Western Research Scholars Academy
The Western Research Scholars Academy is a new mentorship network for Western researchers co-designed with researchers to provide support through connection and mentorship with international academic leaders, professional development and research resources.
In line with Western’s strategic plans, Western Research aims to:
- Create mentorship and networking opportunities for Western researchers, prioritizing those from equity-deserving groups
- Build interdisciplinary and international connections between top researchers
- Support and deepen equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization (EDI-D) in research
- Make additional resources available to scholars to facilitate their envisioned future success
- Elevate Western researcher profiles and research programs
- Formalize a mentorship process connecting Western researchers to one another
Mentorship & Networking
Participants are paired with diverse senior mentors who are top leaders in their fields and committed to EDI-D. Mentors are invited to meet with their mentees, interact with other Western researchers and academic leaders and deliver public lectures. Mentors are encouraged to work with mentees on scholarly contributions such as policy proposals, grant proposals, etc. over the program term.
Informal networking events will be held throughout the program and a celebratory event will be held at the completion of the program. Networking will also have a focus on creating space for, and facilitating, relationships among researchers who self-identify as belonging to an equity-deserving group.
Learning & Development
The program will support skills development through a monthly seminar series addressing participant-driven topics, such as conversations with diverse scholars on their experiences in academia, research dissemination and impact, patents, embedding EDI-D in research and developing multi-institutional strategic grants. The schedule of upcoming Scholars Academy events, including the monthly seminar series, can be found using the button at the right.
Grants Repository
The Grants Repository includes a collection of Western led awarded proposals which we hope will serve as a valuable resource to inspire and guide your own grant writing. Included are Tri-agency grant proposals (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) as well as CFI, ORF, PHAC, and internal Western grants, among others. Practical resources to support you in crafting strong, compelling, and competitive applications are also included. The Grants Repository will be regularly updated with additional applications and resources, ensuring that you have access to a diverse range of examples.
Feedback
Do you have feedback pertaining to the Western Research Scholars Academy you'd like to provide? We would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions and concerns in any areas we can improve as our goal is to co-develop this program with you. Please use the feedback form to provide input.
Contact
For more information or questions regarding the Scholars Academy programming and resources, please contact, Samantha Albanese, Program Coordinator, Western Research Scholars Academy.
