About the program

Visiting Fellowships are awarded to highly qualified researchers who intend to conduct innovative, full-time, and collaborative research at their host institutions. Projects and collaborations pursued through the Visiting Fellowship program should have a transformative approach, with a focus on action, and interdisciplinary and/or transdisciplinary  knowledge. Community-based research is encouraged. Fellowships are intended to facilitate continued collaboration and co-publications between participating researchers and host institutions.

Visiting Fellowships may include:

•  Contributions to research projects through existing or new collaborations;
• Public lectures;
• Development of new joint initiatives;
• Research visits for collaborative projects featuring student co-supervision.

Types of Visiting Fellowships

• Transforming Climate Action (TCA) Institutional Partner Visiting Fellowships take place entirely within Canada between eligible institutions.
• International Visiting Fellowships allow researchers at an eligible partner institution in Canada to conduct short research visits at an eligible international partner institute (outgoing international VF), and vice versa (incoming international VF).

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General eligibility

Applications will be considered from PhD candidates who have completed all degree requirements, postdoctoral fellows, tenured and non-tenured faculty members, and senior staff or other research professionals. A researcher who is currently taking part in the International Postdoctoral Fellowship (IPDF) program is not eligible to apply. 

TCA Institutional Partner Visiting Fellowships

Researchers participating in Transforming Climate Action (TCA) large research projects at one of the TCA institutional partners (Dalhousie University, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Université Laval, and Memorial University of Newfoundland) are eligible to conduct research visits between these partner institutions within Canada.

International Visiting Fellowships

Researchers participating in the TCA research program at one of the TCA institutional partners (Dalhousie University, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Université Laval, and Memorial University of Newfoundland) are eligible to conduct research visits at an international partner institute.

Researchers at one of the international partner institutes are eligible to apply for a Visiting Fellowship in Canada, at one of the TCA institutional partners (Dalhousie University, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Université Laval, and Memorial University of Newfoundland).

Priority consideration is given to researchers connected to formal TCA partners. Researchers from other international academic research institutions are welcome to apply.

Duration and funding

Normally, fellowships are awarded for a minimum of 14 days to a maximum of 120 days, aligning with Canadian work permit exemption eligibility criteria for a short-term researcher. Reimbursement will be provided for the cost of one round-trip economy class airline ticket to/from the home city to the host city. In addition, successful VFs may be reimbursed for up to $4,000 CDN per month, pro-rated based on the actual visit length, to help cover travel expenses incurred. Eligible expenses may include local travel (taxis), temporary accommodations, travel expenses, health insurance, meal per diems, and other incidental expenses.

Maximum allowable reimbursement may vary by host institution.

Applicants are responsible for arranging all visa, or other documents required.

The host supervisor is responsible for providing a workspace and facilities and internet access. Fellows should bring their own laptops.

Terms and conditions

The VF program does not provide salary support, a research allowance, or stipend. Fellowships are not renewable and do not constitute an employment contract. Visiting Fellows are expected to maintain a relationship with their “home” institution. Fellows are expected to participate in research life by providing at least one presentation of their research through a seminar or public lecture.

Successful applicants must report, annually, on their project according to the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) requirements and must acknowledge in all resulting publications that the research is supported by the Ocean Frontier Institute’s Visiting Fellowship program, thanks in part to funding from the Canada First Research Excellence Fund for the Transforming Climate Action research program.

To help evaluate the benefits of the Visiting Fellowship program, all participants must provide a final report outlining their research outcomes, including how it supported the program’s research priorities. The report shall be submitted to the Training and Early Career Program Development Manager within three months of the term being completed.

A VF visit must commence within one year of receiving the award letter.

Visa and work permit

Visiting Fellows who are not Canadian citizens are responsible for obtaining all visas that are legally required according to their country of residence, citizenship and duration of their fellowship. OFI cannot provide assistance with visa applications. Be aware of the necessary lead-time for applying for a visa (country-specific). Note: the appointment as a Visiting Fellow does not constitute an employment contract.

Accommodation

Visiting Fellows are responsible for arranging their own temporary accommodations for the research stays.

Please note: we are not accepting applications at this time.

It is anticipated that at least one open call for Visiting Fellows will be issued each year. The call for proposals will normally remain open for two months.

An application package must include:

• Standard application, including optional self-declaration questions
• A short biography (150 words)
• A short proposal (up to 2,000 words), including:

The Selection Committee will use the following criteria to assess applications:

Research excellence

• Excellence of the applicant's proposed research, especially the degree to which it complements TCA research;
• Excellence in intellectual contribution of the applicant to their field of research, as assessed by scholarly contributions and/or a demonstrated capacity to shape the direction of research and thought.

Quality of proposed research and potential for forging strong linkages

• Realizable research objectives and the feasibility of the proposed work to be pursued during the applicant’s assignment, given the resources of TCA;
• A clear case for how this project enhances TCA’s research priorities, including the transformative aspects and human aspects;  
• Likelihood of a valuable and enduring relationship through strengthening of academic networks for ongoing research activity and/or enhanced educational programs.

When applications are scored similarly, the following criteria may be considered:

• Interdisciplinary and/or transdisciplinary perspective
• Demonstrated track record of engagement across multiple disciplines, and/or;
• Proposed plans to work across disciplines during project, including how this experience will help the candidate to gain expertise in interdisciplinarity or transdisciplinarity.
• Equity, Diversity, Inclusivity, Accessibility (EDIA)
• Proposed project’s approach to EDIA;
• Applicant’s commitment to increasing their awareness and understanding of EDIA and incorporating EDIA principles and best practices into their work;
• Track record of applicant in committing to and promoting EDIA in their research and practices. Note that applicants may not have experience in an academic system where EDIA is promoted; this will not count against them.
• Carbon footprint of project

Once the Selection Committee has made its decision, successful applicants will be notified with the necessary next steps. The decision by the Selection Committee is final and cannot be appealed.

The Ocean Frontier Institute and the Transforming Climate Action research program adhere to the principles of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility (EDIA) and aim to provide diverse and discrimination-free programs, with equitable access for all researchers, staff, students, and highly qualified personnel.  Learn more about EDIA in the TCA research program.

For further information please contact:

Tracey Woodhouse
Training and Early Career Development Programs Manager
Email: tracey.woodhouse@dal.ca