Funding for new interdisciplinary collaborations
The COgnitive Neuroscience kNowledge Exchange for Clinical Translation (CONNECT) project is an HBHL-funded project that aims to boost the real-world impact of cognitive neuroscience by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration. CONNECT offers funding and resources for idea development and research collaboration, supporting projects at any stage of development, even those in their early stages or with undefined projects. This initiative is open to researchers seeking to enhance the practical applications of their work.
Overview
This request for applications (RFA) is a science expertise "matching" opportunity: funds are offered to support a new collaboration that would help your research get one step closer to generating outputs with real-world impact.
- Innovative approach: This is not a traditional call for proposals. CONNECT encourages innovation and novel research approaches鈥攁pplications take the form of short "pitch" presentations, eliminating traditional written proposals.
- Flexible research support and funding: This funding opportunity supports research at any stage, from the earliest conception of a research direction, making it particularly conducive to nurturing novel ideas. Funding depends on the demonstrated need for collaboration, rather than the merits of a specific project. Early-stage research development is actively encouraged.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration:听A听strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration as a means to unlock the potential for real-world impact.听
- Support from CONNECT Team: Throughout the proposal development process, the CONNECT team is available听to offer guidance and assistance.
Process and key dates
Launch networking reception (optional): October 26, 2023
- CONNECT hosted an optional informal networking event for cognitive neuroscientists and their potential collaborators to launch this initiative.
Indication of intent to apply (required, via email): November 14, 2023
- All investigators planning to apply connect [at] mcgill.ca (must send an email to the CONNECT team) by November 14,听2023, indicating: 1) their intent to apply and 2) the collaborator(s) with whom they will be applying.
Mid-way check-in (optional, online): Mid-November
- Schedule an individual team check-in with the CONNECT team to maximize your chances of success. The CONNECT team听will help you ensure your project falls within the scope of the RFA and fulfils the funding criteria.
Pitch presentation (required): December 14, 2023
- This RFA will culminate in a short oral pitch presentation, which will replace a written grant proposal. Each team will pitch the need for the collaboration to a panel of judges and submit a one-page written document containing a brief synopsis and budget.
- These presentations will be short (5-10 minutes) with a question period for the judges. Exact timing听will be determined based on the number of applicants. Specific guidelines will be provided mid-November.
- There is no maximum number of teams that can be funded.
- Results expected by end of December 2023.
Funding and project timeline
Up to $50,000 of funding is available for projects lasting up to one year, with the possibility of renewal based on scope of project and satisfactory progress.
Funds can be used for expenses relating to a novel collaboration at any stage of project development (including pre-project development), such as paying for trainees, travel or events, as long as they are eligible according .
Eligibility criteria
- Trainees and post-doctoral fellows are not eligible to apply.
- The objective of this program is to increase the potential of cognitive neuroscience to have real-world impact. Therefore, at least one applicant鈥檚 research must relate to understanding brain-behaviour relationships.
- We encourage entirely new partnerships. Co-applicants must not have collaborated previously. This criterion will be enforced using an honour system. Here are examples of how we would define a new collaboration:
- Having never been co-PIs on a grant
- Having never co-supervised a student
- Having never deeply collaborated on a publication (e.g., co-first or last authorship)
- At least one applicant must be based at McGill. Funds can only be transferred to CFREF partner institutions (see list below). Other methods of supporting a collaborator outside of McGill would include direct payment to individuals (e.g., to reimburse consultancy fees or travel expenses).
- Past participation in CONNECT initiatives will not affect funding decisions.
Examples of suitable proposals
- A PI seeks a collaborator with machine learning expertise to innovate their research direction.
- A PI requires a knowledge translation expert to develop a formal consultative process with end users.
- PI from outside cognitive neuroscience wants to apply method to a specific area or dataset relating to cognitive neuroscience and is looking for a cognitive neuroscientist collaborator.
Examples of budget applications
- Support the stipends of trainees from collaborating labs
- Support the generation of pilot data听or access to open datasets
- Support training (e.g., student travel to a different lab or visiting professorship)
List of CFREF Partner Institutions
- Western University
- Universit茅 de Montr茅al
- University of British Columbia
- Montr茅al Polytechnique
Pitch Session Evaluation Criteria
*More details about the length, content and format of the pitch presentation will be provided in November to teams that indicate an intent to apply
- Potential of the complementary expertise of co-applicants
- Demonstration that the collaboration is a necessary next step for advancing the goal of cognitive neuroscience with real-world impact
A one-page, detailed and well-justified budget must be submitted to the judges at the time of the pitch.
Feel free to connect [at] mcgill.ca (get in touch with the team with your questions).
