Office of International Research

McGill recently welcomed Boutros Boutros-Ghali, Secretary-General for La Francophonie. During an informal session chaired by Chancellor Gretta Chambers, Dr. Boutros-Ghali talked about international issues and responded to questions from professors and University executives. The visit of September 11 was hosted by Professor Marc Angenot, chair of the Department of French Language and Literature, and organized by the Office of International Research.

Many foreign universities seek partnerships with McGill for research or exchange purposes, or to compare notes on the challenges of University administration. Such visits allow McGill to showcase the expertise of its faculty and research centres, to form links, and to learn from the strategies, policies and experiences of others. During October, McGill received University presidents and senior administrators from Brazil, as well as several other Latin American countries, Scandinavia and Russia. Anyone looking for partners in those countries should contact the Office of International Research for contact information.

In early November, McGill's International Officer, François Carrier, attended business briefings offered by the World Bank and the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, D.C. He obtained information on funding trends and sectoral priorities, and established contacts with key officials. Canadian universities are highly regarded as partners on technical assistance assignments and as collaborators with other agencies to implement major contracts. Contact François at fcarrier@fgsr.lan.mcgill.ca or Tel: 4197 for more information.

Funding Opportunities for International Collaboration

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

Scotiabank-AUCC Awards for Excellence in Internationalization
Deadline: November 30, 1998. The Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) invites applications for these awards. Prizes consist of engraved plaques, cash prizes and publicity.

Imperial Oil University Research Grants Program
Deadline: December 1, 1998. One-year renewable grants of $10,000 for research in the natural or social sciences or engineering. Grants support graduate student involvement in projects related to petroleum, petrochemicals, or energy resource development.

Professional Partnerships Program
Deadline: December 4, 1998. Provides airfare for academics or professionals travelling to or from Central or Eastern Europe/the former Soviet Union. Projects must relate to economic or democratic development.

Agropolis: Research Awards in Urban Agriculture
Deadline: December 31, 1998. Awards of up to $20,000 are available to support graduate student field research into urban and peri-urban agriculture.

German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
Guest Lectureships: No deadline. The Lectureships will provide support for German academics who have been invited to teach at a Canadian university for one to six months.
Study Visit Research Grants for Faculty: Deadline February 1, 1999. Supports Canadian scholars and scientists for research in Germany for one to three months.

Canadian Window on International Development Awards
Deadline: February 1, 1999. Offered by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC). These awards provide up to $20,000 for doctoral research exploring the relationship between Canadian aid, trade, immigration and diplomatic policy, and international development/alleviation of poverty.

Organization of American States (OAS)
No deadline. The OAS has established a new Fund, called the "U.S.-CIDI Specific Fund," to explore and develop new forms of partnership among public and private sector academic/research institutions in North and South America (OAS member states). Projects must have an inter-American perspective.

Update: NSERC International Opportunities Fund
No deadline. NSERC will support Canadian involvement in significant international collaborations. Support is provided to groups to help establish collaborations or access major international programs. Funding covers feasibility studies, workshops, logistical and other costs. Additional information will be available from the NSERC web site (www.nserc.ca) on November 17, 1998.

For information and application materials 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.