We invite applications from UBC researchers to join the CMS team of collaborators in the Migrant Integration in the Mid-21st Century: Bridging Divides research program.
The Bridging Divides research program is a research partnership focused on the relationship between migrant integration and Advanced Digital Technologies in Canada. Applicants may either propose research that contributes to ongoing projects or propose new projects aligned with the program’s research themes. We particularly encourage collaborative proposals that span multiple disciplines, and proposals that involve partners from the Bridging Divides university network.
Value: Each proposal can request up to $75,000. We encourage applicants to fully utilize the available funds. Up to five proposals will be funded.
Duration: 1 year. Funds will be released in February 2025 and can be utilized until March 2026.
Submission deadline: November 30, 2024
Results announced: December 20, 2024
Bridging Divides Research Program and its Research Themes
Funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF), Bridging Divides is an interdisciplinary research collaboration between UBC, Toronto Metropolitan University, Concordia University, and the University of Alberta. The program seeks to generate innovative, practical knowledge by examining the relationship between Advanced Digital Technologies, digital communication tools, and migrant integration in Canada.
Proposals must include a focus on Advanced Digital Technologies or Digital Communication Tools and align with one of the four research themes outlined below.
Research Themes and Existing Research Projects
Work in the Bridging Divides program is structured into four thematic research streams, each focusing on a specific area of migrant integration. We welcome applications for all four research themes. Proposals related to housing, under the Place and Infrastructure theme, are especially encouraged.
- Immigrant Health and Well-Being
- Employment and Lifelong Learning
- Place and Infrastructure
- Citizenship and Participation
Advanced Digital Technologies (ADT) and Digital Communication Tools
We welcome proposals that focus on Advanced Digital Technologies (ADT) or digital communication tools as factors influencing migrant integration, as well as proposals that use ADT for data generation, analysis, and/or knowledge dissemination.
Advanced Digital Technologies (ADT) refer to tools, systems, and platforms that leverage technological innovations in computing, data processing, and automation. Examples include Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Big Data analytics.
Digital communication tools are software, platforms, or systems that facilitate real-time or asynchronous communication, enabling people to exchange information, collaborate, and interact over digital networks. Examples include social media, instant messaging and chat applications, and platforms that support virtual meetings, webinars, and collaborative workspaces.
Eligibility
All faculty members (tenured or tenure-track) and postdoctoral fellows at UBC-V and UBC-O are eligible to apply as primary applicants or co-applicants. Postdoctoral fellows must specify a faculty (tenured or tenure-track) sponsor as co-applicant who will ensure project completion.
All primary applicants and co-applicants must be affiliated with CMS at the time of application.
Evaluation Criteria
- Expected contribution to Bridging Divides research program and potential for impact, both within academia and beyond (50%)
- Feasibility of implementing proposed research, timelines, and knowledge mobilization plan, including appropriateness of budget (30%)
- Rank-commensurate track record and preparedness of researcher (20%)
Use of grant funds and conditions of award
We will award up to $75,000 to support ambitious projects that address significant research questions and aim to make a substantial impact. Applicants are encouraged to submit proposals that fully utilize the available funds. Smaller budgets will be considered if appropriately justified.
Awardees may charge only those expenses to the grant that are directly related to achieving the objectives for which the grant was awarded. The primary applicant will be responsible for administering the grant and handling all related reporting. Awardees are required to submit regular budget and research progress reports. Awardees are also expected to attend at least one CFREF conference, which takes place in May each year at one of the partner universities.
Failure to comply will result in the termination of grant funding. All funds have to be expended by March 31, 2026.
Eligible Expenses:
- The grant can cover direct costs related to the conduct and communication of research, including salaries for research assistants, travel and subsistence, technical consultations, research equipment and supplies, and the dissemination of findings.
- It can also cover costs for UBC researchers and research assistants to attend the annual CFREF conference.
Ineligible Expenses:
- Funds cannot be used for teaching buyouts.
- Funds cannot be used to cover research or dissemination expenses incurred by non-UBC researchers. Cross-university teams (exempting cross-campus collaborations between UBC-V and UBC-O) are expected to secure additional funding to cover costs.
How to Apply
Complete the application form and submit your proposal. The requested documents are the Current Academic CV, Research Proposal (up to 3 pages), and Budget and Budget Justification (1 page).
Research Proposal
The proposal should be up to 3 pages single-spaced, and be structured as follows:
- Project Description (up to 2 pages)
- Research Question and Contribution: Clearly articulate the research question and its positioning within the relevant academic literature, including the contribution it seeks to make.
- Theoretical Framework and Propositions: Outline the theoretical framework or approach, as well as the propositions, hypotheses, or key questions to be explored.
- Research Methods and Data Collection: Describe the research methods to be employed and, if applicable, the data collection strategies.
- Roles of Co-Applicants and Training: If relevant, include a description of the roles of co-applicants, the training and mentoring to be offered to students, emerging scholars, or other highly qualified personnel, and how they will contribute to the project.
- Research Timeline: Provide a detailed timeline of the research activities.
- Knowledge Mobilization Plan (0.5 pages)
- Target Audience: Proposals must identify a primary target audience and, where relevant, a secondary target audience. Examples of potential audiences include researchers, settlement sector organizations, policymakers, media, international audiences, and the Canadian public.
- Knowledge Mobilization Plan: Proposals should include plans for engaging the identified audiences, including a publication plan.
- Knowledge Mobilization Schedule: A clear schedule for knowledge mobilization activities must be provided, outlining key milestones for disseminating research findings. Knowledge mobilization activities may extend beyond the award period, provided they do not require the use of grant funds.
- Contributions to Bridging Divides (0.5 page)
- Contribution to Program Goals: Proposals must clearly articulate how the research will contribute to the Bridging Divides program and the specific research theme it addresses.
- Integration with Existing Projects: If relevant, proposals should describe how the research builds on or contributes to an existing Bridging Divides research project.
- Multi/interdisciplinary Contributions: Where applicable, proposals should highlight how the multi/interdisciplinary nature of the research team enhances the project.
- Potential for Influence and Impact: Proposals should outline the potential for the project’s results to create influence and impact, both within and beyond the research community.
- Advancement of Equity and Inclusion: Proposals must demonstrate a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion. Where relevant, proposals should also address contributions to Truth & Reconciliation/decolonization.
Budget and Budget Justification (1 page)
- Budget: Use the spending categories below to provide a budget that accounts for all funds requested, ensuring that expenses are eligible. Estimating costs to the nearest $100 is sufficient.
- Budget Justification: Use the spending categories below to articulate specifically how proposed expenditures will support the goals and outcomes of your research program.
Spending Categories:
- Salaries for research assistants
- Professional and technical services
- Travel and subsistence costs
- Research equipment and supplies
- Dissemination of findings
- Other (please describe)
Contact Information
For queries about the Bridging Divides research program and its themes, please contact UBC Lead, Antje Ellermann, at antje.ellermann@ubc.ca. For all other questions related to this call for proposals, contact CMS Research Manager, Gabriele Dumpys Woolever, at manager.migration@ubc.ca.