Sponsor
Mitacs
Program
Canadian Science Policy Fellowship (CSPF)
For More Information
Mitacs - Canadian Science Policy Fellowship
CSPF - Frequently Asked Questions
Description
The Canadian Science Policy Fellowship (CSPF) is now accepting applications from prospective fellows interested in undertaking a 12-month policy position within a Canadian government host office.
The Canadian Science Policy Fellowship (CSPF) is a pilot program that fosters relationships between government and academic researchers in support of building policy capacity among program fellows and science capacity in government. Fellows learn how to apply their research-based skill sets in a public policy context, while government host offices gain access to current, specialized academic expertise to address unique policy challenges. The program offers a 12-month immersive fellowship into government, where fellows contribute their expertise to a broad range of issues and policy activities. Throughout, Mitacs provides professional development, training and networking opportunities to enhance fellows’ policy-related knowledge, capabilities, and networks. The primary goals of the program are to:- Forge strong relationships between government and academia
- Contribute to science policy capacity in government
- Develop a network of expertise in science policy among academic researchers
- Contribute to evidence-informed decision making in the Canadian public service
Eligibility
Eligible applicants must be:
- Faculty members at Canadian universities or PhD graduates
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents (Citizenship requirements may differ for individual host offices; this will be accommodated in the fellow and host matching process)
- Able to negotiate a leave of absence from their university or employer, as applicable
- Can also be a professor at a Mitacs Full or Associate Partner university
- Be able to commit to a full-time 12-month fellowship and relocate to the host office location if necessary
- Be passionate about learning how science is implicated in policy-making
Funding Availability
Fellows receive remuneration that reflects their qualifications and is commensurate with comparable employment within the public service, typically in the range of $70,000–$80,000 per year. Fellows who are faculty members may receive this remuneration as a stipend to cover their housing and living expenses while at the host location.
Individual remuneration may vary depending on the host office, which is also responsible for providing the fellow with any additional benefits that may be afforded to employees.
Project Duration
The 2019 cohort of fellowships will begin in September 2019. Approved fellows receive remuneration from their host offices and professional development training and networking events facilitated by Mitacs.
Deadlines
If College-level review is required, your College will communicate its earlier internal deadlines.
| Type | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
External Deadline | Applications must be submitted directly through the fellow webform, along with two letters of reference. |
How to Apply
- Applications must be submitted through the fellow webform.
- Two letters of reference are required. One letter of support should address comments around the quality of your research work and experience. The other letter should focus more on your suitability for the program (for example, leadership experience and potential, communication skills, capacity to make connections between scientific research and broader economic, social, or political issues).
- If your references wish to submit their letters of support directly, they must email policyfellowship@mitacs.ca (by February 3, 2019). If you choose this option, ensure your references are aware of the deadline so that your application is complete and eligible for consideration.
- Fellow applicants are encouraged to review the fellow application guidelines prior to submitting their application.
Attachment(s)
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
 Fellow Applicant Guidelines | 602.56 KB |
| Host Guidelines | 454.81 KB |