IDRC’s research awards application process for 2022 is open and the deadline for submitting your completed application has been extended to 14 February 2022 at 23:59 EST.

At IDRC, we strive to nurture emerging researchers in Canada who will apply their research in innovative ways to solve development challenges. Our research awards program helps to build the capacity and careers of individuals by funding academic study and mobility, research, the development of complementary skills, and hands-on experience.

We are committed to creating and fostering a respectful, diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace culture that reflects the people’s lives we impact and the Canadian community we work within, where everyone is comfortable being their authentic selves. We welcome Indigenous peoples and persons from all races, ethnicities, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, and physical or mental abilities to be part of our team.

About the awards

This year IDRC will offer research awards related to these development areas or themes: Climate-Resilient Food Systems, Democratic and Inclusive Governance, Education and Science, Ethics in Development Research, Global Health, Policy and Evaluation, and Sustainable Inclusive Economies.

If your research proposal is selected, you will join IDRC as a Research award recipient for a period of 12 months from 1 May 2022 to 30 April 2023 with a salary in Canadian dollars between CA$42,033 to CA$48,659 to undertake research on the topic you have submitted. You will receive hands-on experience in research and program management and support, grant administration, and the creation, dissemination, and use of knowledge from an international perspective. Meet some or our former IDRC Research award recipients.

For payroll purposes, you will be considered a full-time non-union employee of IDRC. Benefits include employer contributions to employment insurance, employer health tax, the Canada Pension Plan, and paid vacation leave. Some travel and research expenses are also supported, up to a maximum of CA$15,000.

Who can apply

• Canadian citizens, permanent residents of Canada, and citizens of developing countries with a work permit valid for full-time work (37.5 hours per week) in Canada until 30 April 2023
• Students from low or middle-income countries who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada who have a valid student work permit and are enrolled in a Canadian university
• Students who are enrolled in or who have completed a master’s program from a recognized university within the last three years or students enrolled in a PhD program with a recognized university
• Preference will be given to students who have completed a master’s degree or who are enrolled in their first two years of a PhD program

Eligibility requirements

• Applied for only one research award recipient opportunity
• Proposed research must focus on one or more developing countries on the OECD DAC list of ODA recipients
• Field research component cannot be more than 3 months
• Research cannot be proposed in countries with Government of Canada travel security advisories to “Avoid all travel”
• Specific eligibility criteria of each research theme must be satisfied
• Completed Research proposal submission and Academic information and professional qualifications form and a copy of your valid student work permit or full-time work permit valid at least until 30 April 2023, if applicable, which must be uploaded as part of the application process (Note: If these documents are not uploaded your application will not be considered) 
• Candidates who are short-listed will need to present a letter of support from an organization willing to assist them in the field and provide general support (i.e. with local ethics review, administrative processes, etc.)
• Candidates who have valid student work permits and are selected will be made offers conditional upon obtaining a work permit valid for full-time (37.5 hours) from 1 May 2022 and 30 April 2023

Note: You will be required to state in the application process if for the duration of the IDRC research award (i.e. 1 May 2022 to 30 April 2023) one of the following applies to ensure there is no conflict of interest: i) have received another Canadian government scholarship, award, subsidy, bursary, etc.; ii) hold a federal government contract in support of a research or work project; iii) have received another IDRC award or any award managed by another institution but supported by IDRC, such as the Queen Elizabeth Advanced Scholars program; and iv) involved directly or indirectly with any other IDRC project.                                               

Note: Your research design and implementation should be flexible given the strong possibility that the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and/or its after-effects will complicate and even prevent field research in many regions in 2022 and 2023.

Research proposal evaluation criteria

• Relevance of the proposal to IDRC’s mission and mandate
• Relevance of the proposal to selected development outcome area
• Clarity and quality of the proposal
• Clarity and appropriateness in addressing the ethical considerations and gender dimension of the proposed research
• Applicant’s capacity to conduct the proposed program of research including academic qualifications, local language abilities, and related experience
• Applicant’s capacity to conduct program of work, including related employment experience

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only short-listed candidates will be contacted. Short-listed candidates will be advised by late February 2022.

For further information, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions and the Short-Listed Candidate Checklist. If after reviewing all the information provided, you still have a question, please contact us at careers@idrc.ca.

To find out more or to apply for this Research Award, please click here.