Call for proposals

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.

Funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF), Bridging Divides is an interdisciplinary research collaboration between:

• Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU)
• Concordia University
• University of British Columbia
• 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.

Work in the Bridging Divides program is structured into four thematic research streams, each focusing on a specific area of migrant integration. For the current funding oppurtunity, we are only accepting applications in the following two research themes. 

• Immigrant Health and Well-being
• Employment and Lifelong Learning 

View all ongoing Bridging Divides research projects. Future calls might include other thematic areas. Please contact Dr. Mireille Paquet for more details.

We welcome proposals that focus on Advanced Digital Technologies (ADTs) or digital communication tools as factors influencing migrant integration, as well as proposals that use ADTs for data generation, analysis, and/or knowledge dissemination.

ADTs 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)
• 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.

All faculty members (tenured or tenure-track) at Concordia University are eligible to apply.

Each Concordia researcher is allowed to submit only one application per competition as a principal investigator. However, they may serve as a co-applicant or collaborator on multiple applications.

Non-Concordia individuals are not eligible to apply as principal investigators or co-applicants, but they may serve as collaborators. Note that the grant funds do not cover expenses incurred by collaborators while conducting research or research-related activities. Research funds cannot be transferred to collaborators or non-Concordia personnel.

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Expected contribution to the Bridging Divides research program and potential for impact, both within academia and beyond (50%)
• Feasibility of implementing the proposed research, including timelines and knowledge mobilization plan, as well as the appropriateness of the budget (30%)
• Rank-commensurate track record and preparedness of the researcher (20%)

Up to $50,000 will be awarded 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 will be required to become members of the Institute for Research on Migration and Society. They will be required to present their project at one of the Institute’s events during the tenure of the award.

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 must be expended by March 31, 2027.

Projects must comply with Concordia University policies governing research, including a requirement of compliance certification for all projects involving the use of animals or humans as well as the use of hazardous materials, biological materials, controlled goods or radioactive material. 

For projects involving external institutions, industry partners, or other organizations beyond Concordia University, a collaboration agreement may be required before the release of funds. The specific terms will depend on the nature of the collaboration, the roles of the participating parties, and any associated intellectual property or data-sharing considerations. Applicants should indicate any expected external collaborations in their proposal, and successful applicants will be contacted to facilitate the necessary agreements.

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. For more information on eligible expenses, see the Tri-Agency Financial Administration guidelines.

Ineligible Expenses

• Funds cannot be used for teaching buyouts.
• Funds cannot be used to cover research or dissemination expenses incurred by non-Concordia researchers. Cross-university teams are expected to secure additional funding to cover costs.

The Research Proposal has four components:

1. Project Description
2. Knowledge Mobilization Plan
3. Contributions to Bridging Divides
4. Budget Justification

The proposal should be a maximum of 4 pages, single-spaced, and structured as follows:

1. 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.

2. Knowledge Mobilization Plan (0.5 pages)

• Target Audience: Identify a primary and, if relevant, a secondary target audience. Examples include researchers, settlement sector organizations, policymakers, media, international audiences, and the Canadian public.
• Knowledge Mobilization Plan: Detail strategies for engaging the identified audiences, including a publication plan.
• Knowledge Mobilization Schedule: Provide a clear schedule for knowledge mobilization activities, 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.

3. Contributions to Bridging Divides (0.5 page)

• Contribution to Program Goals: 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, describe how the research builds on or contributes to an existing Bridging Divides research project.
• Multi/Interdisciplinary Contributions: Where applicable, highlight how the multi/interdisciplinary nature of the research team enhances the project.
• Potential for Influence and Impact: 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: Demonstrate a commitment to advancing equity and inclusion. Where relevant, address contributions to Truth & Reconciliation and decolonization.

4. Budget and Budget Justification (1 page)

• Budget: Use the spending categories below to provide a budget that accounts for all requested funds, ensuring that expenses are eligible. Estimating costs to the nearest $100 is sufficient.
• Budget Justification: Articulate 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)