Networks of Centres of Excellence has launched the Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence (CIRCE) Initiative
As part of Canada’s India Engagement Strategy to establish closer ties with India across different sectors and enhance Canada’s relationship with India, the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) recently launched the Canada-India Research Centre of Excellence (CIRCE) initiative.
The CIRCE will be funded by the NCE for a period of five years and will have the following objectives:
- act as a focal point for collaborative activities between various stakeholders in Canada and India; and
- encourage relationships at the organization level and increase collaborations between researchers, forming a network of key individuals and organizations from both countries.
To participate in the CIRCE competition, a Notification of Intent (NOI) had to be submitted to the NCE by January 9, 2012.
The next stage of the process is the submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) by February 23, 2012.
Internal deadline for LOI, plus a complete, signed OR-5 Form – February 9th, 2012 to Sylvie Roussel, Grants & Contracts Officer
External deadline for LOI – submitted by applicant by February 23rd, 2012 to NCE
Applicants: Only the applicants who submitted an NOI are eligible to submit an LOI. LOIsmust be submitted by a lead applicant with the support of the host institution of the proposed centre. The lead applicant and all academic researchers involved must be eligible for Tri-Council funding. Applicants of the LOIs who are selected by the NCE Steering Committee will then receive invitations in April 2012 (to be determined) to submit a full application. Full applications will be due in August 2012 (to be determined).
Duration: 5years
Value: $2.8 million annually for a total of $13.8 million
How to apply: The LOI consists of an application form and a free-form section that describes the strategic areas that the proposed CIRCE will cover, as well as the CIRCE’s proposed vision, socioeconomic context, budget and key participants. A letter of support from the host institution is also required.
More information and instructions on how to apply:http://www.nce-rce.gc.ca/_docs/competitions/CIRCE-CERCI/CompetitionGuide-GuideConcours_eng.pdf
For specific information and instructions on the preparation of the LOI: http://www.nce-rce.gc.ca/Competitions-Competitions/Current-EnVigueur/CIRCE-CERCI/LOIGuide-GuideLI_eng.asp