An Opportunity to Win a Research Grant in Ethics of Research Valued CA$15,000 in Canada

IDRC’s Advisory Committee on Research Ethics (ACRE) seeks a research award recipient who can support research ethics program activities and make a scholarly contribution to research ethics in international development. The successful candidate will allocate approximately 50% of their time to support ACRE’s coordinator and chair in implementing the Committee’s mandate and annual work plan. 

Activities of the Award:

1. Coordinating seminars and training events on research ethics for IDRC employees.
2. Maintaining and expanding IDRC’s database of resources on research ethics, including through the development of case studies.
3. Developing and updating internal policies and standard operating procedures.
4. Providing support to the review process of research proposals.
5. Promoting ACRE’s services internally and externally.
6. Contributing to the strengthening of ACRE’s relationship with external stakeholders, such as the Tri-Council Secretariat on Responsible Conduct of Research and the Global Health Ethics Unit of the World Health Organization.

Possible Topics of Research Projects:

• Ethical issues that may arise in research on violence, including gender-based violence.
• Research ethics in fragile contexts and in research involving vulnerable populations, such as refugees/displaced populations, and populations vulnerable to climate change, in particular women, adolescent girls and children.
• Ethical dilemmas in the implementation of public health interventions in the context of complex emergencies.
• Gendered dimensions of research ethics in research for development.
• Ethical issues arising when incorporating disruptive technologies in research methodologies, such as artificial intelligence/machine learning, big data, gene editing/CRISPR, etc. (in the research for development domain).
• Ethical dilemmas in the implementation of open data policies by governments and research organizations working in the Global South.

Eligibility Criteria: 

This call is open 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.
• Work experience and/or graduate training in social sciences, global health, bioethics, and/or similar fields.
• Demonstrated interest in research ethics in international development, and/or previous experience in international research ethics.
• Knowledge of research for development.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Field experience in developing countries is an asset.

• Proficiency in English.

• French language skills will be a great added value.

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.

About ACRE:

ACRE provides guidance to staff in the assessment and oversight of the research undertaken and/or supported by IDRC. ACRE’s mission is also to strengthen IDRC employees’ capacity to identify and address research ethics concerns that arise in their work. IDRC is one of the world’s leaders in generating new knowledge to meet global challenges. They offer a number of research awards providing a unique opportunity to enhance research skills and gain a fresh perspective on crucial development issues. These one‐year paid, in‐house programs of training and mentorship allow research award recipients to pursue their research goals and work in one of IDRC’s dynamic program teams.

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