In these unprecedented times, York University is issuing a call for time-sensitive, special research proposals with a COVID-19 focus. The University has committed $250,000 to this call as a demonstration of its ongoing commitment to research and innovation in this most difficult period. Applicants from across the University are encouraged to apply with a focus on any aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“As communities around the world struggle to face this pandemic, we have seen the devastating impacts ripple through society,” said Rui Wang, interim vice-president Research & Innovation. “Members of York University’s exceptional interdisciplinary research community are called to respond to this unique challenge with proposals that span all aspects of the pandemic management and its affects and effects: from the personal, social and human health impacts, to the public health and emergency management challenges, and beyond.”
Applicants should be in a position to initiate the work immediately. The competition is open to all disciplines and submissions can be from individual researchers or teams taking an interdisciplinary approach. Matching funds from industry, non-profits or other partners, while not necessary, are welcome. Research results may range from publications to all other forms of scholarly and creative production.
Objective: The University is seeking innovative and original projects that engage with a made-in-York question/solution interrogating some aspect of the COVID-19 pandemic. This question, its investigation and outcomes should take up the challenges we face in a unique way.
Value: Funding level is open dependent on project needs.
Duration: 12 months.
Deadline: Submission of applications to Vice-President Research & Innovation are due April 22, by noon (12 p.m.)
Announcement(s) of award recipients: April 30.
The proposals will be reviewed by an interdisciplinary committee of scholars. For this reason, it is important to make the proposal as clear as possible to an informed, articulate reader who may not know your field. To submit a proposal, complete the hyperlinked MACH form and include the following information:
- What is the COVID-19 related challenge you hope to address? (Describe the scope of the problem.) Limit to one-half page.
- What do you expect to accomplish within 12 months, how do you plan to do it and why is it innovative? (Outline details of the methodology/feasibility/risk.) Limit to two pages.
- What community or communities will be impacted by your research and its outcomes? Limit to one-half page.
- Budget and budget justification. (Overhead is not an eligible expense.) One page.
- References. One page (maximum).
- Research biographical sketch. How are you (and your team members) uniquely positioned to lead and accomplish this work? Limit to one page.
Proposals will be judged on originality, clarity, soundness of design and the biographical sketch as detailed in the sections above. The goal will be to distribute the funds equally (approximately) across the three broad areas to encourage the exploration of diverse perspectives and issues. These are:
- Arts/humanities/social sciences
- Health
- Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).
However, depending on the number of proposals, their ranking and funds approved, the distribution may vary.
Use the MACH form to submit your application.
For questions or additional information, contact Celia Haig-Brown, associate vice-president Research, in the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation, by email to haigbro@yorku.ca.