Research & Innovation Services

Preamble and Purpose

The Parkland Institute Faculty Research Award (PIFRA) aims to support small-scale research by University of Lethbridge faculty and their research teams, including students, in areas of public policy. The grant may be part of a larger project that includes colleagues at the U of L or elsewhere.

Eligibility

The Principal Investigator (PI) must be on the faculty of the University of Lethbridge and be a supporter of the Parkland Institute. 

Value and Duration 

 The value of the award is $5,000. The usual term of an award is eighteen months or less, in accordance with the applicant's request. Requests for extensions should be submitted to Parkland Institute’s Research Director. The total term, including any extension, may not normally exceed twenty-four months.

Application Procedure

Single or multiple applicants may submit only one application per competition.

Create a .PDF document which includes all the following components of the application: 

1. Abstract should include a succinct description of the research written for an intelligent reader who is relatively uninformed in the field of study.

·         Define the scope and limitations of the project.

·         Comment on the potential public policy significance of the study to the Parkland   Institute, the discipline, researcher, and/or Alberta and Canada at large.

2. Detailed Description should describe the proposed research in a narrative style with headings for the sake of clarity. The detailed description must not exceed four pages and must address the following points:

·         Objectives: Define the problem to be researched clearly and concisely, providing any background information essential to understanding the importance of the work.

·         Significance: Include a statement of the potential significance, future use, relevance or application of the results.

·         Theory and Methodology: State the theoretical framework, the choice of methodology, the types of data to be collected, and the means of analysis to be employed.

·         Resources: Indicate the resources required, personnel, facilities, equipment, materials, etc., with particular emphasis on those included in the budget.

·         Implementation: State what is to be done, by whom (the researchers or other personnel), how, and when. For applications submitted by multiple applicants, indicate the role of each applicant in the proposed research.

·         Dissemination: Parkland will assist with dissemination of reports, but the applicant should provide any additional plans for dissemination (e.g., conferences).

·         References: Include, where appropriate, references to similar or related work. If the field is largely untouched, this should be indicated.

3. Publications and Prior Research: The Principle Investigator must provide a short CV (no more than four pages) listing education, recent relevant publications, and prior research activity. Other members of the research team must be identified by name, title, affiliation, and contact information.

4. Other Funding: Provide information regarding other granting agencies or sources from which you have received, requested or plan to request funding for this research. Include the name of the granting agency, the status of request, and the amount requested or awarded.

5. Budget: Provide a budget and concise justification. Personnel costs must include each employee's title and type of work to be performed, the estimated number of hours/months to be worked, and the rate of pay per hour/month plus 12% benefits. Travel costs must include the purpose of the travel for each destination, mode of travel, cost of meals and lodging, and the number of days of the travel.

COMPLETE THE RESEARCH APPROVAL FORM (ON THE BRIDGE) TO OBTAIN APPROPRIATE APPROVALS FROM THE CHAIR, DEAN AND VP RESEARCH. ATTACH THE COMPLETED .PDF DOCUMENT (AS ABOVE) TO THE FORM BEFORE SUBMITTING.

Evaluation and Criteria

A blind peer review conducted by an ad hoc committee struck by Parkland Institute’s Research Director will make the final decision regarding the award. The following criteria will be used to evaluate applications:

·         Overall merit of the research proposal, including fit with Parkland Institute’s research interests

·         Originality and significance of the proposed research, including suitability of research strategies/methods, importance of the overall research program, suitability of the timetable

·         Likelihood of the project developing into a publishable paper or report for Parkland Institute

·         Research record of the applicant/lead researcher

·         Training of graduate students (if any)

·         Justification of the proposed budget

Use of Funds 

·         An award may be used to pay for research assistants, but neither a grantee nor a member of the grantee's family may receive remuneration.

·         An award may be used to pay for travel directly related to research, including travel by research assistants in the performance of their assigned duties.

·         Other items necessary for research may be considered for funding at the discretion of the Parkland Institute Research Committee

·         Research projects requesting retroactive funding, or requesting funding for teaching development will not be considered.

Other Conditions of the Award

Award funds may be used only for the project and purposes described in the application, subject to any special conditions given in the Request for New Fund form. Special conditions may include human subject research approval, expenditure limitations, etc.

1. Use of Funds: Expenditures may be made only for those cost elements identified in the application or as limited in the Request for New Fund form. Minor transfers of funds from one budget category to another may be permitted as long as the original focus of the research is not altered. Major transfers or the use of funds for a previously unspecified expense or a new budget item requires prior approval by Parkland Institute.

2. Reports: The recipient must submit a final report on the work funded by the Parkland Institute following the end of the term of the award. 

3. Equipment & Library Acquisitions: Equipment or library materials such as books, journals, reports, microfilm, etc., acquired with grant funds are the property of the University. Upon completion of the project, these items are to be transferred to the control of the applicant's Department or the Library, or at the Research Committee's request, to some other Department or unit within the University of Lethbridge.

4. Personnel: Personnel employed with grant funds are not regular University employees and are not covered by the provisions of the collective agreement with support staff.

Submission Instructions

Applications are due by May 31 at 4:00pm. Decisions will normally be announced by June 30. Funds will normally be dispersed the following Fall.

Applications must be submitted to:

Mary Butterfield

Office of Research and Innovation Services

Late and/or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

For additional information or questions contact:

Trevor Harrison, Parkland Institute Director,

c/o Department of Sociology,

University of Lethbridge

Phone (403) 329-2552

Fax (403) 329-2085

Email: trevor.harrison@uleth.ca