The Ocean Frontier Institute invites the submission of applications from current PhD students or Early Career Researchers* (ECRs) at one of the OFI universities, for grants for short-term study visits to one of the constituent organizations of the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS). MASTS is a consortium of organizations engaged in marine sciences and represents the majority of Scotland’s marine research capacity (see below).

The purpose of these grants is to promote collaboration between marine researchers in Canada and Scotland with a view to developing durable research links and promoting marine research in areas of mutual interest. While grants to support ongoing collaboration will be considered, new collaborations will be prioritized.

Up to 5 positions are available for individuals going to Scotland from the Institute (and up to 5 coming from Scotland to the Institute). A form for applicants going from Canada can be found here.

There is no restriction on the subject area (within the broad scope of marine research), but the proposals will need to demonstrate the potential benefits of the grant for both the recipient and their collaborators. Under this first round, applicants will be expected to address subjects relevant to UN Sustainable Development Goals and with reference to COP26 as a legacy. MASTS has provided an indicative list of subject areas for the visits to its constituent organizations, and this can be found here.

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Applicants going from Canada must be a PhD student at, or an ECR employed by, an OFI member institution (Dalhousie University, Memorial University of Newfoundland, University of Prince Edward Island) and be hosted by a reciprocal MASTS member institution.

The visiting PhD student or ECR must identify a demonstrably active and relevant host institutional collaborator for the proposed collaboration. PhD students must provide an e-mail from their Primary Supervisor supporting their application.

In addition, the host institution must confirm their willingness in principle to host the visiting researcher for the proposed purpose and duration. While not excluded, it is anticipated that host institutions will waive bench fees.

Successful applicants are responsible for ensuring any visa and insurance requirements for the host country, including the cost of these, are met, and for complying with any other border-entry requirements and costs of these.

The maximum amount of the grant will be $7,500 CAN and must be used within 12 months of the award being granted. The duration of time spent in the host country is flexible but must be justified. The period in which the visits should operate is (tentatively) set at September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.

This grant funding is principally to support physical exchanges of applicants to cover the cost of travel and subsistence and modest research costs. Networking is an important facet of collaboration and funds can be used for this purpose, but priority will be given to those proposals that will result in clear outputs such as the generation of a proposal, research results or publication. While not a requirement, applicants are encouraged to seek additional support in cash or in-kind.

The Ocean Frontier Institute is committed to fostering a collegial culture grounded in diversity and inclusiveness, and encourages applications from Indigenous persons, persons with a disability, racially visible persons, women, persons of a minority sexual orientation and/or gender identity, and all candidates who would contribute to the diversity of our community.

For further information please contact:

Tracey Woodhouse
Programs Manager
Email: tracey.woodhouse@dal.ca