What we know about the next call for NCE proposals

Dr. Aynslie OgdenSenior Science Advisor

Executive Council Office

Northern conversation with the NCE Secretariat

• Last spring we sought advice from Stephanie Michaud, Deputy Director of the NCE Program

• Purpose: to help us prepare for a workshop that was held in Whitehorse in May, 2015 where interests in a sub arctic / northern boreal NCE were discussed

What we shared: Northern interests?• Partnerships are essential: Decision-makers

require research partnerships to collaboratively generate and disseminate knowledge needed to contribute to regional sustainability

• Process matters! e.g. desire for co-design and co-production of knowledge and a leadership role for northern colleges

• Solutions-oriented: Areas of significant knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to support decision making include: Water security Food security Climate change Social and economic

development

Energy security Reconciliation Health and well being Mining reclamation Cultural sustainability

• Usefulness of research: e.g. desire for science-policy integration

• Benefits of research: e.g. northern research capacity development, Yukon College university transition, northern research infrastructure development

• Recognition of northern expertise and contributions: many different kinds of knowledge, experience and expertise

• Broader definition for capacity building and training of HQP needed: (e.g. not just grad students)

• Interdisciplinary: e.g. desire a stronger role for health and social sciences in northern research

What we shared: Northern interests?

What we heard: typical NCE

• 15-25 projects• 3-6 themes• 50-75 profs• 100-200 HQP• 50 partners• 3-6M from NCE• Matched by partner in-kind

or cash support

What we heard: NCE Evaluation Criteria*Criteria Advice from Secretariat

1. Management of the Network

This has proven to be the Achilles heel that makes or breaks proposals

2. Excellence of the research program

Goes without saying…

3. Development of HQP Expectation that HQP will be better prepared for job opportunities and entry into the workplace

4. Networking and partnerships

Right people need to be at the table for the network to achieve its mission. In-kind is highly regarded for those who can’t provide cash.

5. Knowledge and technology exchange and exploitation

How network will engage end-users needs to be part of strategy. What impact is the network looking to have? How will this be evaluated? What is the logic model for implementation?

*All equally weighted

What we heard: Can NCE program accommodate northern interests and needs?Northern interest/need Can the NCE Program accommodate?

1. Leadership from northern colleges

YES! Just because this would be new to the NCE program doesn’t mean they aren’t interested in supporting a strong role for the northern colleges

2. Northern research capacity building

YES! The NCE program is very open to adapt to what is defined by the NCE’s as a need

3. Northern HQP development

YES! It can look different than a traditional grad student focus. e.g. health network with desire to have impact on changing the behaviour of medical professionals

4. Northern research interests

YES! Next call for proposals is likely to be targeted. However, given the importance of the North in the national conversation, northern interests are likely to be supported.

What we heard: MUSTS for network proposals

They MUST: • be solutions driven• develop world-class capacity • develop international collaborations • advance knowledge and/or technology

for the benefit of Canadian society• outline impacts the network will provide

within the funding cycle • outline a plan for lasting value and long

term impacts• engage industry• (NEW) build on established

collaborations

However, the federal context has changed since our conversation with the NCE Secretariat….

Minister of Science Mandate letter - top priorities:• “…that scientific analyses are considered when the government makes

decisions…• …to ensure that environmental assessment decisions are based on

science, facts, and evidence… • …..to help employers create more co-op placements for students in

science, technology, engineering, and math… • …Support your Ministerial colleagues as they re-insert scientific

considerations into the heart of our decision-making and investment choices…

• …Lead the establishment of new Canada Research Chairs in sustainable technologies…

• ….examine the implications of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems…

• …Examine options to strengthen the recognition of, and support for, fundamental research to support new discoveries.”