Sprott Research Development Grant
Open to all research stream faculty. Replaces the Sprott Research Initiation Grant. Provides seed funding to generate the preliminary data, theoretical grounding, or methodological feasibility evidence needed to compete for tri-agency and other major external funding competitions.
Eligibility
Past recipients are eligible to re-apply three years after receiving their last award.
Full-time tenure or tenure-track Sprott faculty (research stream).
Eligible to hold tri-agency funding.
Proposed research is in its initial stages and not yet sufficiently developed to support a competitive
external funding application.
Not currently eligible to apply to other Carleton internal seed funding in the same competition cycle
(e.g., CU Development Grant, Carleton International Seed Grant). If you are uncertain whether this
applies to you, contact the Sprott Research Office before submitting.
Internally Restricted Research (IRR) Fund balance does not exceed $5,000 at the time of
application. Applicants with existing IRR balances above this threshold are not eligible in the
current cycle.
Review Process and Evaluation Criteria
All proposals are reviewed by the Sprott Research Committee. Reviews are conducted independently and adjudicated collectively. Decisions are final.
Proposals are evaluated using the following weighted criteria:
| Evaluation Criterion | Description | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Scholarly Merit and Originality | Clarity and significance of the research question; theoretical contribution; quality of proposed methodology. | 30% |
| External Funding Potential | Strength of the pathway to a named external competition; quality of preliminary work plan; realism of the 18–24 month timeline to application. | 25% |
| Feasibility | Appropriateness of scope, budget, and timeline. | 20% |
| Alignment with Sprott Research Priorities | Relevance to the School’s strategic research areas. | 15% |
| HQP Training Potential | Quality of graduate student involvement (current or planned) and training outcomes. | 10% |
Post-Award Expectations
Successful applicants are expected to:
- Use grant funds in accordance with the approved budget within the 12-month project period.
- Submit a brief end-of-grant report (maximum 1 page) within 30 days of project completion, addressing: (a) activities completed; (b) outputs generated or in progress (e.g., manuscripts, datasets, partnerships); and (c) external funding applications submitted or planned, including the target competition and anticipated submission date.
- Unspent grant funds at the close of the project period will be returned to Sprott. Extensions and carry forwards are not permitted.
The Research Committee may use post-award reports to assess program effectiveness and inform future cycles. Faculty who successfully transition to external funding are encouraged to share their experience to support colleagues at earlier stages.
How to Apply
Submit your complete application package via the application web submission form using the “Apply Now” button below.
Proposals must be received by 11:59 PM on February 15, 2027. Late submissions will not be considered.
Past Research Development Grant Recipients
2026
Dora Wang
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