to provide special recognition and support to students who are pursuing a Master's degree in a health related field at a Canadian institution. These candidates are expected to have an exceptionally high potential for future research achievement and productivity.

CIHR Research Institutes CIHR Institute of Aboriginal Peoples’ Health CIHR Institute of Aging CIHR Institute of Cancer Research CIHR Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health CIHR Institute of Gender and Health CIHR Institute of Genetics CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research CIHR Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction CIHR Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes CIHR Institute of Population and Public Health

CIHR’s health and health system research priorities for 2014-15 to 2018-19 Research Priority A: Enhanced patient experiences and outcomes through health innovation This research priority focuses on accelerating the discovery, development, evaluation and integration of health innovations into practice so that patients receive the right treatments at the right time. Research Priority B: Health and wellness for Aboriginal peoples This research priority focuses on supporting the health and wellness goals of Aboriginal peoples through shared research leadership and the establishment of culturally sensitive policies and interventions. Research Priority C: A healthier future through preventive action This research priority focuses on a proactive approach to understanding and addressing the causes of ill health, and on supporting physical and mental wellness at the individual, population and system levels. Research Priority D: Improved quality of life for persons living with chronic conditions This research priority focuses on understanding multiple, co-existing chronic conditions, and on supporting integrated solutions that enable Canadians to continue to participate actively in society.

In the past applications could be declined based on subject matter eligibility if a student applied to the “wrong” Council;…… In the harmonized system “every complete application will be reviewed and any questions about subject matter eligibility will be resolved by the university”. This means that: Every application will find a home and the application will be considered by the relevant Council.

CGSM Harmonization Applicants submit a single online application, and can choose to have their application considered by up to five universities Applicants upload transcripts to the online application the deadline for applicants to submit their application online is December 1, 2015 http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students- Etudiants/CGSHarmonization- HarmonizationBESC_eng.asp

Funds Available Eligible Canadian institutions receive a CGS M allocation indicating the number of students to whom they can offer scholarships. These allocations are divided by broad fields of study: health, natural sciences and/or engineering, and social sciences and/or humanities. Trainee stipend: $17,500 for one year. This funding is non-renewable NOTE: only candidates applying for support to pursue their first graduate degree (i.e., Master's or Ph.D.) meet this aspect of the program's requirement. All previous studies at the graduate level, regardless of discipline, either course-based or research-based, will be included to determine eligibility. Awards must be held at the university where the offer of award originates. Awards are not intended to be portable between universities; however exceptions may be made in extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the host university, according to the academic and administrative regulations of the host university.

Which Tri-Council? Applications to SSHRC must meet the following criteria: The program of research must be primarily in the social sciences and humanities (i.e., aligned with the SSHRC mandate and; The intended outcome of the research must primarily be to add to our understanding and knowledge of individuals, groups, and societies - what we think, how we live and how we interact with each other and the world around us. Applications to NSERC must meet the following criteria: The program of research must be primarily in the natural sciences and engineering; The intended objectives of the research must be, primarily, to advance knowledge in one of the natural sciences or in engineering. Applications to CIHR must meet the following criteria: The intended outcomes of the research must, primarily improve or have an impact on health and/or produce more effective health services and products and/or strengthen the Canadian health care system.

Guidelines for the Eligibility of Applications in Psychology In addition to the above mentioned guidelines for research related to health, applicants should consider the following guidelines in their decision to apply to a federal granting agency if their research is in the field of psychology: SSHRC considers eligible applications within the broad areas of social, industrial, developmental, personality and educational psychology. SSHRC also considers eligible proposals related to theory and methods in these areas. SSHRC does not support clinically-oriented research, with a health intent or research involving clinical trials.  NSERC considers eligible applications that relate to fundamental psychological processes, their underlying neural mechanisms, their development within individuals, and their evolutionary and ecological context. Fundamental processes are understood to include: Sensation and perception; Sensorimotor integration; Motivation, emotion and reward; Learning and memory; Cognition and language; Sleep, arousal and the chronobiological modulation of behaviour; and, Statistical methods for analysis of psychological data. NSERC does not support clinically-oriented research. CIHR supports all research in psychology that has direct relevance to or ultimate impact on human health.

Adjudication Procedures Applications for Master’s funding are first reviewed and ranked by the Review Committee here at UVic, which oversees a university-wide adjudication of all nominated applications. Adjudication committees composed of UVic faculty members review and rank nominated applications and select which applications will be offered CIHR CGSM awards. The first round of award offers will be made on or before April 1, 2016.

