The SSHRC Research Data Management Capacity Building Initiative (RDM-CBI) is a five-year program that will support Canadian researchers in the management and sharing of research data. The goal of the RDM-CBI is to help researchers at all stages of their career, from early-career scholars to senior researchers, develop the skills they need to manage and share their data effectively. The RDM-CBI will provide funding for training and professional development activities and the planning and implementation of data management plans. The initiative will also support the development of new tools and resources to help researchers with their data management needs.
The RDM-CBI is part of SSHRC’s commitment to supporting the responsible and effective management of research data. By investing in the capacity of Canadian researchers to manage their data, SSHRC is helping to ensure that Canada remains a world leader in research and innovation.
What Is the Initiative About?
The SSHRC’s Research Data Management Capacity Building Initiative will continue to fund at least ten meritorious Connection Grants proposals per competition to help the Canadian social sciences and humanities research community better understand data management and incorporate data management considerations into research practices.
Research data management aids in the efficient and ethical conduct of research and the storage, retrieval, and reuse of research data. A robust data management culture will benefit Canadian research and encourage the development of social science and humanities ideas. As funders worldwide implement and tighten data management regulations, it will also help Canadian academics engage in international partnerships and collaborations.
The tri-agency research data management strategy was announced in March 2021 by SSHRC, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The policy is based on the Tri-Agency Statement of Digital Data Management Principles (spring 2016). The statement describes the expectations of granting agencies for research data management and the roles and obligations of researchers, research assistants, and research scientists.
Deadlines
SSHRC will accept applications for the Research Data Management Capacity Building Initiative for any one of the following deadlines:
- May 1, 2022
- August 1, 2022
Objectives of the Initiatives
To assist the Canadian social sciences and humanities research community in improving their data management capabilities.
Connections Grants are available through the Research Data Management Capacity Building Initiative to promote the creation, implementation, and dissemination of research data management standards, procedures, technologies, and skills applicable to their field. The Connection Grants evaluation criteria and scoring apply to the Research Data Management Capacity Building Initiative submissions. In addition, the merit review committee will examine the degree to which applicants respond to one or more of the following objectives as part of its assessment of the proposal’s relevance to the Connection program’s objectives, as defined by the Connection Grants Challenge criteria:
- with a focus on the social sciences and humanities, develop and embrace data management standards, procedures, tools, and skills inside and across disciplines and organizations;
- connect researchers and students with data management professionals and service providers (e.g., librarians, programmers, research ethics specialists, etc.) and other stakeholders (e.g., research subjects and users) to improve data management understanding.
- share and develop knowledge and skills related to data collection and storage, metadata, preservation, retention, sharing, credit, and citation; share and develop knowledge and skills related to responsible ownership, control, access, and possession of data used or created in the context of Indigenous research;
- enable the social sciences and humanities research community to strengthen its ability to fulfill the roles and responsibilities
Application Process
Applicants must complete the Connection Grants application form and follow the guidelines specified in the funding opportunity description for Connection Grants.
The link to the guide is here: https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/programs-programmes/connection_grants-subventions_connexion-eng.aspx
Initiative applicants must include the following information in their application form:
Detail the potential benefits and outcomes of the proposed event or outreach activity as they relate to data management under Expected outcomes, and show how the proposed event or outreach activity will support the initiative’s objectives as listed in Evaluation and adjudication below under Description of connection project.
Evaluation and Adjudication
The Connection Grants evaluation criteria and scoring apply to the Research Data Management Capacity Building Initiative submissions.
In addition, the merit review committee will examine the degree to which applicants respond to one or more of the following objectives as part of its assessment of the proposal’s relevance to the Connection program’s objectives, as defined by the Connection Grants Challenge criteria:
- within and across disciplines and institutions, with a concentration on the social sciences and humanities, develop and adapt data management standards, procedures, tools, and skills;
- connect researchers and students with data management professionals and service providers (e.g., librarians, programmers, research ethics specialists, etc.) as well as other stakeholders (e.g., study subjects and users) to improve data management understanding;
- share and develop knowledge and skills in data collection and storage, metadata, preservation, retention, sharing, credit, and citation;
- share and develop knowledge and skills in responsible ownership, control, access, and possession of data used or created in the context of Indigenous research (e.g., the application of OCAP® principles);
- enable the social sciences and humanities research community to strengthen its abilities through other means. Proposals for data management research or projects focused solely on managing specific datasets or databases are ineligible. The emphasis must be on strengthening the capacity of a large group of researchers or students to manage data regularly as part of their research.
To Summarize
The SSHRC Research Data Management Capacity Building Initiative is a five-year program that will support Canadian researchers in the management and sharing of research data. This initiative aims to help researchers at all stages of their career, from early-career scholars to senior researchers, develop the skills to manage and share their data effectively. The RDM-CBI will provide funding for training and professional development activities and the planning and implementation of data management plans. The initiative also supports the development of new tools or resources which helps researcher with their own unique needs when managing research data – making Canada a world leader in research innovation!
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