SSHRC and IDRC to fund new research alliances

The federal government is devoting $6.3 million over six years to the development of three international research alliances for the analysis of strategic social, economic, environmental and technological issues facing developing and emerging nations. The program is jointly funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). Called the International Community-University Research Alliances program, it is modeled on SSHRC's Community-University Research Alliances program. It focuses on research in environment and natural resource management, information and communication technologies for development, the impact of science, technology and innovation policies on development and social and economic policy related to poverty reduction, growth, health and human rights. Up to nine proposals by university-based experts from Canada and lower- and middle-income countries will receive up to $30,000 in seed funding to develop research alliances, with three funded to a maximum of $2 million over five years. Final selection will be determined through international peer review with the three finalists to be selected in early 2009….