Eligibility You must: 1. be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada; 2. Be enrolled in, or intend to apply for full-time admission* to an eligible graduate program at a Canadian university with a CGS M allocation; 3. Usually, have completed, as of December 31 of the year of application, between zero and 12 months of full-time studies (or full-time equivalent) in the master’s program for which you are requesting funding. Other regulations state that You not have previously held a CGS M; You have achieved a first-class average, as determined by the host university, in the last two completed years of study (full-time equivalent); and You submit a maximum of one CGS M application per year (the Research Portal will allow the application to be submitted to up to five universities) following the exact proideures and on time

Furthermore…… Your graduate program must have a significant research component. A significant research component is considered to be original, autonomous research that leads to the completion of a thesis, major research project, dissertation, scholarly publication, performance, recital and/or exhibit that is merit/expert reviewed at the institutional level as a requirement for completion of the program. Master’s programs that are based only on course work are not eligible since they do not include a significant research component.

Review Procedures The Faculty of Graduate Studies (or equivalent) at each Canadian university is responsible for coordinating the selection process for the CGS M applications, and for communicating the results to the applicants and agencies. The university selection committees evaluate each CGS M application. The UVic allotment is 6.

Evaluative Criteria 50% Achievements and Plans of the Candidate (including research experience and academic performance Indicators of Academic Excellence: Academic record (first class average) Scholarships and awards held Duration of previous studies Type of program and courses pursued & Course load

Evaluative Criteria Cont’d Characteristics and Abilities of the Candidate (30%) Indicators of Research Potential: Quality and originality of contributions to research and development Relevance of work experience and academic training to field of proposed research Significance, feasibility and merit of proposed research Judgment and ability to think critically Ability to apply skills and knowledge Initiative, autonomy and independence Research experience and achievements relative to expectations of someone with the candidate’s academic experience

Evaluative Criteria cont’d Personal Characteristics and Interpersonal Skills (20%) Work experience Leadership experience Project management including organizing conferences and meetings The ability or potential to communicate theoretical, technical and/or scientific concepts clearly and logically in written and oral formats Involvement in academic life Volunteerism/community outreach

RESEARCH TRAINING ENVIRONMENT How will the proposed training environment provides the intellectual challenge and resources required for you to achieve your training goals.? In addition to evaluating your research proposal and personal attributes, the panel may consider the following questions: Is the training environment one in which the candidate will be inspired and challenged? The research supervisor's scientific productivity and impact (i.e., publication record, significant contributions to research, honours and awards) may be assessed. Are there adequate resources in the training environment to enhance the scientific development of the candidate? The adequacy of peer-reviewed research funding secured by the research supervisor will be considered, bearing in mind that availability of funding varies among disciplines. What is the likelihood that the candidate will be inspired to continue on in research?

Applying for the Canada Graduate Scholarship Masters (CGS-M) Students apply through the Research Portal which is accessed via the NSERC website. It will look something like this:

Application process - The application is done electronically through the Research Portal which is accessed on the NSERC site In addition to the application students must complete the Canada Graduate Scholarship – Masters Canadian Common CV (CGS-M CCV) which you will be required to upload as part of your application http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students- Etudiants/CGSHarmonization- HarmonizationBESC_eng.asp

Canadian Common CV (CGSM – CCV) Creating the CCV instructions are available through the NSERC website TIPS Before you begin creating your CGSM CCV read through the instructions; you may also want to print them or have them available on another tab as you complete the CGSM CCV Your CGSM CCV is intended to be a progressive document that you can add information to as you progress through your education and into your career.

Presentation Standards for the CGS-M application You will be responsible for submitting an application that conforms the to following presentation standards (this will be available online): Include your name in the page header (on every page). For multipage attachments, number the pages sequentially. The maximum number of pages permitted is indicated in each section of the application. Pages in excess of the number permitted will be removed. If you have supporting documents written in a language other than English or French, you must provide a translation of the document in English or French. All attachments must be in PDF format before they can be attached to the electronic application. NOTE “Incomplete applications will be rejected, and applications that do not meet presentation standards may be rejected or at a disadvantage,”

Presentation Standards for the CGS-M application NOTE: The instructions indicate that you have one page maximum for your research proposal and one page for citations; don’t be confused by the text on the application which might seem like you have two pages for your research proposal

The details follow instructions exactly adhere to format guidelines (e.g., font, page limits) applications MUST be completed using the media specified in the funding opportunity use the full page allowances familiarize yourself with the Guide for Reviewers start several weeks before the deadline – right now!

Working with your UVic Grantscrafter Not a guarantee that you will get the grant! Application material, ideas and discussion will remain confidential Positive criticism Technicalities not addressed

Sponsor Letters are very, very important – choose wisely Planning for Success Grades matter! Sponsor Letters are very, very important – choose wisely Emphasize publications, research experience, professional experience A strong training environment where you will get exposure to research and have research networking and mentoring opportunities is essential Consult the Peer Review guide for each program on our website for detailed breakdown of the review criteria for the particular funding program.

