What Can Mitacs Accelerate International Fund?
Mitacs Accelerate International offers a unique opportunity for researchers and students to engage in international projects that foster innovation and collaboration. This program provides substantial funding support to facilitate these bilateral research initiatives. Understanding what expenses are covered under this program can help organizations plan their projects effectively.
Program Funding Overview
Mitacs Accelerate International is designed to support collaborative research projects that involve at least one intern traveling to or from Canada. The funding model is structured to ensure that both Canadian and international participants benefit from the program. Each research unit under Mitacs Accelerate is valued at $15,000, with contributions split between Mitacs and the partner organization.
Funding Amounts & Rates
Total Funding Per Unit: $15,000
Partner Organization Contribution: $7,500 minimum
Mitacs Contribution: $7,500
Intern Stipend/Salary: Minimum $10,000 per four to six-month period, with up to $5,000 allocated for research costs.
Eligible Expenses
Mitacs Accelerate International covers a range of expenses essential for the successful execution of research projects. These include:
Intern Stipends: A minimum stipend or salary of $10,000 per internship period to support the intern's involvement.
Research Costs: Up to $5,000 can be allocated to research-related costs, including materials, supplies, and equipment necessary for the project.
Travel Expenses: Costs associated with travel to and from Canada for project-related activities are eligible, provided they align with the program's travel guidelines.
Insurance Coverage: Expenses for necessary insurance coverage for interns traveling internationally.
Ineligible Expenses
Certain expenses are not covered under the Mitacs Accelerate International program, including:
Tuition Fees: The program does not cover academic tuition fees.
Non-Research Related Costs: General administrative costs and overheads not directly linked to the research project.
Personal Expenses: Individual personal expenses unrelated to the project activities.
Expense Documentation Requirements
To ensure compliance and proper allocation of funds, participants must provide detailed documentation, including:
Invoices and Receipts: For all costs incurred and claimed under the project.
Travel Itineraries: For all travel-related expenses.
Insurance Policies: Documentation of insurance coverage for international travel.
Examples of Funded Projects
Mitacs Accelerate International has successfully funded a variety of projects across numerous disciplines. Examples include:
Biotechnology Research: Collaborations between Canadian universities and international biotech firms to develop innovative healthcare solutions.
Environmental Studies: Joint research initiatives to study climate change impacts involving Canadian and foreign academic institutions.
Engineering Innovations: Projects aimed at developing cutting-edge technologies in partnership with global engineering firms.
Funding Disbursement & Claiming Process
Funds under Mitacs Accelerate International are disbursed through the academic institution, contingent on the partner organization’s contribution. The process includes:
Submission of Claims: Participants submit detailed claims for eligible expenses to Mitacs.
Release of Funds: Upon approval, funds are released to the academic institution to be distributed to the intern.
Stacking Rules
Participants can combine Mitacs funding with other grants, provided they adhere to the stacking rules:
No Double Dipping: Expenses covered by Mitacs cannot be claimed under another program.
Total Funding Cap: The total combined funding should not exceed the actual costs incurred.
Real-World Budgeting Tips
To maximize the benefits of Mitacs funding:
Plan Ahead: Outline all potential costs and align them with eligible expenses.
Allocate Wisely: Prioritize funding for critical research activities to ensure impactful results.
Document Thoroughly: Maintain accurate and complete records to facilitate smooth claims processing.
Conclusion
Mitacs Accelerate International is an invaluable resource for fostering international research collaborations. By understanding the funding scope and eligible expenses, participants can strategically plan their projects to maximize the benefits of this program. Engage with Mitacs to explore how your research initiatives can thrive through this unique funding opportunity.
