To Apply

Applications must be completed and submitted through Memorial University’s Public Engagement application portal.

Who Can Apply

UArctic encourages engagement between Northern Canadian UArctic member institutions, other Canadian members, and other UArctic member institutions for this collaborative research and education initiative. The lead applicant must come from a Canadian Arctic/Northern UArctic member institution. A complete and updated list of member institutions can be found on the UArctic website.

Application Deadline

Applications must be completed and submitted through Memorial University’s Public Engagement application portal by February 15, 2024, 23:59 (CEST). Applications received after the deadline or incomplete applications will not be evaluated.

Amount of Funding

The funding is targeted to support new cooperative projects on networking activities related to Arctic research and education, particularly on priority issues in Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework. Projects may be funded with a maximum total of $40,000. Funding cannot be applied retroactively and project funding cannot be applied for activities already carried out on ongoing projects.

Duration of Projects

Projects can have a maximum duration of two years within the timeframe June 1, 2024 to March 31, 2026.

Application Criteria

Priorities will be given to the projects, which fulfil the following criteria:

  1. All proposed activities must support a minimum of four of UArctic’s six values, and address at least one of the priority issues of Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy Framework. Fulfilling all the six values is regarded as excellent, but addressing a minimum of four out of six is sufficient.
  2. Proposed projects must have a minimum of three UArctic partners, with the project lead based at a Northern Canadian member institution. However, it is beneficial to have more than three countries involved (there is no limit to the maximum number of partners). Although the majority of project partners will be UArctic member institutions, project partners from other Arctic organizations, such as, the International Arctic Social Sciences Association IASSA and the International Arctic Science Committee IASC. Additionally, all UArctic member regions are welcome and will be considered an asset (North America, Nordic countries, Asia, and Europe). Unilateral (national) projects are ineligible for funding.
  3. One of the following:
  • Involve activities within existing UArctic Thematic Networks or UArctic Institutes. The linkage to the Network or Institute needs to be clearly defined and supported by an established contact with the Network or Institute in question. The activities need to be clearly planned and described in the application. For a list of existing networks please see: https://www.uarctic.org/organization/thematic-networks/)
    or
  • Develop a new Thematic Network or an UArctic Institute: A thorough and clear description of the developmental process and preparations must be included in the application.

All applications are evaluated based on these guidelines and most importantly on how the project meets the UArctic’s six values.

UArctic Values

Circumpolar

UArctic promotes northern voices and a circumpolar world view.

Inclusive

UArctic embraces and respects cultural diversity, language plurality, and gender equality.

Respectful

UArctic promotes relationships of respect, trust, and partnership, and embraces the perspectives and knowledge of northern Indigenous Peoples.

Collaborative

UArctic is committed to supporting participatory approaches to the production and sharing of knowledge.

Open

UArctic is a university network without walls, committed to reducing all barriers to cooperation - across borders, cultures, and academic systems, embracing transparency and openness.
Influential

UArctic provides decision-makers with knowledge-based advice that supports sustainable development in the Arctic.

Activities Eligible For Funding

The following are activities eligible under the funding program:

  • Establishment and development of a new UArctic Thematic Network or Institute
  • Development of joint courses or joint degree programs on topics with Northern relevance at bachelor’s, master’s or PhD levels
  • Development of flexible education opportunities, especially online-based programs or courses
  • Networking activities related to research activities conducted by the UArctic Thematic Networks
  • Education or research activities focusing on issues within Canada’s Arctic & Northern Policy Framework
  • Working with Indigenous Groups to ensure Indigenous history and perspectives is included in curricula

Application Process

The applicants will submit all of the information through the Memorial University’s Public Engagement application portal. The applicants will be guided through the application form and they will be able to upload supporting documents, such as, letters of the institutional and partner organization support and a principal investigator’s CV through the same system.

  • Personal information
  • Project plan
  • Detailed budget including any other separately requested project funding, as well as existing funding from other sources
  • Detailed budget, clearly outlining the required 25% contribution from in-kinds and/or additional funding sources
  • The applying institution must provide an endorsement letter from the appropriate leadership level
  • The main applicant’s CV (max two pages)
  • A letter of support from an Indigenous or Northern partner organization outlining the nature and the strength of the research team’s relationship with the partner organization
  • A knowledge mobilization plan

Evaluation Process

The projects will be evaluated through an independent evaluation process and evaluation committee that includes representatives from Canadian and other UArctic member institutions and community partners.

The evaluation process focuses on three dimensions of excellence;

  • UArctic values: relevance to the North as expressed through six UArctic values and Canada’s Arctic and Northern Policy. How the project contributes to circumpolar cooperation, its inclusiveness and openness, and its diversity of partners is relevant to Northern communities and peoples and contributes to policy-making.
  • Academic and research excellence and feasibility of the applied project (education and/or research), its interdisciplinary and inclusion of Indigenous knowledge and other knowledge systems. The experience and scientific merits of the lead applicant.
  • Project management: knowledge mobilization plan, internal and external risk management, sustainability plans for the activity, long-term impacts, and internal evaluation. The budget must reflect the project activities in a realistic manner.

UArctic and Memorial University expect that all research projects are conducted with research integrity and where applicable follow indigenization strategies.

The project grants will be managed and administered by Memorial University’s Harris Centre on behalf of UArctic in accordance with the terms of a Global Arctic Leadership agreement with Global Affairs, Canada.