An Opportunity to Win a Research Grant Valued CA$15,000 in Technology in Canada from IDRC

IDRC has launched its research award 2020 in disruptive technology. As the speed of current technological breakthroughs is without precedent, Shaped the right way in artificial intelligence (AI), big data can advance any of the Sustainable Development Goals and notably the delivery of health, education, agriculture and economic opportunities in potentially transformational ways. So IDRC is seeking a research award recipient to conduct research under this theme.  

Areas of Research:

1. The contribution of disruptive technologies, such as AI, big data, etc., to improve development sectors, such as education, governance or gender.
2. Better understanding on how individuals, organizations and/or governments can adapt and harness disruptive technologies to their needs, including understanding how to build talent and skills in this area among marginalized groups (e.g. women in STEM). This includes a focus on how developing countries can build the right capacities to take advantage of the changing nature of work.
3. Exploring the governance of disruptive technologies, notably how public policies and regulation -  globally or in developing countries - should be designed to better shape these new technologies to ensure they are ethical, rights-based and inclusive.

Eligibility Criteria:

This call is opened to:

• Canadians or permanent residents of Canada who are enrolled in a master’s or a doctoral degree at a recognized university or have completed (within the last three years) a master's or doctoral degree at a recognized university.
• Citizens of a developing country who are enrolled in a master’s or a doctoral degree at a Canadian university or have completed (within the last three years) a master's or doctoral degree at a recognized university. In either case, applicants must already have a work permit valid for full-time work (37.5 hours per week) in Canada until December 31, 2020, prior to applying.

Other eligibility requirements

• The proposed research must focus on one or more developing countries.
• These awards may be part of an academic requirement.
• Minimum of a master’s degree in computer science, engineering, communications, social sciences, development studies, interdisciplinary studies, or a related field.
• General interest in research on technology, technology policy, media and communications, and international development.
• Specific interest and experience working in a development organization and/or conducting research or working in a developing country is an asset. 
• Strong research, analysis, and writing skills for different audiences (academic, policy, public).

• Superior verbal and written communication skills in English.

• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of French or Spanish would be an asset

Your research proposal should demonstrate:

• Relevance to the theme and one or more of the topics listed in this call.
• Strong understanding of the broader issues in this thematic area.
• Ability to outline feasible objectives and a clearly defined research methodology

Funding:

Research award recipients will join IDRC for a one-year paid program to undertake research on the topic they have submitted. They will receive hands-on experience in research and program management and support, grant administration, and the creation, dissemination, and use of knowledge from an international perspective. For payroll purposes, awardees are considered full-time employees of IDRC. Benefits include employer contributions to employment insurance, employer health tax, the Canada Pension Plan, and paid vacation leave. Some travel and research expenses are also supported, up to a maximum of CA$15,000.

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