Common Researcher Questions
Here are some common questions when a researcher has not engaged with CRI before and/or is in the early stage of a research project. Please reach out to CRI if you have your own question.
Q: I may want to get involved in a research project but do not feel quite ready yet. What steps can I take to build my knowledge and skill set?
A: There are many options available to you, depending on your research interests and where you position yourself on the researcher spectrum. If you classify yourself as a novice researcher, and do not not feel quite ready to lead a project, there are many resources (like this one!) and training sessions are available to you through CRI.
This is a good time to attend webinars hosted by CRI, complete self-paced online modules available in Fanshawelearns, and consider potential topics you may want to research. CRI staff can also inform you of smaller project roles that may be available to you. Additionally, the Research & Innovation Fund (RIF) is an internal source of funding for projects which are, typically, smaller in scope and shorter in duration than external grants. Often, Fanshawe researchers utilize RIF funding to build their research and project management skills. By serving as the Principal Investigator on a RIF project, for instance, you can gain confidence and expertise that could lead to additional external funding opportunities down the road.
Q: How does Fanshawe distinguish between Independent and Individual research?
A: Independent Research is that which you might undertake on your own, without your institutional affiliation. In this case, as the PI, you have the sole responsibility for application preparation, research conduct, and administration of the research grant. This type of research may limit your access to institutional support and facilities.
Individual Research requires your college affiliation in order to receive funding. As such, there is institutional support available to you. As the PI, you are hired by the college for your subject and/or technical expertise and will oversee project activities. While the college is ultimately responsible for the administration of the funds, you will help ensure legal, fiscal, and ethical compliance.
Q: What are the steps in the grant process?
A: There are typically three main stages in the grant process, and within each stage there are specific tasks that need to be completed. We generally speak of those three stages as:
- Pre-Award Phase – Funding Opportunities and Application Review
- Award Phase – Award Decisions and Notifications
- Post-Award – Implementation, Reporting, and Closeout
Q: What is involved in applying for a grant as a Fanshawe-affiliated researcher?
A: Firstly, you will need to connect with CRI to indicate your interest in applying for funding, along with verifying your eligibility for the funding and reviewing any key dates or requirements for the application. You will then establish a research objective, timelines and deliverables (with an external partner, if you have one). You will then use this information to outline the scope of your project, a work plan, and a budget. A grant application may also require CVs, letters of support, and a literature review. Increasingly, funding opportunities require consideration of data management planning and equity, diversity, and inclusion. CRI’s Research Facilitators can assist with each step of this process.
Q: What support is available to me as an applicant?
A: While we want you to understand the time and work that applying for funding entails, you don’t have to go it alone. The Centre for Research & Innovation (CRI) can help you navigate the grant application process by directing you to helpful personnel and resources.
Q: Once I submit an application, when will I know if I have received funding?
A: It really depends on the size of the grant and the specific sponsor. Some funders will notify researchers in a matter of weeks, while larger grants may take six to twelve months to review.
Q: What role does CRI play once I have received funding?
A: CRI serves as the grant administrator, overseeing disbursement of all funds in compliance with all funder rules an College policies, reporting on spending and funded activities, contracting of the research team, and purchasing of all project materials. As the Principal Investigator, you will work closely with CRI to ensure project success. Consistent communication is important to ensure payment to project participants, accurate accounting of expenditures, and fiscal and legal compliance to the college and the sponsor.
