Let SLC Fund Your Great Idea!  

Submitted by Robyn Saaltink, Research Services Officer 

Do you have a great research idea, but aren’t sure where to start? Do you have a research project in mind, but are wondering if you have the time to take on a rigorous research endeavour? Are you newer to research, but want to try something out to see if SLC research is a good fit for your skills and interests? Are you an experienced researcher, wondering how to take a program of research to the next level? If any of these questions sound familiar, keep reading – the updated SLC Research and Scholarship Fund might be for you! 

Soft-launched in Spring 2023, the SLC Research and Scholarship Fund supports SLC employees to undertake high quality research and scholarship activities. The program funds small scale research activities and projects that will have an impact on SLC, the community, and the field of knowledge while growing SLC employee research skills and experience. Ultimately, recipients of Research and Scholarship Funding will be well-positioned to acquire the external funding needed to undertake larger projects. Projects can be academic, applied (focused on finding solutions to community or industry problems), or under the umbrella of scholarship of teaching and learning.

Program highlights include the following: 

- Inclusive eligibility criteria – all SLC employees are eligible to apply for funding.  
- Funding available for academic research, applied research focused on solving community partner problems, or research focused on teaching, learning, and student success. 
- Different funding streams to support researchers with different levels of experience. 
- Emerging researchers or those investigating a new topic can apply for funding to conduct small literature reviews, develop relationships with external partners, or prepare larger proposals. More experienced researchers can apply for funding to prepare applications for external funding or conduct a complete research project; 
- A funding stream designed to support the dissemination of research or scholarship findings through publication or presentations; 
- Funds to cover the direct costs of conducting research, including hiring student research assistants. - - Engaging with students promotes project success and student learning! 
- Funding and applications models that ensure employees have time to dedicate to a funded project. - Full-time employees will be provided with SWF or work hours for participation on a funded project (supervisor approval required), and part-time employees will be paid an hourly wage (supervisor and research office approval required). 
- Project support provided from the Research Office at every step, ensuring project success. The Research Office can help applicants refine their ideas and navigate the application process and will work closely with funded researchers to help manage and support project implementation. 

Full descriptions of application procedures and criteria, as well as resources for proposal development can be found on the SLC Research and Scholarship Fund website. 
 
Have questions or want to learn more? Click here to Register for the upcoming lunch and learn Research and Scholarship Fund virtual workshops:

Research and Scholarship Funding - Program Overview and FAQ's: Wed, Oct 11, 12 noon -1 pm 
Research and Scholarship Funding - Program Overview and FAQ's: Tues, October 17, 12 noon - 1 pm 
Writing a Research and Scholarship Funding Proposal – Incorporating EDI in Your Project: Friday, Nov 3, 12 noon -1 pm 
Writing a Research and Scholarship Funding Proposal - Developing Your Budget: Tues, Nov 7,12 noon -1 pm 
Writing a Research and Scholarship Funding Proposal - Research Data Management: Thurs, Dec 7, 12 noon -1 pm

Visit the SLC Research and Scholarship Fund webpage for specific funding program details, application instructions, and resources to assist with proposal development.

Email research@sl.on.ca with questions or to discuss your project idea.