As outlined by University of Toronto policy, research involves the “investigation or experimentation aimed at the discovery or interpretation of knowledge, the systematic collection or revision of knowledge in light of new facts or theories, the development and application of methodologies to increase knowledge and the practical application of knowledge to specific problems or circumstances.”
At the University of Toronto, all research funding applications must be submitted to the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation (OVPRI) in Simcoe Hall on the St. George campus. Signing authority on grant applications rests with the University rather than the individual investigator or departmental Chair. Institutional endorsement is required on most grant applications. The institutional signature is provided by the Vice President Research or his delegate.
Every application submitted to the OVPRI must be accompanied by a fully signed internal U of T form, the RIS Application Attachment, more commonly known as the RIS form or ‘the blue form” for those who recall the blue paper copies from the 90’s. Applications not accompanied by this form will not be reviewed or receive institutional endorsement until a completed form is provided.
The Undertakings section of the RIS form must be signed by the applicant, then the applicant’s UTSC departmental Chair, and finally, the UTSC Vice-Principal, Research prior to submitting it electronically to the OVPRI. Note that some sponsors require the divisional signature on the application form itself.
To secure these required signatures on your RIS form, submit a copy of your application form and attachments for review by your Chair and then the UTSC Vice-Principal, Research. The individual UTSC departments have their own policies about how and when an applicant must secure a departmental signature. Please contact your department to learn about the specific requirements and timelines. Your UTSC department will set earlier internal deadlines than those for review and signature by the Vice-Principal, Research.
For review and endorsement of all research funding applications, the Office of the Vice-Principal, Research requires, at a minimum, a copy of the research proposal and the final budget and budget justification.
Institutional Endorsment relies on the prior assurances and the approval signatures provided by the division and indicate the university’s willingness to administer the research funds on the investigator’s behalf, consistent with the university’s policies. In particular, the institutional signature indicates that:
Applicants to some research funding programs may wish to refer to the University of Toronto Strategic Research Plan and User’s Guide as they prepare their application. Excellence, Innovation, Leadership: The University of Toronto Strategic Research Plan, 2012-2017 (SRP) is structured on seven thematic areas that engage the U of T research community and its partners in the challenges that face global society in the 21st century.
IF YOU HAVE CO-APPLICANTS FROM OTHER UNIVERSITIES/INSTITUTIONS:
IF YOU ARE A CO-APPLICANT ON ANOTHER INSTITUTION’S APPLICATION:
MULTIDISCIPLINARY COLLABORATION:
Applicants are encouraged to collaborate with researchers in other fields. For example, if the eligibility requirements are met, social sciences and humanities researchers may participate as co-applicants in NSERC's Strategic Network Grants Program and SSHRC’s Partnership Grants and Partnership Development Grants programs permit funding to teams that include participation from researchers from outside the social sciences and humanities.
ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY
UofT applicants and co-applicants with non-standard appointments are advised to have their eligibility verified and confirmed well in advance of a competition deadline. Please refer to the University of Toronto guidelines on eligibility to apply for research funding located at http://www.research.utoronto.ca/for-researchers-administrators/applying-for-funding/eligibility-to-be-a-pi/ Applicants and co-applicants to a sponsor’s research program should first determine their eligibility to apply. They must meet the eligibility criteria, both at the time of application and during tenure of award.
OFFICE OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT RESEARCH & INNOVATION (OVPRI) - ORGANIZATIONAL CHART AND CONTACT INFORMATION
There are two units within the OVPRI that administer research funding:
You may click on any department or unit in the OVPRI organizational chart to find the person you’re looking for or search the Funding Opportunities Database to find the contact person for any opportunity posted on the database.
BUDGETS:
Budgets must be prepared in accordance with a program’s specific guidelines. Conditions vary from program to program, so please make sure to review all information released by the sponsor concerning budgets.
Common budget categories are Salaries & Benefits, Indirect Costs, Travel, Equipment, and Construction. Please see the OVPRI website for information about these categories: http://www.research.utoronto.ca/for-researchers-administrators/applying-for-funding/budgets/
VP Research & Innovation staff will establish funds and budgets based on the information in the award notice. Only the Vice-President, Research & Innovation and the President have authority to accept research funding on behalf of the University and only their staff can set up the award so that an investigator can start spending. It is critical that you ensure that the OVPRI contact receives a copy of the award notice promptly. Once notification of your award has been received, a FReD (Funded Research Digest) is created in the administrative system. The FReD identifies the fund centre, fund, cost centre or internal order numbers and budgets established for expenditures, and summarizes the terms and conditions of the award. The OVPRI contact and the sponsor’s contact are indicated on the FReD. The FReD can be viewed at any time on My Research on Line (MROL). Click here for more information on how to read a FReD
To transfer research funds from the university to another organization, a subgrant agreement must be established between the university and the recipient organization. The nature of the subgrant agreement will depend on the work being undertaken and the obligations that the university has with the research sponsor. You should consult with Research Services regarding the subgrant or subcontract agreements and issues that arise when transferring research funds between institutions.
The Innovations & Partnerships Office within the Office of the Vice-President Research & Innovation administers all research-related agreements. Information and agreement templates for sharing information, equipment and materials can be found on the IPO website: