Western Research Scholars Academy
The Scholars Academy program has successfully concluded, marking a significant milestone in supporting interdisciplinary research and fostering academic excellence at Western University. The program has provided a unique platform for scholars to connect with mentors, engage in cross-disciplinary collaborations, and develop their research projects in innovative ways. We are proud of the program’s achievements and the lasting impact it has made on both participants and the broader academic community. As we close this chapter, we extend our gratitude to all who contributed to its success and look forward to the continued success of our scholars in their future endeavors. For any questions regarding the program, please contact Mariam Hayward.
The Western Research Scholars Academy was a mentorship network for Western researchers co-designed with researchers to provide support through connection and mentorship with international academic leaders, professional development and research resources.
In line with Western’s strategic plans, Western Research aimed to:
- Create mentorship and networking opportunities for Western researchers, prioritizing those from equity-deserving groups
- Build interdisciplinary and international connections between top researchers
- Support and deepen equity, diversity, inclusion and decolonization (EDI-D) in research
- Make additional resources available to scholars to facilitate their envisioned future success
- Elevate Western researcher profiles and research programs
- Formalize a mentorship process connecting Western researchers to one another
Mentorship & Networking
Participants are paired with diverse senior mentors who are top leaders in their fields and committed to EDI-D. Mentors are invited to meet with their mentees, interact with other Western researchers and academic leaders and deliver public lectures. Mentors are encouraged to work with mentees on scholarly contributions such as policy proposals, grant proposals, etc. over the program term.
Informal networking events will be held throughout the program and a celebratory event will be held at the completion of the program. Networking will also have a focus on creating space for, and facilitating, relationships among researchers who self-identify as belonging to an equity-deserving group.
Learning & Development
The program will support skills development through a monthly seminar series addressing participant-driven topics, such as conversations with diverse scholars on their experiences in academia, research dissemination and impact, patents, embedding EDI-D in research and developing multi-institutional strategic grants.
Grants Repository
The Grants Repository includes a collection of Western led awarded proposals which we hope will serve as a valuable resource to inspire and guide your own grant writing. Included are Tri-agency grant proposals (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) as well as CFI, ORF, PHAC, and internal Western grants, among others. Practical resources to support you in crafting strong, compelling, and competitive applications are also included. The Grants Repository will be regularly updated with additional applications and resources, ensuring that you have access to a diverse range of examples.
Access to the repository is currently limited to a pre-approved cohort. However, if you are at the Assistant Professor level and self-identify as an equity-deserving scholar and would like to have permissions to access the repository, please reach out to grantrepository@uwo.ca
Contact
For more information or questions regarding the Scholars Academy programming and resources, please contact Mariam Hayward, Director, Inclusive Research Excellence and Impact.
