Connected Minds Seed Grants

Project Description – Approach/Methodology/Objectives

1. Please provide a lay summary of the research question, objectives, approach, relationship to the goals of Connected Minds, and expected outcomes/impact of the proposed project. This summary may be used for public communications and thus should be targeted to the layperson. (300 words max).
2. Describe the proposed research approach/methodology. (750 words max)
   • Clearly state the research question being proposed, the rationale for the proposed research, and the objectives of the project;
   • Describe the design of the research project, including how the proposed research is novel and/or innovative; and/or
   • How this funding will allow the research team to put down roots for their research, collaborations, and support future growth, which may include a commitment to listening and learning from Indigenous Peoples’ knowledge, ecology, spiritual practice, and experiences.

Project Milestones (Text (150 words) and/or Upload)

1. Provide realistic milestones that are achievable during year-1 and year-2. Charts and graphs may be uploaded under the appendices section.

Interdisciplinary, Co-Creation, & Knowledge Mobilization Aspects (250 words)

1. Describe the interdisciplinary, co-creation, and knowledge mobilization aspects of the project (in the context of the objectives of the Connected Minds seed grant program). Note, for Indigenous specific funding, collaboration is considered essential to exploring approaches and making room for Indigenous research and/or Indigenous forms of disseminating research.

Description of the Research Team and the Partnership(s) (200 words)

1. Describe the skills/experience of the proposed project team and the impact of proposed collaborations and partnership(s);
2. Describe how the research builds on established partnerships or establishes new partnerships.
3. Describe active efforts to increase equity, diversity and inclusion of underrepresented groups (Indigenous Peoples; African, Caribbean, and Black individuals; racialized individuals; persons with disabilities; women and 2SLGBTQIA+) in the research ecosystem in the creation of the research team and partnerships, and how tokensim will be prevented within the team composition.

Impact and Return on Investment (150 words)

1. Please describe the impact of the project on one of the following National Science, Technology and Innovation Priorities:
   1. Healthy Canadians: Enhancing the health and wellness of Canadians across all life stages
   2. Innovative and Resilient Communities: Building thriving communities that are inclusive, liveable, smart and safe
   3. Technologically Advanced Canada: Advancing transformative and enabling technologies that will support a technologically advanced economy and society
2. Explain how this work will lead to subsequent external funding and indicate the potential source(s).

Budget & Budget Justification

Budget & Budget Justification – Please complete the budget template provided by first and second year for both the awarded funds and partner contributions (cash or in-kind). These may include research trainee support, research equipment and materials, space, and other expenses. If the project includes both York and Queen’s investigators, break this down into two separate budgets (total maximum $75,000). Present a clear rationale for the proposed expenditures. (150 words).

Please note that:

• Personnel funding levels should be consistent with the applicant’s institutional minimum and maximum limits for research staff and trainees; trainee stipend amounts should be consistent with the higher of either the applicant’s institutional minimums or minimums recommended by Tri-Council Policy;
• Proposed expenditures should be consistent with CFREF’s guidelines on eligible expenditures;
• Indirect costs are ineligible for this program;
• For any questions related to the eligibility of research costs, please contact ConnectedMindsInfo@yorku.ca.

Equity & Diversity Considerations

EDI are embedded as foundational principles in the CFREF objectives, expected outcomes, and reporting requirements. The Tri-Agency Institutional Program Secretariat expect that CFREF-funded initiatives will demonstrate exceptional leadership in contributing to transforming their research disciplines and Canada’s research ecosystem to help it become equitable, diverse, and inclusive.

Explain how EDI principles and best practices were applied in the development of the proposal’s research design, implementation, and impact by answering the following:

1. Are sex (biological) considerations addressed in this study proposal? Please explain how or why not. (100 words)
2. Are gender (socio-cultural) considerations addressed in this study proposal? Please explain how or why not. (100 words)
3. Are diversity considerations (e.g., Racialization, Indigeneity, 2SLGBTQIA+, Poverty, Disabilities) addressed in this study proposal? Please explain how or why not. (100 words)
4. Please explain how this research impacts underrepresented (Indigenous Peoples; African, Caribbean, and Black individuals; racialized individuals; persons with disabilities; women and 2SLGBTQIA+) groups. (100 words)

Appendices (any uploaded form should have a font of Arial 11, or equivalent, and be in pdf form)

1. Signature page – Please upload one PDF document with the signatures (digital or scanned) from the Principal Investigator, all Co-Investigators, Collaborators, and Partners and must include the following statement “I agree to collaborate on the proposed project as outlined in this application. I have contributed to its development and have reviewed the final draft prior to submission”.
2. Tables, Figures, Project Timeline (Optional, 2 pages max) – Two additional pages may be included for tables/figures. Please note that any additional pages beyond two may be deleted prior to review.
3. Curriculum Vitae – Please provide a current CV for the PI and all Co-PIs/collaborators working on the project (any CV format acceptable). Note: a standard resume is acceptable for any community based / non-academic Co-PIs.
4. References (1 page max) – One additional page may be included in the appendix for references.

Social Impact Assessment: (section only applicable if the project involves developing new technology)

Given the complex, interdisciplinary and techno-social focus of the Connected Minds program, the Connected Minds Social Impact Assessment Guidelines were developed to emphasize that researchers and prospective researchers are further required to think about their research, their technologies and the proposed uses of those technologies through the lenses of social responsibility, harm avoidance, equity and inclusivity. 

Socially responsible research prioritizes ethical principles and values throughout the development and implementation of new programs, processes, technologies, and ways of knowing and doing. It is research that takes into account the potential impact(s) on individuals, communities and society/societies as a whole, while aligning with human values, respecting both individual and collective human rights, and contributing to a sustainable and inclusive future. 

Researchers (both funded and prospective) must be able to demonstrate to the program and its reviewers that they have considered and adequately addressed the following considerations in their proposals/reviews: 

1. Social Responsibility:

Clearly articulate how your research will be conducted in a socially responsible manner. Explain the measures you will take to ensure that the research process and outcomes contribute positively to societal well-being. If appropriate, apply generally agreed-upon risk assessment tools to identify and mitigate potential harms associated with your research. Clearly outline the steps you will take to monitor and address risks, with a focus on minimizing adverse impacts on impacted communities. (500 words)

2. Consideration of Diverse Perspectives:

Clearly demonstrate how your research accounts for the needs and perspectives of diverse populations. Provide details on how you plan to prevent biases and ensure inclusivity across socioeconomic status, race, gender, and other equity-deserving identity characteristics. (500 words)

3. Environmental Impact Assessment:

Please describe how the proposal integrates considerations for environmentally sustainable technologies. Proposals with potential environmental ramifications should explicitly showcase the prediction, analysis, and mitigation measures employed to ensure any adverse effects are identified and addressed to prevent harm. (500 words)

4. Building Trust and Public Acceptance:

Demonstrate how your research approach is designed to build trust and gain public acceptance. Highlight specific strategies to engage with the public (including users and/or patients, as applicable), address concerns, and maintain transparency throughout the research lifecycle. (500 words)

5. Acknowledgment of Intellectual Property and Considerations for Traditional Knowledges:

Clearly acknowledge and outline how your research and any technologies developed respect the intellectual property of individuals or entities who hold rights to them. Identify and specify the types of intellectual property involved, such as patents, copyright, trademarks, and trade secrets. Identify the data governance framework that will be applied to this proposal. If applicable, address Indigenous intellectual property rights as outlined in the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) (2017). Emphasize how your research respects Indigenous rights to the protection of traditional knowledge, cultural heritage, and customs. (500 words)