University of Lethbridge Research Fund (ULRF)

The University of Lethbridge Research Fund (ULRF) is an internal source of funds directed toward the support of research activities on campus.  Awards to a single applicant are limited to a maximum of $6,000. Awards to collaborative applications are limited to a maximum of $12,000.  The ULRF is intended to seed new projects and to leverage funding to launch a program of research.  The ULRF is not intended to provide on-going support, through repeated application, to supplement an on-going program of research.

The following priorities apply to all applicants:

  • Grants are awarded on the basis of merit.  All ULRF applications are reviewed by one or more referees; final decisions are made by the GFC Research Committee.  Decisions are normally announced by March.
  • First-time applicants are given priority, when proposals are of equal merit.
  • Proposals involving student participation are given priority, when student participation is possible.
  • Priority is given to applicants who have successfully completed their previous ULRF research grants (i.e. submitted a final report confirming project completion).

Please refer to the ULRF_Score_Sheet for the criteria used to evaluate applications.

Eligibility:

Full-time University of Lethbridge faculty, librarians, and academic assistants are eligible to apply.  Applicants may only be named on one application per competition.

 Use of Funds:

  • A grant may be directed to personnel costs in accordance with university policy.
  • A grant may be used to pay for travel directly related to research, including travel by research assistants in the performance of their assigned duties.
  • No more than 10% of the total project budget may be used for professional development activities.
  • No more than 10% of the total budget may be directed to dissemination of research results, including conference attendance.  Use of ULRF awards for conference costs will be restricted to expenses that are not eligible under the University of Lethbridge Travel Fund (e.g. costs associated with publication or poster production for presentations).
  • Other items necessary for research may be considered for funding at the discretion of the GFC Research Committee.
  • Normally, the purchase of journals, books, computers, software, and major equipment will not be considered.
  • Research projects requesting retroactive funding, or requesting funding for teaching development will not be considered.

Components of the Application:

 

  1. Abstract should begin with a succinct description of the research written for an intelligent reader who is relatively uninformed in the field of study.  The abstract must:
    • Define the scope and limitations of the project.
    • Comment on the potential significance of the study to the University, discipline, researcher, and/or society at large.
  2. Research Proposal should describe the proposed research in a narrative style with headings for clarity.  The proposal must not exceed five pages and must address the following points:
    • Define the problem clearly and concisely, providing any background information essential to understanding the importance of the work.
    • Include a statement of the potential significance, future use, relevance or application of the results.  Explain how the results will be disseminated.
    • Outline the theoretical framework governing the work proposed, the methodologies to be undertaken and the proposed outcomes.
    • For collaborative applications with multiple applicants, indicate the unique role that each applicant brings to ensuring the proposed outcomes.
    • Describe how the anticipated outcomes will serve to contribute to each applicant's program of research.  Indicate if the proposed research falls in a new or existing research program.
    • Include references, where appropriate, to similar or related work.  Indicate if the field is largely untouched.
  3. Publications & Prior Research: Provide a short CV listing each applicant's education, recent (last five years) and/or relevant publications, and prior research activity.
  4. Previous ULRF Award: Provide a brief summary of the results of any previous ULRF awards (e.g. conference papers, research grants, publications, performances, exhibitions, etc.).
  5. Other Funding for this Application: 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 the request, and the amount requested or awarded.
  6. Budget: Provide a concise justification for each budget item.
    • 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.
    • Applicants must provide information on the viability of the project if the proposed costs exceed the maximum provided by this fund.
  7. Referees: Provide the names, addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of two internal (University of Lethbridge) and two external referees who may be qualified to provide an unbiased review.
    • Indicate any relationships with referees (e.g. collaborator, co-author, dissertation supervisor).  Final referee selection is determined by the GFC Research Committee, and referees may be asked to provide the names of alternate reviewers if necessary.
    • Provide the referee names and contact information where required on the online application form available through the BRIDGE.

Click on the link for application instructions: ULRF Application Instructions

Conditions of the Award:

Grant 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 or animal welfare 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. Major transfers or the use of funds for a previously unspecified expense or a new budget item requires prior approval by the Office of Research Services. 
  2. Term: 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 the Office of Research Services. The total term, including any extension, may not normally exceed twenty-four months.
  3. Reports: A final report on the work funded by the ULRF must be submitted within six months of the termination date.  Subsequent applications can be considered only after receipt of satisfactory final reports, or progress reports for previous or existing grants.
  4. Equipment & Library Acquisitions: Equipment or library materials acquired with grant funds remain as property of the University of Lethbridge in accordance with university policy.
  5. 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:

The Office of Research and Innovation Services will issue a call for proposals, normally in the first week of September each year.  Applicants must complete the online application form available through the BRIDGE and include the required attachment.  

NOTE: Do not complete the online form until your attachment is complete and ready to be uploaded as you cannot save the online form for completion at a later date.

Deadline for submission to the 2012/13 competition is 4 p.m. on Friday, November 16/12.  Late submissions will not be accepted and incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Complete applications require the following components:

  • completion of the online application form available through the BRIDGE
  • the following elements uploaded as a single attachment (abstract, research proposal, short CV listing, report on previous ULRF, other funding for this application, budget with justification)

Contact Susan Entz for additional information or questions.