Research and study opportunities

2017-2018 CALL FOR PAPERS

Canada’s first 150 years have been marked by innovation and inspiration, which continue to be key determinants in defining our future. Do you have fresh ideas for improving the federal public service and positively influencing Canada’s future? Are you ready to contribute your ideas? This is your chance to be heard by leaders at the most senior levels of the public service!

As a student, you have a unique perspective on the public service and government. After all, federal programs and services affect almost every aspect of your daily life, from the food inspections that ensure the safety of your morning coffee to passports and other services that support your adventures abroad. And let's not forget the student employment programs that can help launch your career. 

If you advance to the finals, you will make a short video pitch which, along with your paper, will be posted on the Institute of Public Administration website. The public will be invited to vote for the “Public Choice Award,” and you will present your paper to a panel of Deputy Ministers. All papers that reach the finals will also be translated and posted in English and French on the Canada School of Public Service website. The National Student Paper Competition provides wonderful profile for your work, making it accessible to public servants and the broader public. In addition, the majority of last year’s finalists have found employment with the federal public service.

The Grand Prize winner of the competition will receive an offer for a four-month paid placement, an invitation to present their paper on a national platform, an invitation to attend the 2018 Manion Lecture in the National Capital Region and an official certificate to proudly display their achievement.

If you are a student enrolled in a university Master’s or PhD program in Canada or abroad, please read the guidelines and key dates and submit a paper to your university coordinator in November, 2017.

The public service—and Canada—will count on your innovation and creativity in the years ahead, and we’re looking forward to your contribution. Make sure your voice is heard!

Waterloo offers a graduate studies research travel assistantship to help you cover expenses associated with presenting your research at a professional conference away from Waterloo.  For more information and to apply, interested applicants can complete our research travel assistantship application.

Research Travel Claims Information (PDF)

Waterloo offers several international experience awards annually to full‐time graduate students who participate in a minimally‐paid or volunteer work placement, an academic exchange, or a study term related to academic requirements or research. Further details on such awards can be found in our graduate funding & awards database.

This program supports eligible high-calibre Canadian graduate students in building global linkages and international networks through the pursuit of exceptional research experiences at research institutions abroad. Visit the Graduate Studies CGS-MSFSS web page for full details.