Mitacs — Canadian Science Policy Fellowship
Canada
PhD holders gain policy-making experience in government offices
grant_single|update February 5, 2025
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- Mitacs
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The Canadian Science Policy Fellowship offers a full-time 12-month immersive fellowship to PhD holders in any discipline, providing annual remuneration between $70,000-$80,000. The program aims to enhance policy capacity and support evidence-informed decision-making within government by utilizing fellows' academic expertise in addressing policy-making challenges.
grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions
The Mitacs Canadian Science Policy Fellowship provides funding modalities that ensure fair compensation and support to PhD holders engaged in this full-time immersive experience. These modalities are structured to match the demands of policy-focused positions within government host offices.
- Annual salary ranging from $70,000-$80,000 through an employment contract.
- Provisions for employee benefits as part of the employment agreement.
- Hosts must accommodate and facilitate fellows' participation in professional development opportunities, including potential travel costs for those located outside Ottawa.
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Eligibility for hosting a fellow under the Canadian Science Policy Fellowship is determined by specific requirements related to the host office's profile and the fellowship's scope.
- The host must be an eligible provincial or federal government office.
- The host must offer a full-time 12-month fellowship to a PhD holder at a host office location.
- The position must provide remuneration and employee benefits to the fellow in the range of $70,000-$80,000 through an employment contract.
- The position must be policy-focused, addressing a clearly defined challenge that requires the advanced competencies and skills of a PhD holder.
- The host must demonstrate a clear reporting and mentoring structure for the fellow.
- The host must outline processes (accountability practices, mentorship, or other professional opportunities) that can support the success of the fellowship.
- The host must physically accommodate the fellow at the appropriate office space. If COVID-19 restrictions apply, virtual arrangements may be necessary.
- The host must accommodate fellow participation in Mitacs professional development opportunities, including covering travel costs if the fellow is located outside Ottawa.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
The Canadian Science Policy Fellowship program is designed for PhD holders across all disciplines interested in contributing to policy-making processes within federal-government offices in Canada. The program is on hold, but once active, specific criteria for applicants and hosts apply.
- PhD holders from any academic discipline.
- Must complete all requirements of their PhD before the fellowship start in September.
- Open to PhD holders affiliated with a Canadian university or not holding a postdoc position.
- Federal or provincial government offices eligible to host fellows.
- Host offices must provide full-time, policy-focused positions addressing specific challenges.
- Positions must involve defined policy processes and activities appropriate for a PhD holder.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
The grant provides funding to cover certain expenses related to the fellowship positions offered by host offices.
- Remuneration for fellows in the range of $70,000-$80,000 annually through an employment contract.
- Employee benefits comparable to those of other employees.
- Costs associated with accommodating fellows in program activities, including professional development and networking sessions.
- Travel costs if the fellow is located outside of Ottawa to facilitate their participation in the cohort model.
- Costs related to mentoring and guidance provided to fellows during the fellowship.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
This fellowship is open to departments within eligible federal-government offices in Canada. The program holds call cycles only for these offices to participate as host locations.
- Federal-government offices across Canada.
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The evaluation of fellowship applications for this grant follows specific criteria to ensure that candidates meet the program’s standards and objectives.
- Research distinctions: The applicant’s academic achievements are assessed to identify outstanding contributions and recognition in their field.
- Leadership attributes: Evaluation of the applicant's ability to take initiative, influence others, and lead projects successfully.
- Communication skills: Assessment of the applicant’s ability to express ideas clearly and effectively, both in written and verbal forms.
- Commitment to professional development: Consideration of the applicant’s dedication to further developing their skills and participating in program opportunities.
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Additional information for applicants regarding this grant includes:
- The program is currently on hold for the 2023-24 cycle, indicating uncertainty about when it will resume.
- Professional development and networking opportunities are mandatory for participating fellows, emphasizing the importance of these activities in the fellowship program.
- Fellows are required to work from the location of their host office, which may necessitate relocation without financial support for the move.
- The number of fellowships awarded varies annually, largely depending on the number of host applications and budgetary considerations.
- Fellows and hosts must participate in program surveys and submit a Final Report to help evaluate the program's success.
- Application processes involve a concurrent, double-blind system, meaning fellows and hosts apply without prior knowledge of each other's specific positions or candidates.