Sponsor

The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) (DRI) 

Program

DRI EDIA Champions Pilot Program

For More Information

Visit the DRI EDIA Champions: New funding opportunity to advance EDIA in DRI webpage.  [1]

Description

The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (the Alliance) is pleased to launch the DRI EDIA Champions pilot program call for proposals, a $3.15 million funding opportunity to support a new equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) initiative. This opportunity aims to increase awareness and uptake of the Alliance’s digital research infrastructure (DRI) by equity-seeking groups. Equitable access to tools like those found within the Alliance DRI can empower researchers to lead, share knowledge and drive discovery. This, in turn, strengthens the Canadian research ecosystem by expanding the pool of DRI-informed researchers. This project is part of the Alliance’s 2023–25 digital research infrastructure (DRI) investments, with the goal of increasing awareness and uptake of the Alliance’s DRI by equity-seeking groups.

Eligibility

This call for proposals is open to graduate or post-graduate researchers who are affiliated with an eligible institution and will propose a project to promote the awareness and uptake of Alliance DRI to an equity-seeking audience.

Equity-seeking includes:

• First-generation post-secondary students
• Geographically isolated
• Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis)
• Members of 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities
• Members of racialized groups
• Neurodiverse
• Persons living with a visible or invisible disability
• Women

 To be eligible, an applicant must meet one of the following criteria:

• A graduate or post-graduate researcher enrolled at a Canadian university; or
• A student enrolled at a Canadian college, CÉGEP, institute or polytechnic engaged in applied research with industry or community partners.

Self-identify as one of the following:

• A member of an equity-seeking group; and/or
• An individual with relevant expertise in EDIA and a well-thought-out strategy to reach an equity-seeking group.
• Be affiliated with an eligible Canadian institution and must maintain such an affiliation for the duration of the grant period.
• Identify a mentor from their institution or identified community who agrees to provide support with the EDIA aspect of the project. The mentor may also provide support with facilitation of other aspects of the project. The mentor may be a colleague or other appropriate individual; it is not required that the mentor be the applicant’s supervisor.
• Submit only one application; multiple applications will not be accepted.

 Applicants are not required to hold Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status.

For more information on eligibility, including eligible Canadian institutions, projects, expenses and more, please reference the Call for Proposals [2].

Funding Availability

The funding envelope ($3.15 million CAD) will provide up to $35,000 CAD per applicant who will take on the role of ​DRI EDIA Champion. The DRI EDIA Champion pilot project provides funds that are to be used primarily for stipends; $27,000 is available for stipend, up to $5,000 for project costs and up to $3,000 for travel.

How to Apply

Applications will be accepted in both official languages (English and French) through the Alliance’s online application system [3]. Those needing accommodation or assistance are asked to email programs-programmes@alliancecan.ca [4].

Applicants must complete the application form in accordance with the guidelines set out in the Call for Proposals and with the instructions in the application form.