The call for applications for this initiative is now closed.

Mitacs has partnered with the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MHESR), Tunisia, to support student mobility between Canadian universities and Tunisian Universities.

The Mitacs Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia is an exciting new competitive initiative that provides the opportunity for faculty members and senior undergraduate and graduate students at Canadian universities to build an international research network and undertake research abroad at Tunisian universities.

The Mitacs Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia provides $7,000 in funding to support senior undergraduate and graduate student research projects abroad.

The call for applications will open on January 13, 2016, and will close on March 4, 2016, at 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time (PST). This is a competitive call and a limited number of awards are available. Successful applicants can begin their research project once the award is approved and all supplementary documentation has been received. Students must begin their research project no later than December 31, 2016.

The Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia provides an opportunity for faculty at Canadian universities to strengthen existing international research collaborations and connect with colleagues around the world through the mobility of senior undergraduate and graduate students.

Student recipients of the Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia will develop research skills, cultural fluency, and a professional network, becoming part of Canada’s generation of global innovators.

Benefits:

  • Open to all disciplines
  • Simple and quick application process, with results announced in May 2016
  • Strengthens international research collaborations
  • Funding provided to support the student’s travel costs

Contact Mitacs International at international(at)mitacs.ca if you have any questions regarding the application or eligibility requirements.

How it works

  • Students and their home university supervisors submit Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia applications directly to Mitacs by email at apply(at)mitacs.ca.  
    • Undergraduate students are asked to identify and contact a faculty member in their department who will supervise the research project and assist the student in developing a research plan in partnership with an academic supervisor at a host institution.
      • For example, this could be a course project supervisor, senior year research project supervisor, a course professor, or the undergraduate chair in their home department.
  • Approved projects last a minimum of 12 weeks and a maximum of 24 weeks abroad.
  • Mitacs and MHESR will provide a $7,000 research award to support student travel expenses, research related expenses, and student stipend.
    • Funding will be in the form of a research grant to the Canadian academic supervisor. Mitacs will send the research grant directly to the Canadian university via the Office of Research Service (or equivalent thereof).
  • The Globalink Research Award cycle begins with the submission of a research project and is complete upon Mitacs’ receipt of the final report and exit surveys.

Home academic supervisors are responsible for providing prospective Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia recipients with preparation, direction, and support prior to and during their research project, in conjunction with the policies of their home institutions. They must also assume fiduciary responsibility for the research grant (which will be held at their university) and cover expenses as outlined in the “Award Funding” section.

Mitacs strives to ensure that Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia students have a high-quality research experience with internationally recognized professors who facilitate expanding their knowledge and provide hands-on training in their field of study.

Travel to the destination prior to the approval of the award is not permitted and neither Mitacs nor MHESR is responsible for any costs incurred before the application is approved. Travel may not be initiated until Mitacs has received all documents including the International Pre-departure Form, Mitacs Student Code of Conduct and Ethics Form, and the application has been approved.

Student Eligibility

In order to be eligible for a Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia for research at a university in Tunisia, a student must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or international student 
    • Students cannot undertake a research project at an institution where they have previously completed a degree or been employed.
    • Students in Canada on a study permit cannot undertake a research project in a country where they hold citizenship. Students with Canadian citizenship and permanent residents can undertake research in any partner country, regardless of additional citizenship status.
  • Be registered for full-time studies at a Canadian university as a senior undergraduate student or graduate student and remain as such throughout the duration of the award.
  • Be the legal age of majority in Canada (18 years or older).
  • Demonstrate skills and interest suitable to the project(s) in question. 
  • Have identified a faculty member at their home university to supervise the project and administer the funds.
  • Have identified a host academic supervisor who is a recognized faculty member at an accredited university in Tunisia.
  • Meet all necessary travel requirements for the intended destination.
  • Have not previously been awarded a Globalink Research Award. Senior undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to receive ONE Mitacs Globalink Research Award per academic life time.
  • Undergraduate students must:
    • Have completed their second year of studies prior to departure
    • Be enrolled in full-time studies and remain as such throughout the duration of the Globalink Research Award
    • Maintain a B average or equivalent thereof for the last two semesters of study

Home Academic Supervisor Eligibility

An academic supervisor for recipients of the Globalink Research Award must:

  • Be a faculty member at a Canadian university who is eligible to supervise graduate students and can hold Tri-Council funding.
  • Adhere to university policies regarding research abroad. 
  • Approve a faculty member at an eligible host university to collaborate with and host the student during the research project.
  • Be willing to supervise and support the student with the development of the research plan and oversee the project. 

