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Canadian Research Data Centre Network

Call for Interest – EDIA Champion (Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility) to collaborate with the Canadian Research Data Centre Network (CRDCN)

CRDCN

Posted on: June 26, 2024

The Digital Research Alliance of Canada (‘the Alliance’) has launched a DRI EDI Champions Pilot Program to increase awareness and uptake of digital research infrastructure (DRI) by equity-seeking groups. The Canadian Research Data Centre Network (CRDCN) is at the early stages of developing an EDIA strategy and would like to identify a graduate student or postdoctoral researcher who is interested in using this funding opportunity to collaborate with CRDCN on aspects of this strategy. CRDCN would work with the interested researcher to develop a project, apply for the funding, and support the delivery of the project. This is a unique opportunity for researchers to build research skills and expertise in the intersection of DRI and EDIA, and advance the EDIA agenda in a non-profit, national digital research infrastructure. The outcome of this research could have a direct impact on awareness of and access to one of Canada’s Major Science Initiatives in the quantitative social and population health sciences. 

 

As a result of this research project, CRDCN would like to better understand the diversity and range of researchers of equity-seeking groups who access Research Data Centres across the Network, and to recommend actions that CRDCN can take to improve equity, diversity, inclusivity and accessibility for current and future researchers. Interested candidates are invited to contact Caileigh Morrison at CRDCN to express their interest in applying for funding, and to work with CRDCN to develop a proposal.  

CRDCN’s Commitment

The CRDCN will, where appropriate: 

  • Work with interested researchers to develop their application. 
  • Assist in identifying an EDIA mentor, if needed. 
  • Invite the researcher into key meetings with CRDCN staff and other stakeholders. 
  • Provide training related to the CRDCN DRI, the network of participants, and the goals of the project. 
  • Offer a workspace in the CRDCN office on the McMaster University campus, if required. (note: the researcher need not be affiliated with McMaster University) 
  • Provide feedback and support throughout the execution of the project. 

Eligibility 

CRDCN is looking to collaborate on a proposal with candidates who either have experience working in a Research Data Centre or who bring an understanding of similar digital research infrastructures.  

The funder of the EDIA Champion Pilot Program, the Alliance, has the following eligibility requirements: 

  • The researcher meets one of the following criteria: 
    • A graduate or post-graduate researcher enrolled at a Canadian university; or 
    • A student enrolled at a Canadian college, CÉGEP, institute or polytechnic engaged in applied research with industry or community partners.  
  • The researcher self-identifies as one of the following: 
    • A member of an equity-seeking group; and/or 
    • An individual with relevant expertise in EDIA and a well-thought-out strategy to reach an equity-seeking group.  
  • Be affiliated with an eligible Canadian institution and must maintain such an affiliation for the duration of the grant period. 
  • Identify a mentor from their institution or identified community who agrees to provide support with the EDIA aspect of the project. The mentor may also provide support with facilitation of other aspects of the project. The mentor may be a colleague or other appropriate individual; it is not required that the mentor be the applicant’s supervisor. 
  • Submit only one application; multiple applications will not be accepted. 
  • Applicants are not required to hold Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status. 

Equity-Seeking Groups

Equity-seeking groups are defined by the Alliance as: 

  • Women 
  • Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) 
  • Person living with a visible or invisible disability 
  • Members of 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities 
  • Members of racialized groups 
  • Neurodiverse 
  • Geographically isolated 
  • First-generation post-secondary students 
  • Other, may be suggested in the application form 

Value of the Alliance Grant

The grant from the Alliance is worth up to $35,000 and is primarily intended as a stipend: 

  • $27,000 for stipend 
  • Up to $5,000 for project costs 
  • Up to $3,000 for travel 

Important Dates

  • Deadline to express interest to the CRDCN: July 10, 2024 
  • Deadline for submission of proposal to the Alliance: July 17, 2024, 5:00 p.m. ET 
  • Estimated Notice of Award / Eligibility of expenses: August 2024 
  • Estimated project start date: August 2024
  • Project end date: March 31, 2025 

Reach out to CRDCN

Interested researchers are encouraged to contact Caileigh Morrison at caileigh.morrison@crdcn.ca as soon as possible. 

Please note: the Alliance employs a peer review process to award funding for this call, so while CRDCN will work with an interested researcher to build a strong application, CRDCN does not have any influence over the outcome of the competition.  

More information on the Alliance EDIA Champions Pilot Program:

https://alliancecan.ca/en/funding-opportunities/dri-edia-champions-pilot-program/faqs 

CRDCN: https://crdcn.ca/ 

About the CRDCN 

The Canadian Research Data Centre Network (CRDCN) is a national research infrastructure for the quantitative social and population health sciences. The network provides unique access to Statistics Canada data to over 2,000 researchers annually to advance knowledge and inform policy. CRDCN also supports researchers through training, knowledge mobilization and advocacy. 

CRDCN is a collaboration between the CRDCN central staff headquartered at McMaster University, 42 institutions of research and higher education across the country, and Statistics Canada. CRDCN is grateful for core operational funding provided by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) as a Major Science Initiative, as well as both the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) as a strategic research platform. CRDCN is also grateful for funding provided by Statistics Canada, provincial partners, and by our 42 collaborating institutions.   

 

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