Dialogue Researcher Component Program (Canada)

Through DIALOGUE, the FRQ aim at recognizing and encouraging the involvement of the research community in engagement activities with the general public.

As increasing numbers of Quebecers are showing greater interest in research and taking part in scientific activities, the scientific community is publicizing its work and the innovations that stem from it, while seeing the impact of its research on society. The bridges being built help to strengthen public confidence in science while raising the profile of Québec research.

Objectives

• The Researchers component of this program aims to:
  • Recognize the commitment of researchers from all sectors of research to science communication and dialogue activities with the general public.
  • Support researchers who choose to use general public activities to promote their research or its resultant innovations.
  • Foster dialogue with the general public and spark interest in science;
  • Train and supervise students in science communication for participation in science communication activities with the general public.

Funding Information

• Successful projects will receive a maximum of $40,000 for a maximum period of 18 months. The grant is not renewable.
• A minimum of nine projects will be selected under this competition drawn equally from the three research sectors covered by the FRQ, if possible.
• For each grant awarded, between $5,000 and $7,500 over the 18-month period must be paid to a student to participate in the implementation of the action plan.

Eligible Expenses

• Dissemination and knowledge transfer costs
• Costs of setting up, maintaining and promoting a digital platform (website, blog, YouTube channel, etc.).
• Costs related to the production and dissemination of videos (filming, editing, materials, etc.).
• Costs related to the organization and promotion of science communication events or activities.
• Costs related to the production and promotion of popularized content (including social media advertising, partnerships with influencers, etc.).
• Costs related to the printing of promotional material.
• Science communication training.
• Student support – scholarships and supplements
• Scholarships or scholarship supplements for college, undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows to participate in the implementation of the action plan (mandatory – between $5,000 and $7,500).
• Student support – remuneration
• Remuneration for college, undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students and postdoctoral fellows to participate in the implementation of the action plan.
• Note: While the FRQ supports the remuneration of students, this should be done sparingly. It is suggested that qualified service providers also be used to ensure a high level of professionalism for funded activities.
• Professional fees and compensation
• Science communication resource persons or service providers essential to the project.
• Travel and subsistence costs
• Travel expenses of the researcher or invited guests essential to the project (maximum $2,250).

Eligibility Criteria

• Funded by the government of Québec, the FRQ have a mandate to support individuals studying, working or living in Québec who are interested in contributing to the development of research. It is therefore important that applicants and funding holders hold certain characteristics and a legal status in order to meet the following requirements throughout the term of their funding.
• To be eligible to apply for a grant, the principal investigator must be employed by a managing institution at the time of submitting the application, unless otherwise indicated in the program rules. Every year of funding, the managing institution must confirm that it continues to employ the principal investigator on an ongoing basis (including the maintenance of appropriate visas, if applicable).
• Researchers must meet the following criteria:
  • Have one of the following statuses:
    • Status 1: university researcher;
    • Status 2: clinical university researcher;
    • Status 3: college researcher.
• Project location:
  • The project must be mainly carried out in the province of Québec. However, it can include activities with an international reach.

Evaluation Criteria

• In line with the program’s objectives, pre-applications will be assessed according to the following criteria:
  • Potential for dialogue with general public:
    • Approaches or strategies) described;
    • Applicant’s skills and interest in engaging in communication and dialogue activities with the general public.
  • Project that focuses on promoting research work (process, results), research results, or innovation resulting from research (and not only promoting science):
    • Scope of the project in the public sphere, particularly in Québec;
    • Potential for training a new generation of science communicators.

For more information, visit QRF.