Host Academic Supervisor Eligibility

The host faculty supervisor for the Globalink Research Award must:

  • Be a recognized faculty member at an accredited university in Tunisia (http://www.mes.tn/annuaire.php?code_menu=22).  
  • Be eligible to supervise graduate students. 
  • Adhere to university policies with regards to visiting students. 

The call for applications for this initiative is now closed.

  1. Submit a complete application by March 4, 2016.
  2. Save your completed application as a PDF and send by email to apply(at)mitacs.ca. In the subject heading of your email please state “[student first and last names]_GRA-MHESR Tunisia.” Mitacs recommends keeping individual PDF files to less than 2MB.
  3.  Save only the signature page of the proposal as a scanned PDF.
  4. Contact Mitacs International at international(at)mitacs.ca should you have any questions regarding the application or eligibility requirements.

Travel to the destination prior to the approval of the award is not permitted and neither Mitacs nor MHESR is responsible for any costs incurred before the application is approved. Travel may not be initiated until Mitacs has received all paper work, including the International Pre-departure Form and the Mitacs Student Code of Conduct and Ethics Form, and the application has been approved.

A complete application includes the following:

  • Proposal Application (please use template provided)
  • Signature page signed by all parties, including home university’s Office of Research Services (or equivalent thereof)
  • Student CV (students must use the template on the Mitacs website)
  • Full transcripts for current degree program (undergraduate students only)
    • Undergraduate students can submit an unofficial copy of their transcript, but it must include their GPA for each semester as well as cumulative grade point average (GPA). 
  • Letter of Research Support and Student Reference from both the home supervising professor and host supervising professor.  Each letter must:
    • Be written on the university letterhead and signed by the supervisor.
    • Include the supervisor’s contact details, including title, department affiliation and university or institution, in English or French.
    • Include details outlining supervisory and/or financial support for the student and the research project.
    • Describe the proposed student’s academic and research qualities and abilities to complete the project. Highlight any outstanding achievements (e.g., high-impact research results, awards) by the proposed student.
    • Be submitted via email to Mitacs at apply(at)mitacs.ca. In the subject heading of the email state “[student first and last names]_GRA-MHESR Tunisia”. 
  • Host Supervisor’s CV in English or French, outlining their:
    • Funding history
    • Publications
    • Graduate students supervised

Applicants are asked to submit the following documents at least three weeks prior to their intended departure to commence their research project:

*The International Pre-departure Form and Mitacs Student Code of Conduct and Ethics form can be submitted after the submission of the application; however, funds will not be released until Mitacs receives these forms.

Expectations of Participants
 

All parties involved with Mitacs Globalink must comply with the Canadian home university’s policies regarding the ethical conduct of research and scholarly activities.  Any issues or disputes around research or academic misconduct will be subject to the home university’s processes following their institutional policies.

Expectations of the Student

Prior to and during the Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia, recipients are expected to:

