Strengthen Capacity

Success Statement:

Through increased internal research support, collaboration, and information-sharing, we will maximize researchers’ efforts, improving their capacity to secure external funding and awards.

GOALS	ACTIONS	OUTCOMES
Increase external research funding by offering internal mechanisms to seed and grow research ideas	Evolve current offerings to include seed, collaborative and bridge grants, matching funds, and/or new programs for early career and teaching-stream faculty engaging in research Launch annual, tailored funding application calls based on community feedback and needs Partner with individual units on special internal support programs Facilitate collegial feedback on research grant application Incorporate internal research support into annual budget planning	Success rates in tri-council competitions that continue to exceed the national average Upward trend in the average value of awarded grants
Increase research funds secured from non-traditional research funding opportunities	Send monthly summaries of non-traditional funding opportunities to each unit Promote available funding opportunity databases offered through U of T’s Division of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation and Strategic Initiatives Facilitate collegial feedback on research grant applications	Increased participation rate for UTM faculty in funding competitions beyond the tri-council
Increase the number of nominations for national and international awards, including researchers from under-represented groups	Explore a pilot program integrating awards and honours into the PTR process to encourage identification of possible nominees and improve tracking strategies Leverage Senior Research Development Officers to support nominators and nominees in the development of award dossiers Improve website, award advertisement, and communication channels to foster a positive award culture at UTM Develop mechanisms to celebrate award recipients	Increased annual nomination numbers Upward trend in awards received across early career, mid-level and senior faculty
Grow core research facilities offerings, creating opportunities for impactful collaboration and connection on campus	Survey user experiences and needs Expand access to external partners Plan for new core facilities to support gap areas and align with opening of new campus buildings Develop fee structures that support the sustainability of core facilities	Easier and more economical access to specialized research equipment

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