International Initiatives Micro-Fund (IIMF)

A partial list of examples of previously funded projects can be found here.

McMaster researchers receive funding to pursue international partnerships via Brighter World.

Note:

A supporting letter from the Dean’s office isn’t required as all proposals will flow through the Associate Dean (Research).

A letter from a potential international (or domestic) collaborator isn’t required, however, we do require endorsement by the appropriate Dean by way of signing the application form.

Post-docs are excluded from applying.

Where do I send my submission?

It is preferred all applications are sent to your Faculty for collection and submission to OIA via MACdrive link. Alternatively, you may send your completed application form to iimf@mcmaster.ca.

What do I include with my application and what are the requirements?

• A one-page description of the project and intended use of funds
• The applicant’s CV (NSERC Form 100 or equivalent)
• Faculty approval which is indicated in the application form

Are there criteria for selected proposals?

• Criteria are based on alignment with the IIMF call
• Justification of the project and budget
• Clarity and cohesiveness of the project
• Applicant’s record of international research collaboration (as evident in CV)

Which research activities can be funded?

Any discipline or project with an international component.

Can research activities be funded that join individual researchers, or are institution-level partnerships a requirement?

Projects may be individual, joint, or institutional.

Is there a restriction as to in which countries partners can be located?

There are no country restrictions.

What could the $5,000 go towards?

This is dependent upon the nature of the project. Previous awardees have used the funds to hire RAs, undertake international research travels for project meetings/collaboration/build partnerships, lab equipment, etc.

Will I be notified if my proposal isn’t successful?

An email from the VPI will be sent to all unsuccessful applicants.

How will I be notified if I win?

An email from the VPI will be received by all winners with further instructions on obtaining the funds.

What if I have won in the past?

All researchers are welcome to apply, although preference may be given to those who haven’t won in previous years.

Can I apply with the same proposal as before?

Provided the proposal wasn’t successful, you may use it again.

Can multiple researchers submit a joint proposal?

Yes, you can apply to work on a project with someone in another institution or within McMaster.

How long do I have to use the funds?

You have one year from the date the funds are in your account.

What if I have funding left over?

If you do not use all allocated funds, they can be returned to OIA.

Can I get an extension to the deadline?

Extensions are not preferred but could be permitted on a case-by-case basis and with Faculty approval.

Does the award support both industry and academic partners?

Yes, it does.

Do I need to do anything once I receive my funds?

We will ask for a brief one-page (or shorter) summary of what the money was used for.