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The BC Student-Led Research Program

  1. Purpose
  2. Eligibility
  3. Criteria
  4. Application Process & Details on Where to Submit Proposal
  5. Deadline(s)
  6. Frequently Asked Questions

Purpose

The BC Student-Led Research Program initiative connects the B.C. Government with university students and their professors to conduct research that addresses public policy issues. It provides students with unique opportunities to apply their research skills to challenges faced by government and encourages them to think of the public service as a place of employment.

To support the implementation and development of the research projects cross government, the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Ministry of Labour and Citizens' Services is providing one time funding grants to post secondary institutions in British Columbia to support student-led research. The intent of the grant is to promote partnerships with post secondary institutions and to facilitate student research. The program is coordinated through the Cross Government Research, Policy and Practice (CGRPP) Branch, OCIO. This initiative provides a great opportunity for students to conduct research on key social issues and enhance the quality of their education. Students may be able to assist government in addressing social issues by researching best practices, approaches and help government to move forward with an evidence informed policy and practice approach. This funding will also support and encourage student opportunities in government as part of government’s corporate human resources plans to help us develop our knowledge workforce for the future.

BC Student-Led Research Program Research Areas of Interest.

Eligibility

Funding will be available to students who:

Criteria

Awards will be in the form of honorariums. Full amount of funding available for this competition is $3,358. Individual awards will be disbursed up to a maximum of $1,500. Upon completion of the research project a product from the research will be expected (e.g. a research paper, conference presentation or survey) with original receipts for any expenses accrued. Expenses directly associated with research qualify as well as travel costs, meals, hotel, transportation.

Application Process

The proposal should be two (2) pages maximum including the budget. The proposal should include:

  • Name, address and student #
  • A title for the new or ongoing research project;
  • An outline of the project;
  • An explanation of the public policy issue that the project is designed to address;
  • Identification as to which BC Government Ministry and or department might be most interested in the results and why;
  • A statement of how you intend to present your results (what is the product you will be producing?); and
  • A signed letter of support from a faculty member who is willing to supervise the project.

Submit your full proposal to Kathryn Jepson at the Research Office, building 305 room 446 no later than 4:00p.m. See deadlines outlined below.

Deadline(s)

Applications for the BC Government Student-Led Research Program.

Thursday, February 11, 2010.

FAQ

Q1. Are there any standardized forms to complete for this application?
A1. There is currently no standardized form. Please make you own by copying the questions/titles listed in the application process

Q2. If uncertain, how can I confirm my eligibility to apply?
A2. Upon review of each eligibility criteria, if you are unsure of your eligibility

For additional information, please contact:
Kathryn Jepson, Committee Support,
Kathryn.Jepson@viu.ca,250.753.3245 ext. 2704.

or any member of the STAR Committee.