Quebec Research Fund Science in Exile – Researchers Component 2024: (Deadline Not Specified)

This program aims to offer opportunities for research stays in Quebec to researchers in exile. Thus, researchers working in a Quebec establishment could welcome a visiting researcher whose country of origin is in the grip of an emergency situation (a person with professor status could also be admissible if the projected teaching task does not exceed 25% of the task). In collaboration with universities and a host researcher, the Quebec Research Funds (FRQ) propose to offer financial support for a maximum period of 36 months to researchers forced to travel due to threats in their territory of origin or who cannot continue their research or research training activities, following a major and sudden crisis.

What is an emergency situation?

For this program we consider that a country is in the grip of an emergency situation when all or part of its population is facing a crisis presenting the following aspects:

• situation which presents an immediate danger to life, health, the environment;
• situation which causes death or serious effects on life, health, or the environment;
• situation which presents a high probability of endangering life, health, the environment;
• situation which leads to the exile or displacement of part of its population;

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees lists here the countries or regions in emergency situations in which it operates.

Beyond this list, the FRQ will endeavor to take into account the particularities and issues of each situation presented when studying the request.

About Québec Government

As of July 20, 2017, members of the scientific community who want to transact with the Fonds de recherche du Québec will be able to do so through FRQnet, a new integrated scholarship and grant management system that is common to the three agencies (Nature et technologies, Santé and Société et culture). FRQnet aims to ensure the harmonization, technological updating and simplification of the FRQ’s competition processes and administrative follow-ups, to everyone’s benefit….

QRFS Science in Exile – Researchers Component

Aim and Benefits of QRFS Science in Exile – Researchers Component

The amount of $65,000 must serve exclusively as financial support for the person holding the grant and cannot, under any circumstances, be converted into research funds. This amount must be supplemented by the managing establishment in the form of additional financial aid or services (help with immigration, access to French courses, mentoring, psychological support, travel expenses, insurance, etc.).

QRFS Science in Exile – Researchers Component Courses

Requirements for QRFS Science in Exile – Researchers Component Qualification

To be eligible, the visiting researcher must:

• Hold a passport from your country of origin valid on the date of submission of the application;
• Hold or be in the process of obtaining (supporting proof) a residence permit (refugee status application, visa or any emergency travel authorization issued by Immigration and Citizenship Canada allowing you to work as a researcher or as a visiting researcher at a university;
•  Provide a letter justifying the request which describes the reasons why the person is requesting the support (e.g.: without this scholarship, the professional and scientific future of the person, as well as their security, could be compromised; reason security, impact on research etc…);
  Hold at least a doctorate;
• Have held (or hold) a position as professor/researcher in a university establishment or have completed their postdoctoral fellowship;
• Be authorized by the competent authorities of a management establishment recognized by the FRQ to carry out research activities (see Common General Rules (RGC) Definitions section);
• Work on a research project in one of the research areas covered by the FRQ (FRQSC, FRQNT, FRQS);
• Be domiciled in Quebec when the financial support comes into force.

Application Deadline

Not Specified

How to Apply

1.1 Agreement between host and guest researchers

The first step in obtaining this financial support consists of making contact between the host and guest researchers and the establishment of an agreement stipulating (e.g.: letter of official invitation) that the host agrees to welcome the guest for a minimum period of two years. The FRQ will not intervene at this stage and will not require a tangible and defined collaboration project at the time of the request, considering the probable emergency situation.

1.2 Submission of documents required for verification of eligibility by the managing establishment

1.2.1 Visiting researcher?3.2.2 Host researcher

1.3 Presentation of the request to the FRQ

1.3.1 Documents required at the time of application

When eligibility is confirmed by the establishment, the hostess must contact Ms. Elina Boutia Elina.Boutia@frq.gouv.qc.ca to obtain access to the form in her electronic portfolio, then complete and transmit her form within 30 days following opening of the form. The host researcher must therefore provide:

• the electronic application form, duly completed including the following documents:
  • a copy of passport and visa (or visa application);
  • Agreement between the two researchers or official letter of invitation signed by the host
    letter justifying the request which describes the reasons why the person is requesting the support (e.g.: without this scholarship, the future professional and scientific person, as well as their safety, could be compromised; security reasons, impact on research, etc.);
  • Letter signed by a competent authority of the managing establishment certifying that:
    • the university undertakes to support collaboration between the researchers concerned and agrees to provide the guest with the required infrastructure for the duration of their stay;
    • The university undertakes to cover the list of costs described in section 5.4. – Managing establishment;
    • the visiting researcher meets the eligibility conditions and has submitted all the required documents.

1.4 Documents required post-award

1.4.1 Documents required to start financial support3.4.2 Documents required during financial support

The documents listed below must be attached to the portfolio by the host researcher:

• Proof of residence of the visiting researcher in Quebec (lease, invoice, RAMQ card, letter attesting to accommodation on honor, etc.)

1.5 Analysis of the file by the FRQ

Once the electronic application has been sent to them, the FRQ will analyze the file and transmit the financing decision as quickly as possible.

To note

The decision whether or not to award a scholarship to the candidate will be made to the best of the FRQ’s knowledge at the time of examination of the file. Once the amount of the program envelope has been reached, we will unfortunately no longer be able to grant scholarships for this program. 

For moreb details visit: OFFICIAL LINK.