What kinds of projects does the GSF seek to fund?
Any new project which advances innovative healthcare solutions or transforms health through technology. Some suggested research areas include assistive technology, community-based research, health data, health technology and ethics, health technology innovation, human-centred design, point-of-care diagnostics, therapeutic robotics, virtual care and wearable technology.
How big should my research team be?
The minimum size for a research team is two. Collaborations across disciplines and/or Faculties are encouraged. Collaborations with healthcare stakeholders are strongly encouraged and prioritized.
How many rounds will there be for the GSF grants? Number of approved applications?
GSF will run for 5 years, with one cycle of funding per year, starting in Fall. If funds remain, a mid-year competition may be held. There is some flexibility with regards to the number of approved applications based on the quality of the proposals received and the annual budget.
What is the budget limit for a project?
GSF operates with an annual budget of $235,000. Grantees receive up to $25,000 for new projects for a one-year period to support highly qualified personnel (HQP) related expenses.
What are eligible expenses?
The fund is primarily intended to support HQP related expenses. Allowable expenses include salaries, benefits and student payments, costs to support the participation of clinicians, patients or community members in the research, minor equipment, materials and supplies, and travel and knowledge mobilization.
When do applications open?
October 3, 2022
What is the submission deadline?
December 2, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. EST
When will I be notified of the results?
December 22, 2022
When will the funds be released?
Winter 2023
How long is the term of the grant?
One year. A one-year extension is available on request.
Do I need to have Office of Research Ethics approval before I submit the proposal?
No. However, appropriate ethics approval must be obtained before relevant project tasks are initiated, or awarded funds are released. Refer to UW’s guidelines for Research Involving Human Participants and/or Guidelines for the Care and Use of Animals in Research and Teaching.
How do I access the funds from my awarded grant?
GSF will work with your departmental administrator to initiate a transfer of funds.
What are the elements of a complete application?
The application package must have the Graham Seed Fund Application Form, Waterloo Coversheet for Sponsored Research, and the Lead PI’s focused CV (2 to 3 pages).
Who are the review committee members?
Graham Trust Committee members, Waterloo faculty, Waterloo EDI staff and healthcare stakeholders.
How are proposals reviewed?
Proposals are screened for eligibility and completeness and will undergo EDI assessment before they are reviewed in full according to the evaluation criteria. A decision on funding is then made.
Whom should I contact for further information?
Please contact httsf@uwaterloo.ca for further inquiries. For assistance on developing collaborative research partnerships with clinicians and healthcare providers, please contact Yibei Zhao, Research Development Officer, Health Initiatives, yibei.zhao@uwaterloo.ca.