  • Identify a home academic supervisor who will supervise the project and help to develop a research plan in partnership with a host academic supervisor at an accredited university in Tunisia.
  • Develop a research plan in partnership with the academic supervisors at their home and host universities. 
  • Make all necessary pre-departure preparations in consultation with the appropriate university office(s), including:
  • Applying for appropriate travel documents including passport and visa, and consulting the relevant foreign mission where necessary
  • Obtaining comprehensive medical and health insurance appropriate for travel destination
  • Obtaining appropriate immunization and/or prophylaxis for regional destinations and ensure that their routine immunizations are up to date. Consultation with travel medical and all health care providers is strongly recommended.
  • If Canadian, registering with the Registry for Canadians Abroad
  • If not a Canadian citizen, registering with foreign office of country of citizenship before leaving Canada
  • Registering with the home university’s Safety Abroad Database and or equivalent thereof
  • Attending all mandatory sessions prior to departure and during the project as stipulated by the home university
  • Ensure compliance with home university policies surrounding research abroad
  • Ensure compliance with host university policies surrounding visiting scholars 
  • Make appropriate travel bookings
  • Organize monthly status meetings with academic supervisor(s)
  • Provide updates on the status of the project to Mitacs, as required
  • Ensure confidentiality of partner university information as specified in the research plan
  • Prepare a final report for Mitacs at the conclusion of the project that details the research performed, its results and any recommendations, with input from the home and host academic supervisors
  • Complete a Mitacs exit survey within one month of the completion of the project.

Mitacs Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia recipients are expected to work full-time on their research project for the duration of their award, in accordance with home university policies. If they require time off from their research, they are expected to seek permission from their supervising professor(s).

Expectations of the Home Academic Supervisor

Prior to and during the Mitacs Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia period, the home academic supervisor is expected to:

  • Develop a research plan in partnership with the student and host academic supervisor 
  • Provide ongoing direction and research support to the student 
  • Participate in status meetings, as necessary
  • Assume fiduciary responsibility for the research grant, including ensuring appropriate expenditures consistent with the objectives of the initiative and proposed budget
  • Assist the student with pre-departure preparations, and ensure the student maintains home university requirements and policies with regards to research abroad
  • Assist the student in identifying a faculty member abroad at an accredited university in Tunisia who would serve as a host supervisor
    • Undergraduate and graduate students are encouraged to identify and approach host supervisors
  • Complete a Mitacs exit survey within one month of the completion of the project

Expectations of the Host Academic Supervisor

Prior to and during the Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia period, the host academic supervisor is expected to:

  • Assist the student in developing the research plan in conjunction with the home academic supervisor, where appropriate
  • Participate in regular meetings with the student and home academic supervisor, where appropriate
  • Ensure that the student has access to the appropriate lab and/or office space, internet access and computing facilities
  • Assist the student in their pre-departure preparations, including providing:
    • Necessary pre-departure information and or materials for smooth transition
    • Documentation and support required for visa application
    • Advice on appropriate travel arrangements and accommodations
    • Support, information and a safety orientation to the student in his/her dealings within the host institution
    • Ensure the student can comply with the host institution’s policies and procedures for visiting scholars
  • Ensure that the student’s activities at the host institution are limited to those specified in the research plan
  • Provide the student with the opportunity to participate in training and research activities, as available and appropriate
  • Complete an exit survey within one month of the completion of the project

Mitacs Responsibilities

Mitacs administers the Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia. Its responsibilities include:

  • Promoting opportunities to Canadian universities, faculty, senior undergraduate, and graduate students
  • Undertaking proposal adjudication
  • Collecting and managing funds from partners and funding agencies
  • Forwarding the Mitacs portion of funds to academic supervisors via university Offices of Research Services (or equivalent thereof)
  • Monitoring the overall success of the initiative


Award Funding
 

  • Each approved application is a minimum of 12 weeks and a maximum of 24 weeks abroad.
  • Applicants must provide a detailed budget.
  • Each approved award will receive $7,000 in direct funding from Mitacs to support student travel and accommodation expenses, research-related expenses, and student stipend.
  • Mitacs will provide the research grant to the student’s home academic supervisor via the Office of Research Services (or equivalent thereof). The award will be administered as a research grant according to the policies and procedures of both Mitacs and the university.
  • No funds will be released if the completed International Pre-Departure Form and/or Mitacs Student Code of Conduct and Ethics forms are outstanding. 

Travel to the destination prior to the approval of the award is not permitted and neither Mitacs nor MHESR is responsible for any costs incurred before the application is approved.

Expense Guidelines
 

Mitacs recognizes that awarded funding may not be sufficient to cover all costs associated with travel for research projects abroad, and applicants are encouraged to seek support from other sources. Discretion should be used when allocating funds towards travel and accommodations (e.g., Mitacs funds may only be used towards lowest-cost economy class tickets for travel).

