News from the Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research

News from the Office of International Research

The International Newsletter is back!

This newsletter contains news and information on international projects, funding competitions and events. Copies went to all McGill units in February; extras may be obtained by calling 4197.

Universitas 21

McGill is a founding member of Universitas 21, a tightly knit network of 16 comprehensive, research-intensive universities from eight countries. Its members expect substantial benefits from co-ordinated, targeted collaborations and operational links. Established in 1997, Universitas 21 provides a framework for benchmarking, student and staff exchanges and networking. McGill will host a meeting of the presidents of the Universitas 21 institutions April 26-28, 1999. For more information visit the web at www.universitas.edu.au/ or call 4197.

Federal budget 1999: Good news for Official Development Assistance

The era of cuts to the government's International Assistance Envelope appears to be over. Spending will increase by $50 million in 1999-2000 and $75 million thereafter. In addition, a one-time adjustment will free up $237 million to be spent on bilateral programs at the Canadian International Development Agency in 1999-2000. We are hopeful that this will allow CIDA to support more new initiatives.

European Union calls for proposals

The European Union has begun calls for proposals under its 1998-2002 Framework R&D program, which has a budget of 14.96 billion euro (approximately $25.06 billion). Canadians can join EU consortia (on a self-funded basis). About 35% of Canadians' international research is with European partners and the Framework program is becoming a preferred source of new funding for European researchers. For information on Europe's R&D program and on how to join a consortium, visit www.cordis.lu/. For information on funding for participation, consult www.nserc.ca/ intern/europe.htm.

Funding Opportunities for International Collaboration

Note : Deadlines are for receipt of applications by the funding body.

March 15, 1999 - Austria Scholarship Awards. Scholarships for graduate students and researchers between the ages of 20 - 35. Any field. Applicants must be permanent residents of Canada. Good working knowledge of German required.

March 19, 1999 - Ministère de l'Éducation du Québec - Programme Québec-France - Soutien aux professeurs-chercheurs invités. To strengthen and renew interuniversity links between France and Québec. Priority to new professors and researchers. All disciplines. Information and forms available at: www.meq.gouv.qc.ca/ens-sup/ENS-UNIV/pci-99.htm.

March 31, 1999 - International Development Research Centre (IDRC) - Canada-Latin America and the Caribbean Research Exchange Grants. To strengthen international partnerships and consolidate new networks among academic researchers from Canada and Latin America, in an IDRC theme area. Guidelines are at www.aucc.ca/english/international/program/idrc-cla.htm.

April 15, 1999 - Ministère de l'Éducation du Québec - Merit Fellowships for Post-Doctoral Research. To support recent PhD graduates, for research in biotechnology, information technology, new materials, space, health or environment.

April 30, 1999 - International Development Research Centre - Ecosystem Approaches to Human Health Academic Fellowship. To support a three-year fellowship (starting September 1999) promoting research and teaching in Ecosystem Approaches to Human Health Studies. Total value $395,000. Guidelines are available from Ms C. Matheson (cmatheso@aucc.ca) or consult the AUCC web site at www.aucc.ca. For more information about the program consult www.idrc.ca/ecohealth/index.html.

May 1, 1999 - Centre de Coopération Interuniversitaire Franco-Québécois (CCIFQ) - Symposia. To promote collaborative links between the universities by providing financial support (up to 15,000 FF) for symposia. Consult the web site: www.sigu7.jussieu.fr/comm/quebec.htm.

May 14, 1999 - Canadian International Development Agency - University Partnerships in Cooperation and Development - Microfund Program. The objective of the Microfund is to support travel, to refine, finalize and confirm the feasibility of a planned linkage project. The guidelines will be posted sometime in March 1999 at: www.aucc.ca/english/exchanges/ex6.html.

May 15, 1999 - International Development Research Centre - Doctoral Research Awards. Awards are for field research of 3 to 12 months. The award will cover field expenses to a maximum of $20,000 per year. Consult the web site: www.idrc.ca/awards/eycrinfo.html.

May 31, 1999 - Ministère de l'Éducation du Québec - Merit Fellowships for Study or Scientific Research Visits. To support foreign professors, administrators or researchers invited to Quebec for a short period of study or research in a priority area.

For information and application forms contact the Office of International Research, 3550 University Street, Tel: 4197; Fax: 6878; E-mail: dconway@fgsr.lan.mcgill.ca or fcarrier@fgsr.lan.mcgill.ca.