Program Overview

Introduction to Lakehead University Agricultural Research Station Agricultural Research Capacity Development Program

The Lakehead University Agricultural Research Station (LUARS) has been committed to the establishment, operation, promotion, and transfer of agricultural research in pursuit of the development and diversification of the agricultural sector in Thunder Bay and throughout Northwestern Ontario since 2018. Research at LUARS, while broad in scope, has largely focused on forage crops and northern-based agriculture.

Program Overview

With funding from the Agricultural Research Institute of Ontario (ARIO), Lakehead University is positioned to significantly increase research programming in strategic areas of agricultural research. The Vice-President, Research and Innovation (VPRI) is pleased to announce a call for proposals through the LUARS Agricultural Research Capacity Development Program.

Priority Areas

Specific priority areas have been identified for the 2023 LUARS Agricultural Research Capacity Development Program. While applications from outside these areas will be accepted, priority will be given to proposals that address one or more of the following topics:

• Greenhouse gas emissions, climate change, and the circular economy
• Increase of farm lands and farm viability
• Agricultural research and knowledge transfer co-developed with Indigenous communities
• Soil health
• Agri-business

Eligibility

The LUARS Agricultural Research Capacity Development Program is open to all full-time, tenure-track and tenured Lakehead University faculty members. Collaboration with researchers and stakeholders from external institutions is encouraged but not a requirement.

Grants Available

Up to $50,000 total per project will be available for projects ranging from 1 – 3 years. Projects that leverage matching funds from industry and community organizations are highly encouraged. Both cash and in-kind contributions will be considered eligible for matching.

Use of Funds

Funds may be used to support the following:

1. Research expenses, including supplies, materials, equipment and travel
2. Stipends or salary support for the training of students
3. Organization of workshops and conferences involving community partners with the goal of expanding LUARS-relevant research

Application Requirements

All applications must be submitted through the Romeo Research Portal. The following information will be required:

1. A description of the proposed research and training activities, demonstrating how activities will contribute to supporting the mission of LUARS or advancing agricultural research in Northwestern Ontario
2. Current CVs of the applicant(s) and co-applicant(s)
3. Letter(s) of support indicating cash and in-kind contributions from partner institutions and/or industry (if applicable)
4. Specific details on the use of land and facility at LUARS (if applicable)

Approval Procedure

The VPRI will establish an internal peer review committee to rank and recommend projects for funding based on the following criteria:

1. The merit of the proposed research project and the degree to which its activities will advance agricultural research and activities in Northwestern Ontario, and/or increase research capacity at LUARS
2. The impact of the project on the training of undergraduate and/or graduate students
3. Potential impact of the project's expected outcomes
4. Appropriateness of proposed expenditures and budget justification
5. The academic excellence and research background of all researchers involved in the project
6. Ability to leverage or attract external research funding or funding from community/industry partners
7. Demonstrated commitment from partner organizations through financial or in-kind support of the collaboration

Final Report

A final report outlining evidence of the project deliverables and projected research outcomes must be submitted within two months of project completion. Researchers will be ineligible to submit future funding applications until the final report has been submitted.