Student Research and Innovation Grant

student researcher in lab coat looking at computer and lab equipment

Purpose

Student Research and Innovation Grants (SRIG) are meant for KPU students to gain research and innovation experiences as part of their polytechnic university experience. In accordance with KPU’s Academic Plan, it will expand ways of learning by integrating learners into faculty-led and student-led research and innovation. It will foster experiential learning experiences which engage students in practical solutions for physical, social, and discovery challenges. Students undertake purposeful research and innovation while helping advance UN Sustainable Development Goals. 

Key Guiding Principles

  1. The SRIG enables partnerships between student, educators, and external partners (where applicable) to undertake a purposeful and meaningful research and innovation project.
  2. All SRIG applications must be linked to at least one UN Sustainable Development Goals. 
  3. SRIG supports the time and resources required from a student to work alongside a KPU advisor (e.g. a faculty member) and, where applicable, an industry or community partner, with advisor’s oversight.
  4. The project idea* could be proposed by the student, the advisor, or the partner. Co-funding from other internal or external sources is encouraged.
  5. Applications to the SRIG program must be made by a student and endorsed and submitted by the KPU advisor. Applications must demonstrate strong engagement and commitment from all parties. 
  6. Successful completion of the project may entitle the student to an appropriate digital badge. 

* Examples of Projects

Any project that fits the following categories is eligible. 

  • Research: Research is defined as an undertaking intended to extend knowledge through a disciplined inquiry or systematic investigation. 

  • Applied Research: Applied research is original investigation undertaken in order to acquire new knowledge. It is, however, directed primarily towards a specific, practical aim or objective.

  • Innovation: An innovation is a new or improved product or process (or combination thereof) that differs significantly from the unit’s previous products or processes and that has been made available to potential users (product) or brought into use by the unit (process).

  • Undergraduate Research: Undergraduate research, is a mentored investigation or creative inquiry conducted by undergraduates that seeks to make a scholarly or artistic contribution to knowledge.

Examples of projects could include proposals by artists, writers and creative practitioners seeking assistance to research, create, and present their work. Also, any applied research and/or innovative projects related to Trades and Technology (e.g. creating a new widget/gadget or improving an existing widget/gadget to enhance efficiency to address a real-world challenge) are also eligible for this funding.

Frequently Asked Question(s) (FAQs)

Is an external partner necessary to apply for the grant?

No, an external partner is not necessary for the project to apply for the grant. Though, there is value added when there is an external partner involved. There are advantages like additional support, whether it be cash or in-kind. We also encourage external partners as it aids in knowledge transfer and networking opportunities for students.

Funding Source

The SRIG program is funded through the following sources. The funding source for each application will be determined during the review process. 

  • SSHRC Explore Grants through the SSHRC Institutional Grant for KPU (for social sciences and humanities)
  • SSHRC (for social sciences and humanities) and NSERC (for natural sciences and engineering) General Research Funds
  • Internal funding


Testimonials from Past Grant Recipients

Details

Eligible Expenses

Stream 1: Extra-curricular Stream

  1. For projects outside of the curriculum, applicants may request up to a maximum of $3,500 in student assistanship wages ($16.75/hour plus statutory benefits for a total of $19.26/hour payroll cost), for up to 182 hours.
  2. Applicants may request up to $2,000 for non-labour expenses*.
  3. The SRIG program guidelines allow 2 students to apply together and share the assistantship (Stream 1 only) and non-labour funds, provided there is a distinct role for each student.
  4. Follow the FM5 Business and Travel Expense Procedure guidelines. Travel between residence and designated home campus cannot be claimed. Travel from home campus to another campus is allowed if needed to conduct work related to research project.
  5. Student must be authorized to work in Canada as per immigration and employment laws.

Stream 2: Curricular Stream

  1. For projects inside of the curriculum (e.g. capstone projects), applicants may request up to $2,000 for non-labour expenses*.
  2. Follow the FM5 Business and Travel Expense Procedure guidelines. Note: Return travel from home to designated home campus cannot be claimed. Travel from home campus to another campus is allowed if needed to conduct work related to research project.
  3. These projects are not eligible for student assistantships.

*Examples of Eligible Non-Labour Expenses

  • conference registration and travel (for student travel only to present a poster or paper at a conference)

  • research materials and supplies

  • research platform administration fee

  • research participant compensation and reimbursement

  • consulting fees provided by a third party (non-KPU employee, non-researcher)

  • gifts for research partners and contributors when prescribed by cultural heritage/established traditions and as a formal courtesy

The list is not exhaustive and is intended to serve as a general guideline, and follows the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration.

Please note

  1. A student may apply for more than one grant, but can hold only one funded grant at a given time.
  2. The former Student-led Research Grant (SLRG) is being subsumed into Stream 2 of the SRIG.
  3. A student can receive at most one grant in each stream during their education at KPU. If they have received a SLRG previously, they cannot apply for Stream 2 again.
  4. Students, advisors, and partners must comply with all applicable federal, provincial, civic, and institutional COVID-19 orders and directives at all times, including those related to travel.
     

Frequently Asked Question(s) (FAQs)

Do students have to be in an honours program to apply for Stream 2? Are capstone projects eligible?

