Thanks to the generosity of York University president emerita Lorna Marsden, the Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies today announced a new visitorship program. Researchers working on Canada, but based outside the country, may apply for a $2,500 stipend to cover travel and accommodation costs while in residence at the Robarts Centre for Canadian Studies. At least one visitorship will be awarded for the period before July 1, 2015.
Visitors will have access to office space during their time in residence, and the centre will arrange library privileges. The Archives of Ontario and the Clara Thomas Archives and Special Collections are both located on campus, and the Environment Canada Library is nearby. Visitors will be expected to contribute to the academic life at the centre by leading an invited workshop connected to their research expertise. Visitorships will be at least one month’s duration. The Robarts Centre may assist in arranging on-campus accommodation, if requested.
Center director, Professor Colin Coates, points out, “At a time when the Canadian government has cancelled its assistance for foreign-based scholars who work on Canadian subjects, president emerita Marsden’s generosity underlines our support for the excellent work done by our colleagues abroad.”
Priority may be given to scholars working in the one of the current main research areas at the Robarts Centre: Cultural expression in the Arctic, northern studies, black Canada, environmental history and politics, Indigenous studies or Canadian culture. Other approaches will also be considered.
Researchers must supply the following as part of their application:
• A current CV;
• A statement of the research project and how residency at the Robarts Centre will facilitate this project (no more than 500 words). Applicants should indicate their preference for timing. Normally, applicants planning to visit between September and June will receive preference; and
• A letter of support from a current tenure-track faculty member at York University. This faculty member must be an associate of the Robarts Centre.
It is anticipated that the scholar will hold a tenure-track position in a foreign institution and will demonstrate scholarly expertise on Canada and a commitment to Canadian studies.
The first deadline for consideration for this award is Feb. 27. Applications should be sent to the Robarts Centre at robarts@yorku.ca.