Fellowship and Scholarship Programs September 2009

1. Fellowship and Scholarship ProgramsSeptember 2009

2. Contents 5: Vanier CGS Doctoral Nominations Program 6: SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowship Program 7: Enterprise Awards Management System (EAMS) 8: Tips for Writing Your Application 1: Overview of SSHRC Research Training Programs 2: Joseph-Armand Bombardier (JAB) Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) – Master’s Program 3: CGS Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement (MS FSS) 4: Doctoral Awards Program

3. 1: Overview of SSHRC Research Training Programs

4. Objectives of SSHRC’s Research Training Programs • Develop research skills • Assist in the training of highly-qualified personnel • Support Canada’s best graduate students and postdoctoral researchers in the social sciences and humanities

5. The Full Suite of Research Training Support Programs Master’s level: • Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) – Master’s Program • CGS Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement Doctoral level: • Joseph-Armand Bombardier CGS - Doctoral Program • SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships and supplements • Vanier CGS Program • CGS Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement Postdoctoral level: - SSHRC Postdoctoral Fellowships and supplements

6. Research Training Support Programs – Supplements and Fellowships for Doctoral Students • Aileen D. Ross Fellowship • Awarded to one outstanding Doctoral Award holder conducting research in sociology, specifically for research on poverty • Queen’s Fellowship • Awarded to one outstanding Doctoral Award holder entering a Canadian Studies program in Canada • SSHRC William E. Taylor Fellowship • Awarded annually to the most outstanding recipient of a Doctoral Award • Sport Participation Research Initiative: Doctoral Supplements • Supports holders of SSHRC Doctoral Awards who are doing policy-relevant research on participation in sport in Canada

7. General Eligibility for SSHRC’s Research Training Programs • Be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada at the time of application (except for Vanier) • Not be applying in the 2009-2010 academic year to NSERC or CIHR • Not have already received an award at the same level from SSHRC, NSERC or CIHR. • Conducting research in an area that falls within SSHRC’s mandate

8. Where to Apply

9. 2: Joseph-Armand Bombardier (JAB) Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) – Master’s Program

10. Value and Tenure • $17, 500 for 12 months, non-renewable • Tenable only at a recognized Canadian university

11. Eligibility to Apply • Have achieved first-class standing in each of the last two years of study • Pursuing a first graduate degree • Completed no more than 12 months at the graduate level by the expected start date of the award

12. Eligibility to Apply (cont.) • Must have completed the Bachelor’s degree no earlier than January 1, 2005 (unless registered at a university since that time). • Not be pursuing a degree program that combines undergraduate and graduate degrees • Regulation regarding combined MA/PhD programs • You need not be assured of admission to your program at the time of application.

13. Eligibility to Hold an Award • Admitted, unconditionally, in a master’s or combined MA/PhD program that includes advanced research training • Registered as a full-time student in a master’s or in a combined MA/PhD program

14. Key Dates • Application: • In parallel to the regular JAB CGS Master’s scholarships competition, SSHRC will offer, through a final special call this fall, an additional 200 awards for business-related research • For applicants registered in a degree program at a Canadian university in 2009: date set by university • For all others: December 14, 2009 • Results Announced: Spring 2010

15. Selection Process: Allocations • University Allocations • Roles • Department • Faculty of Graduate Studies • University Selection Committee(s) • Results

16. Selection Process: Evaluation Criteria • Academic excellence - 60% • Research potential - 30% • Communication skills - 10%

17. Research Training Component • The proposal must include a significant research training component. Research training normally involves: • completing a thesis, major scholarly paper, project, publication, performance, recital, or exhibit; and/or • completing course work in research methods and/or statistics appropriate for the discipline or field of study; and/or • acquiring knowledge and experience sufficient to conduct, assess and interpret research and scholarship in the field.

18. Program of Study (max. of 2 pages) • Identify the university and degree program which you are pursuing or intend to pursue; • Outline clearly the research training component of the degree program; • If your Master's degree program involves a thesis, a major research paper/essay, or a major research project, provide a well-structured outline of your research proposal, specifying the research question, context, objectives, methodology and contribution to the advancement of knowledge;

19. Program of Study (cont.) • If it is relevant to your research proposal, describe any work experience, community involvement or other extracurricular activity; • If your research proposal is in psychology, justify your submission of this proposal to SSHRC (rather than to NSERC or CIHR), based on the guidelines • If the output of your degree program is an artistic creation rather than a thesis, indicate clearly the research component of your proposed work.