Adjudication
 

The Mitacs Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia is competitive with limited awards available. All applications will undergo review by an interdisciplinary team.  Proposals will be adjudicated based on the following criteria:

  • Expected benefit to the student’s academic studies and research career
  • Quality of the research proposal
  • Level of supervision and mentorship committed by the host supervisor
  • Strength of recommendation by the home supervisor

Maximum Number of Awards

Senior undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to receive ONE Mitacs Globalink Research Award per academic life time.

 

Deliverables
 

Mitacs Globalink Research Award recipients, their home academic supervisors and host academic supervisors must provide the following to Mitacs no later than a month after the conclusion of the project:

A final report that:

  • Summarizes research goals, research techniques used and a summary of research outcomes
  • Benefits of the international research collaboration
  • Identifies benefits for the host institution
  • Identifies future research plans. 

Exit surveys from the:

I am a student who is interested in completing a research project abroad. Can Mitacs help me find a host academic supervisor?

Students are responsible for identifying a host academic supervisor. As a starting point, we suggest speaking with your home academic supervisor to assist you in this search.

Can I hold both a Mitacs Globalink Research Award and a Tri-Council (or provincially) funded studentship or fellowship?

Mitacs does not restrict students holding multiple awards, scholarships, or fellowships but applications must list all sources of funding in their application for the Mitacs Globalink Research Award. Students are responsible for checking with the relevant council or agency for current information regarding the rules and regulations on holding current awards prior to applying.

My Mitacs Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia application has been approved. When will the funds be available?

Mitacs will provide the research grant to the home university once all necessary documentation has been received at Mitacs. Please allow two weeks for Mitacs to process funding.

Who owns any intellectual property generated during the course of a research project?
Intellectual property is left to be shared between the university and their researchers in accordance with the intellectual property policies of the home university and host university, unless a separate agreement is negotiated between the university and researchers.

Which disciplines are eligible for Mitacs Globalink Research Award?

The Mitacs Globalink Research Award is open to all academic disciplines.

Can a home and/or host academic supervisor support more than one Mitacs Globalink Research Award at the same time?

Both home and host academic supervisors can support more than one Mitacs Globalink Research Award recipient.

Does Mitacs provide funding for the host academic supervisor?

No, we do not provide financial compensation to host academic supervisors.

Is a postdoctoral fellow eligible to support a Mitacs Globalink Research Award recipient as a home academic supervisor?

The home academic supervisor must be a faculty member at a Canadian university and eligible to hold Tri-Council research funding.

Can professors from any Canadian university support Mitacs Globalink Research Award recipient?

Home academic supervisors must be a faculty member at a Canadian university and eligible to hold Tri-Council research funding.

Can professors from any university abroad host a Mitacs Globalink Research Award recipient?

Host academic supervisors must be official/recognized faculty members at an accredited university in Tunisia.

I am an undergraduate student, am I eligible for a Mitacs Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia?

Senior undergraduate students at a Canadian university are eligible for the Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia if they have completed their second year of undergraduate studies prior to departure; are legal age of majority in Canada; are enrolled in full-time studies and remain as such through the Globalink Research Award; and maintain a B average or equivalent for the last two semesters.

I am a senior undergraduate student. Do I require a home academic supervisor?

To participate in the Mitacs Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia, you will need to identify a faculty supervisor at your home university. We suggest speaking with course project supervisors, senior year research project advisors, course professors, or faculty within your department to see if they would be willing to supervise you for this particular research project.

Are postdoctoral fellows eligible for a Mitacs Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia?

No. The Mitacs Globalink Research Award – MHESR Tunisia is only open to senior undergraduate students and graduate students.

What status will I have at my home university while I am in my host country?

All participants should maintain full-time student status at their home university in Canada during their time abroad.

What should my supervisors include in their letters of support?
Each letter of support should be written on university letterhead and signed by the supervisor. It should include the supervisor’s contact details, including title, department affiliation, and university or institution, in English or French. The letter should outline the supervisor’s support for the student and the research project and describe the student’s academic and research qualities and ability to complete the project.