Applied Research Release Time

Saskatchewan Polytechnic, through the Office of Applied Research and Innovation (OARI), would like to support faculty involved in applied research activities that include collaborations with business, industry, community, other research institutions, agencies and partners. 

Saskatchewan Polytechnic expects that faculty undertaking applied research activities will adhere to applicable policies and commit to meeting all conditions of the project. 

ARRT applications will be submitted to the dean’s office, and centre director (if applicable) for approval prior to submission to OARI. 

Selection of stipend recipients will be made by the Office of Applied  Research and Innovation. Support will be provided when the criteria for funding is met and based on availability of funding. Selection criteria will include: potential to bring in external research revenue; involvement on a current externally funded applied research project; involvement on an externally funded grant application; writing externally funded grant applications. 

A call for applications will take place early March, applications will be due end of March, and decisions will be made by mid-April. Successful nominees will be eligible for funding for the following fiscal year. 

Release time funding will contribute up to $50,000 per year for a 0.5 FTE or up to $100,000 per year for a 1.0 FTE. The funds are intended to release faculty from their regular teaching duties to allow them to focus on applied research projects and related activities. Only one (1) award is available per faculty per fiscal year. 

The ARRT fund is open to all Saskatchewan Polytechnic faculty members. 

Applicants will be advised of results within one week of submission deadline. Funds will be available for use July 1. 

No use of funds will be allowed without a proper valid ethics protocol if required. 

Recipients will participate in applied research awareness efforts, including participation in Saskatchewan Polytechnic-wide presentations and promotion. Recipients will be required to  attend the monthly researcher meetings and submit a brief report to OARI summarizing the activities and potential developing opportunities with partners. 

Applicants must complete the online application form and submit to the dean’s office for prior approval. The dean’s office will submit on behalf of the applicant to applied.research@saskpolytech.ca.