20. 2009 Basic Data and Statistics Number of applications received: 2,517 Number of awards: • 1,300 plus an additional 200 awards for business-related research offered through a one-time special call for applications this summer Total budget: $26.3 million

21. 4: Doctoral Awards Program

22. Value and Tenure • Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada GraduateScholarships – Doctoral Program • $35,000 a year for 36 months • Can only be held at a recognized Canadian university • SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships • $20,000 a year for up to 48 months • Can be held at a recognized university in Canada or abroad • Apply for both awards by completing one application form

23. Eligible Period of Funding • Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship: undertaking years of study • 1 to 3 • 2 to 4 • SSHRC Fellowship: undertaking years of study • 1 to 4 • 2 to 4 • 3 and 4 • 4 alone

24. Eligibility to Apply • Be pursuing first PhD • Undertaking doctoral studies or a combined MA/PhD program • Not be pursuing a degree program that combines undergraduate and graduate degrees

25. Eligibility to Hold an Award • Registered as a full-time student • Unconditionally admitted in a PhD or combined MA/PhD program • Conducting research in an area that falls within SSHRC’s mandate

26. Key Dates • Application • For applicants registered at a Canadian university: date set by university • For all others: November 5, 2009 • National Competition: March 2010 • Results Announced: Spring 2010

27. Selection Process: Pre-selection Pre-selection competition to fill assigned quota: • Canadian universities; OR • SSHRC (for direct applicants only)

28. Selection Process: SSHRC National Competition • All eligible A-list applications undergo competition at the national level • Selection committees evaluate, score and rank applications

29. Applying for Funding • Tips: • Write down User ID and a password to access your application • Print-off the program description as well as the instructions as to how to fill in the application form • Click on “Selecting a Funding Agency” to verify whether your application falls under SSHRC’s mandate • Applicants pursuing studies in Health and Psychology can find additional information Guidelines for the Eligibility of Applications Related to Healthand Psychology on the “Selecting a Funding Agency” page.

30. Evaluation Criteria • Academic results • transcripts • awards and distinctions • Program of study • potential contribution to the advancement of knowledge • Professional and academic experience • research assistantships or other relevant work experience • publications • conference presentations

31. Evaluation Criteria (cont.) • Letters of Appraisal • Departmental Appraisal (Canadian universities only)

32. Program of Study (max. of 2 pages) Entering first year of doctoral studies: • Clearly state your current level of study; • Give the title and a brief description of your master's thesis, if applicable; • Identify the degree program which you will pursue including any relevant courses and provide an explanation for your choice;  • Provide an outline of your doctoral thesis proposal, including the research question, context, objectives, methodology and contribution to the advancement of knowledge, and your special interests in the proposed area of research

33. Program of Study (cont.) Currently in a doctoral program: • Clearly state your current level of graduate study; • Indicate what stage you are at in your thesis; • Provide the name of your supervisor of doctoral studies, if known; • Provide an outline of your thesis proposal, including, for example, the research question, context, objectives, methodology and contribution to the advancement of knowledge; • Describe what you hope to accomplish during the award tenure and what will remain to be done before you obtain your degree.

34. Program of Studies (cont.) – Reminders • Your proposed research is in Psychology • The output of your degree program is an artistic creation, rather than a thesis • You want to be considered for a supplement

35. Choosing a Selection Committee

37. 2009 Basic Data and Statistics • Number of applications: 5,100 • Number of awards: • JAB CGS scholarships: 436 • SSHRC fellowships: 575 • Overall budget: approx. $71.6 million • Additional funding for 100 CGS Doctoral Scholarships for business-related research –fiscal year 2009-2010 only

38. 3: Canada Graduate Scholarships Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements Program (MS FSS)

39. Objective • Supports high-calibre graduate students in building global linkages and international networks through the pursuit of exceptional research experiences at research institutions outside of Canada. • A total of 250 awards • SSHRC - 125 • NSERC - 80 • CIHR - 45

40. Value and Tenure • Up to $6,000 for 3 to 6 months • Non-renewable.

41. Eligibility to Apply • Applicant must be registered at a Canadian institution at the time of application • Applicant have accepted or hold a Joseph-Armand Bombardier CGS (master’s or doctoral level) or a Vanier CGS

42. Eligibility to Hold an Award • hold an active CGS at the time your study period abroad starts; • be registered full time in a graduate research studies program at a Canadian institution for the duration of the time abroad; • take up the award within one year of receiving the notice of award for the CGS Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement; and • return to complete your degree in Canada.

43. Key Dates • Submit application and all required documents to your faculty (school) of graduate studies for consideration • Deadline for submitting applications to the granting agencies: June 10th and October 10th

44. Selection Process • Universities are allocated supplements based on the number of Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) held at their university • University forwards applications to SSHRC • SSHRC reviews for eligibility and content

45. 2009 Basic Data and Statistics • 2009 awards: • Upcoming deadlines: October 10 • Awards: 83 remaining/125

46. 8: Tips forWriting Your Application

47. A Good Application • Demonstrates: • Strong academic record • Excellent potential to conduct advanced scholarly research • Strong communication skills • Ability to successfully complete the graduate program in a timely manner

48. A Good Letter of Appraisal • supports the information in the application; • focuses on the applicant’s skills and past achievements; • stresses strengths and personal attributes;

49. Reminders • Read program description and application instructions carefully • Start your application early • Use plain language • Show your program of study to someone to receive feedback • Let referees know the deadline well in advance

50. Reminders (cont.) • Indicate your proficiency in any language required for your research • Ensure your list of publications provides complete bibliographic information • Only include research contributions that have been accepted for publication • Respect page limits