Yes, any honours or capstone projects are eligible for Stream 2. In addition, students registered in any other course which has a research component, can apply for this grant (Stream 2).

Is stream 1 a pre-requisite for stream 2 funding?

No, students need not complete one stream to be eligible for another. Can two projects be completed under one stream of grant funding? Iit is not advisable to complete two projects under one grant. We recommend you stick with one project per grant.

Timelines

  1. Stream 1 – Stream 1 applications can be submitted at any time during the academic year.
    1. Stream 1 projects could start in any term and could spread over more than one terms.
  2. Stream 2 – There are 3 deadlines for Stream 2 applications:
    1. March 31  – For projects starting in Summer Term
    2. July 31 – For projects starting in Fall Term
    3. November 30 – For projects starting in Spring Term
    4. Start and end dates for Stream 2 projects should align with the timelines for the related course and should be completed at the latest within 2 months of course completion.
  3. Requests for no-cost extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  4. Grants will be awarded until all funds allocated to the particular deadline are committed.

Who is eligible?

KPU students from all schools and faculties as noted below are eligible to apply for funding. These student applicants must have an advisor who takes on the responsibility of a principal investigator (PI) and submit the Romeo application. Applicants must be: (a) Current active KPU student; (b) in good academic standing; and (c) past their first term at the university.

Frequently Asked Question(s) (FAQs)

Are KPU alumni permitted to apply for the grant?
Unfortunately, no. The grant is only available to current students.
 

Application Process

Application Process

Process for applying for funding

Submit an application through ROMEO, KPU’s Researcher portal.

Watch this video for instructions on setting up an account in ROMEO.

  1. Application follows the below review process:
    1. Review and approval by applicant’s Dean or delegate
    2. Review and approval by AVP, Research, Innovation, and Graduate Studies or delegate
  2. Student and their advisor will be notified of results or revisions.
  3. ORS will work with approved student and the advisor to administer the funding if the application has been approved. 

Frequently Asked Question(s) (FAQs)

As a student, what do I put myself as when submitting an application on ROMEO?
Students would select "Applicant" from the dropdown option available on the form to identify their role.

What are the reporting requirements?
There is a final report that is required to be submitted by the students. The report should show how the objective was met, what the outcome was, and how the funding was used. The report itself is simple as it is used to provide metrics that the Office of Research Services can use to enhance future funding opportunities. The successful student will receive an award letter which will outline all requirements in detail.

Is funding on a first come first served basis?
Grants will be awarded until all funds allocated to the particular deadline are committed.

Is a letter of support from the Dean required as part of the application?
No, letters of support from the Dean are not required for this grant program. However, the Dean will need to review and approve the application before it goes to the Office of Research Services.

Can students create a ROMEO account and submit the application or does an advisor need to do that in their behalf?
Yes, there are two ways to submit the application:
1.    The advisor can be set up as the principal investigator and the student can be the applicant and it would be the PI that submits the application
OR
2.    The student would temporarily be set up as the principal investigator and they will add their faculty advisor as the applicant and after submission the roles will be swapped in the system.

Does the Research Ethic Board (REB) application need to be submitted before a grant is approved?
In general, funds will not be released until ethical approval is obtained. If a part of the project can be competed that does not involve humans, then funding can be partially released without obtaining REB approval first. 
 

Student Responsibility

  1. Comply with all applicable university policies, including Integrity in Research and Scholarship Policy and Procedure.
  2. Meet all grant guidelines stated above.
  3. Adhere to the proposed timeline for the Project.
  4. Meet regularly with your designated Advisor and, if any, applicable industry or community partner. 
  5. Submit timesheets (Stream 1 only) in Banner in a timely manner.
  6. Complete post-project reports, assessments, and questionnaires, as required.
  7. Undertake all required training (e.g. safety, research ethics) and follow necessary certification requirements.
  8. Provide videos, photos, quotes, or testimonials as may be requested by KPU.
  9. Acknowledge 'KPU SRIG [Award Year]-[Romeo Reference No.]' as a funding source in all resulting deliverables and outputs.

Advisor Responsibility

  1. Comply with Responsible Conduct of Research
  2. Must be prepared to fully engage and support the student.
  3. Must ensure that project meets institutional policies, safety, and other compliance requirements.
  4. Obtain compliance approvals (e.g. human participants, animal care) before starting such activities
  5. Ensure student’s project meets department’s academic requirements, where applicable.
  6. Complete reports, assessments and questionnaires as may be required. Provide videos, photos, quotes or testimonials as may be requested by ORS.
  7. Acknowledge ‘KPU SRIG [Award Year]’ as a funding source in all resulting presentations and publications, be it print, digital, online, etc. 

Some Relevant Policies (not an exhaustive list)

Please see https://www.kpu.ca/policies for other policies that may be applicable.

Additional FAQs

Can you provide any tips to ensure a success and complete application?

The key is to have clearly defined objectives and a clear plan to obtain the objective (a timeline) with an outcome. Much like story telling, it helps to establish a defined beginning, middle, and end. Vagueness and the lack of a planning and time management will not make for a successful application.

Contact

For questions relating to the SRIG, please contact Cathy Parlee at ors@kpu.ca