Creation of new research centres and institutes

• The proposal demonstrates that the centre’s or institute’s objectives align with the University’s and with participating faculties’ strategic areas of research, while supporting cross-cutting themes outlined in the strategic plan.

• The vision and mission of the centre or institute are clearly defined.
• The centre or institute brings together a critical mass of researchers as part of an interdisciplinary research program and adds value to the research activities beyond what might be expected from each of its individual members.  
• The proposal is strongly supported by at least three faculties, and if applicable, by one or more affiliated hospital research institutes.

In addition to the above-mentioned criteria, the full proposal must demonstrate that the centre or institute:

• Has a core of permanent members who will enhance long-term collaborations between members (including co-publications and co-supervision).

• Will contribute to the training of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows.

• Has strong potential and a well-defined strategy to develop large-scale projects with external funds.

• Will facilitate cooperation with scholars from other universities and/or institutions and collaborations with industry partners or community groups.

• Is based on a governance structure that includes the active participation of many members.

• Has a plan to ensure that the centre or institute is financially sustainable and can secure sufficient funding to support its operations and research activities (e.g., through grants, contracts or external donations).

• Has resources designated according to its needs, such as space, administrative and technical staff or shared equipment.

Name, title and academic affiliations

The proposed name of the research centre or institute should be provided in English and in French.

Briefly describe the objectives and vision of the research centre or institute and explain how they relate to the University’s strategic areas of research as well as to the strategic plan of each participating faculty. Explain the importance of establishing this centre or institute in light of what already exists nationally. Indicate how the centre or institute will promote its researchers and what benefits are expected for the University and society. Justify the creation of the centre or institute by describing the current expertise at the University of Ottawa on which it is based.

Briefly describe the consultation process undertaken at this stage and indicate the members who have confirmed their intention to actively engage in the governance and/or activities of the centre, as well as their affiliations.

Include one letter of support for the creation of the centre or institute signed by the dean of the host faculty. The letter must indicate which faculties have confirmed their interest in supporting the creation of the centre or institute.

Name, title and academic affiliation

The proposed name of the research centre or institute should be provided in English and in French.

Describe the objectives and vision of the research centre or institute and explain how they relate to the University’s strategic areas of research and to the strategic plan of each participating faculty. Explain the importance of establishing this centre or institute at the time of application, by comparing it with what already exists nationally and internationally. Indicate how the centre or institute will promote its researchers and the benefits that can be expected for the University and society. Justify the creation of the centre or institute by describing the current expertise at the University of Ottawa and the initiatives on which it is based.

Describe the governance structure and procedures, as well as the operational plan and the role of proposed committees, including any external committees, if applicable (Provide an organizational chart if possible.).

Confirm the name of the professor approved by the participating faculties and members to act as the centre or institute director for the first five-year term.

For subsequent terms, the process of reappointing the director or selecting a new director must be initiated in accordance with the Guidelines for the creation and management of research centres and institutes, as per the official designation of the body.

Describe the different categories of members (see the membership categories below) and their roles. Include the list of founding members in an appendix, with their affiliations and areas of expertise. Briefly indicate how they will participate in interdisciplinary research.

Submit an inventory of currently available infrastructure and resources. Include a list of future needs (e.g., space, administrative support, teaching releases).

Submit a preliminary operating budget for the first five years detailing all anticipated expenses and sources of revenues, including fundraising, in-kind contributions, donations, etc.. Research centres and institutes are expected to strive for financial autonomy as much as possible.

Include one letter of support for the establishment of the centre or institute signed by the dean from each participating faculty. These letters must clearly indicate the financial and in-kind contributions of each of the faculties. In addition to these letters, one letter from the host faculty must also be included, supporting the appointment of the applicant as director of the centre or institute.

As well, you may include letters from stakeholders, for example, external partners and potential sponsors (optional).

• List of confirmed founding members with titles, academic affiliations, and areas of expertise (mandatory)

• List of members external to the University of Ottawa: confirmed or potential (optional)

• For an institute: brief description of the training offered (optional)

• Holds a regular faculty appointment at the University of Ottawa.

• Is a principal or co-investigator on at least one research grant related to the thematic priorities of the research centre or institute.

• Has authored or co-authored academic research papers in an area relevant to the research centre or institute. The number of papers must meet the excellence criteria in the area.

• Makes a minimum of one presentation each year (e.g., conference, symposium, seminar) in an area of relevance to the research centre or institute.

• Contributes to the training of highly qualified colleagues, students, and postdocs by teaching, supervising and mentoring.

• Actively participates in the research centre or institute’s activities, including knowledge mobilization.

• Holds a regular or adjunct faculty appointment at a university in Canada or abroad.
• Is a co-investigator or active collaborator on a research project within the research centre or institute.
• Actively participates in the research centre or institute’s activities, such as knowledge mobilization.

• Holds a visiting faculty appointment.

• Is a principal or co-investigator, or active collaborator, on at least one research grant related to the thematic priorities of the research centre or institute.

• Has authored or co-authored at least one academic research paper annually in an area of relevance to the research centre or institute. The number of papers must meet the excellence criteria in the area.

• Makes a minimum of one presentation (e.g., conference, symposium, seminar) during the period of appointment in an area of relevance to the research centre or institute.

• Actively participates in the research centre or institute’s activities, such as knowledge mobilization.

• Is a postgraduate researcher supervised by a principal researcher of the research centre or institute.
• Actively participates in the research centre or institute’s activities, such as knowledge mobilization.

• Is an undergraduate or graduate student supervised by the principal researchers of the research centre or institute.

• Actively participates in the research centre or institute’s activities, such as knowledge mobilization.

• Is an employee at the University of Ottawa (regular or contractual).
• Supports the activities of the centre or institute, either as a research staff member (e.g., research associate, research assistant, technician) or other staff member (e.g., administrative assistant, communication officer).

• Are not members of the research community but participate in the activities of the research centre or institute.