The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) invites applications for the bi-annual Doctoral Research Awards from Canadians, permanent residents of Canada, and citizens of developing countries who are currently pursuing doctoral studies at a Canadian university. These awards are intended for field research in one or more developing countries. Candidates who are pursuing research in any area corresponding to IDRC’s research priorities can apply for the awards. The awards are presented in April and November.
IDRC has been playing a major role in helping and supporting graduate students undertake thesis research in the field of international development, since 1982. The main purpose of the IDRC Doctoral Research Awards is to promote the growth of Canadian and developing-country capacity in research on sustainable and equitable development, keeping in mind the international scenario.
However, the applications involving research proposals that are based on comparative research between a developing country and Canada, or that have a purely Canadian component, are not acceptable for this competition. For such research proposals, candidates should apply for a Canadian Window on International Development Award.
Though IDRC supports research in all developing countries, yet at present research proposals in Burma (Myanmar), Cuba, Iran, Iraq, Eastern Europe, or Central Asia are not eligible for the competition.
Field research proposed in the following countries or territories must be approved by IDRC:
Afghanistan, Burundi, Central African Republic, Congo (Democratic Republic of), Côte d’Ivoire, Chad, Eritrea, Gabon, Guinea Bissau, Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of), Liberia, Libya, Papua New Guinea, Small Island States [including Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Mauritius, São Tomé and Principe, Seychelles, Timor-Leste and Oceania (Cook Islands, Fiji, Nauru, Kiribati, Palau, Marshall Islands, Niue, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tokelau, Tuvalu, Tongo, Vanuatu, Wallis & Futuna)], Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Taiwan (Republic of China), West Bank and Gaza, Yemen, Zimbabwe.
Researchers who fulfill the following requirements may apply:
- A citizen or permanent resident of Canada/ a citizen of a developing country
- Enrolled at a Canadian university at the doctoral level
- Research proposal approved by the thesis supervisor
- The proposed field research must take place in one or more developing countries and be conducted for a doctoral dissertation
- Have proof of affiliation with an institution or organization in the developing-country region(s) in which the research will take place
- Before receiving the award, course work must be completed and comprehensive exams should be cleared.
The duration of the award corresponds to the period of field research. However, it will be no less than 3 consecutive months in each developing country that is being researched and no more than 12 months. IDRC will be funding the field research that is being done only after the announcement of the results, and from the date mentioned in the official letter.
Expenses up to CA$20,000 a year will be covered by the award. The expenses include one return trip from Canada to the developing country, housing, food, insurance, travel within the country (ies) of research, and other field research expenses.
The last date to apply is November 1, 2011. For more information, visit this link.
