Role of the Aubin Foundation in the Funding Ecosystem
The Aubin Foundation (CIRFA) serves as a specialized funding body for academic research in the humanities and social sciences in Quebec and Canada. Founded in 1970 by Stanley Bréhaut Ryerson and Mildred Helfand Ryerson, the foundation is named in honor of Napoleon Aubin (1812-1890), a democrat, journalist, and teacher who popularized sciences through his writings. The foundation manages the financial placements and operations of CIRFA, directing funds toward research activities and scholarships.
Annual Research Scholarship Program
The foundation awards annual writing grants, including the Stanley Bréhaut Ryerson Scholarship, to candidates writing a master's thesis or doctoral dissertation on topics related to the foundation's areas of interest. These include: political economy, world history of labor movements and revolutions, Quebec and Canadian history, Marxism, activist movements, historiography, philosophy, nationalisms, internationalism, feminist studies, and First Nations studies.
Eligibility and Application Process
The scholarship is open to any researcher enrolled in a university, without citizenship restrictions. Selected candidates are invited to present their work at a public session and may participate in CIRFA research center activities with access to documentation and workspace. Recipients commit to submitting a scientific article and delivering a conference at CIRFA during the award year.
Governance and Accountability
As a registered charity (88645 1210 RR0001), the foundation issues tax receipts for donations and operates under non-profit status. The foundation places its funds in socially and ecologically responsible investments.