Context and Support Matters! work on the research proposal and the full application in collaboration with your supervisor/mentor proofread your application … carefully! show the complete application to their supervisor/mentor, peers and other researchers for feedback Be prepared to produce multiple drafts If you can, set up an internal review system – other students who have been successful, other applicants, profs, etc. Even if not successful you will produce a draft of your thesis proposal so think positive

The “Narrative” A well-laid out proposal says to a committee “this person knows what they are talking about and they have taken as much care with their proposal as we are now doing.” Reviewers are busy people and have many proposals to read. Make yours one they will want to read! Ensure you convey what you are proposing is relevant, unique, and will benefit the health of Canadians

General Tips Problematize your research more specifically in terms of what you want to achieve, and pay special attention to defining the parameters Locate your research in the existing discourse, clarifying how you will engage and modify its current form Identify the most relevant theory, and methodology where appropriate Explain your approach to understanding the research problem both analytically and practically Clarify your terminology in relation to the theoretical and scholarly literature Chart how you will undertake the research, particularly your strategy for study and writing Justify your choice of supervisors with respect to your research Estimate the contribution your research will make to the field, with respect to material and critical outcomes Place the research within your longer term academic goals Write for meaning not effect, remembering that complex ideas and information can be articulated as effectively through simpler vocabulary and articulate syntax AND remember that adjudicators value concise grant applications AND…..... Allow plenty of time for preparation and for review!

Think about the ‘audience’ Assessors may have the kind of specialized knowledge you need, but a committee will not. Provide a rapid introduction for intelligent non-specialists. Provide appropriate (and recent!) references.

Provide Information Clearly Committees are not only not infallible and tired, they are also starting with imperfect information about you and your institution. Give them the information you know is essential to your case, straightforwardly and succinctly.

Critiques If you are critiquing existing models or approaches in the literature, do so lucidly, without partisanship, and demonstrate clearly why your approach is better. Be precise.

Tips for Soliciting Great Scholarship Reference Letters Probably the most overlooked part of the application process. All applicants being considered for a competitive scholarship program are already first class, so the letters can help to distinguish you from a pack of outstanding applicants by highlighting your uniqueness! Choose your referees wisely. You have more control over this part of the process than you think. Think of the reference letter as an integral part of the scholarship application package that will present an accurate and complete picture of your achievements and research potential. Your referees should be familiar not only with your academic abilities, but also with your personal interests and background and how those relate to and enhance your ability to carry out the proposed research Provide your referees all the information they need to write a strong letter. The more information a referee has to draw from, the better the case for support he/she can make for you. And as an added bonus, discussion around your research proposal can help you clarify your own goals and objectives for the project. Supply a referee with the following information: your CV; your proposed course of study and area of research; a comprehensive draft of your research proposal; your academic record; and a personal statement that includes career goals, interests, and extracurricular activities. Finally, it is vital that the referee knows the selection criteria and weighting (if applicable) for the scholarship, the required format and length for the reference letter, where to send it, and the deadline for submission. Always follow up to ensure the letters have been submitted and acknowledge the referee’s support. Ask that the adjudication criteria be specifically addressed in the reference letter. (Refer to the Selection Criteria on reverse.) Relating your achievements, skills, and research directly to the adjudication criteria strengthens your case for support. Ideally, a reference letter should specifically address your academic excellence, research potential, publication record, oral and written communication skills, and your interpersonal and leadership abilities. A referee should be able to support his/her claims with specific, concrete evidence and comment on your academic achievements in order to indicate your research potential. A reference letter also provides an opportunity to emphasize extraordinary achievements in light of where you are in your program and your research career. To assist your referee, provide information to highlight these relationships.

Be Bold! What gives you the edge over others being considered? What makes you memorable? Adjudication committees look for the extra excellence of a student when considering their evaluations. Unique qualities and skills, such as communication and leadership abilities, can be demonstrated through participation in extracurricular and community activities, and volunteer service. Most committees look at what you have already accomplished, but even more so, your potential to accomplish more in the future.

Arrange your own peer ‘preview’ Ask a friend who is not overly familiar with your research to read your proposal some day/evening when he/she is tired and see if it makes sense. Then ask your friend to tell you which bits are confusing, or that had to be read twice. Then sit down again and work on getting rid of the jargon, or the long sentences, or . . .

Final Observations Grant competitions are still going to be, on occasion, unfair. After one rejection, do not despair. . . or at least, not for long. There will be comments that come with the decision. Take the advice that makes sense to you; ponder the rest, and then accept or reject it.

Summary Five Steps Get going on the Common CV Find your Referees and get them committed Assemble your application Submit your application Await notification of decision

Where to now? How do I remember all this information? All the information presented today will be available on the Faculty of Graduate Studies website under External awards and fellowships http://www.uvic.ca/graduatestudies/finances/financialaid/externala wards/ Questions about the CGS-M Application or Masters CCV application process?? Faculty of Graduate Studies Scholarship Officers: Yvonne Rondeau: scholoff@uvic.ca

Contact Info Dr. Patricia MacKenzie patmack@uvic.ca 250-472-4698**

Thank You Questions?