Seed Applied Research Program

The SARP funding program is financed by Saskatchewan Polytechnic's operating budget with the purpose of encouraging and supporting faculty members' interests in applied research (AR) and scholarly activities. Allocations of funds are made through a competitive process, sanctioned by a selection committee (Advancement of Applied Research Committee - AARC), integrated by Saskatchewan Polytechnic faculty members, appointed by Deans' recommendation. The AARC works collaboratively with the Office of Applied Research and Innovation (OARI); SARP funding is administered by the OARI.

Applied research: is the practical use of readily available knowledge created by the basic (pure, scientific) research community. It is the use of known theories, methodologies, techniques, information, etc., in a systematic process aimed at solving a practical immediate need. It includes adaptation and/or incremental value added in order to bridge knowledge and theories to their practical application.

Scholarship: is a methodological approach to knowledge generation through intellectual inquiry; it includes the transference of such knowledge through means such as publication, presentation, professional practice, etc., and the application of acquired knowledge for the betterment of society. Based upon Boyer's expanded definition of scholarship (1997), SARP funds will support projects that clearly demonstrate discovery, integration, application and teaching, with emphasis on the three first parameters, in support of the student experience at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

SARP grants contribute up to $6,000 per award and six (6) awards are available per competition year. For each year's competition, Saskatchewan Polytechnic will target up to two (2) of these SARP awards in support of a special initiative and will be announced with the information campaign (i.e. addressing issues of the Aboriginal community). The term of the grant is one (1) year, commencing the following July 1, ending June 30.

All Saskatchewan Polytechnic faculty members interested in exploring an applied research idea are encouraged to apply for SARP funding and will have the highest priority. Saskatchewan Polytechnic staff may be eligible for SARP funding provided the grant application meets the applied research definition and selection criteria and the project clearly demonstrates a benefit to Saskatchewan Polytechnic AR and Innovation agenda, as well as the benefit to a private sector partner; SARP funds are not open to students. 

Projects that represent a faculty’s own research project, as part of their graduate studies program or dissertation are not eligible for SARP funding. 

SARP grants are awarded in support of projects and scholarly activities which fall within the six identified Saskatchewan Polytechnic priority areas:

• Agriculture & Biotechnology
• Construction
• Health & Human Services
• Manufacturing
• Mining & Minerals
• Oil & Gas

SARP funds may be used for any operating expenses associated with a pre-developing stage of a research or scholarly idea under the framework of finding a solution to a problem or need as identified by a project partner. Project partners can be industry/private sector SME’s, other research institutions, hospitals or clinical settings and/or other government institutions. It is expected that the partner will contribute resources and expertise in a collaborative fashion for the project execution. Expenses may include: direct costs such as release time stipends (Saskatchewan Polytechnic employees only), student stipends, purchase of materials and supplies, rental of specialized equipment, surveys and questionnaires design, etc. Other indirect costs may include printing of project material, reasonable travel expenses, proposal development and technical writing that may lead to a larger project, etc

Applicants will be advised of results within one (1) week of the AARC meeting in spring. If successful, funds will be available for use commencing the following July 1 each calendar year. SARP award recipients will access their funds through the establishment of a project org, under the financial responsibility of the applicant. Org set up will be coordinated by the OARI and will be communicated to the funds recipients within three (3) weeks of the award notification. If projects require ethics approval, such must be provided to the OARI before an org can be communicated to the recipient, and no use of funds will be allowed without a proper valid ethics protocol. 

Project expenses must be incurred between July 1 and Saskatchewan Polytechnic’s year end payable cut-off dates. SARP award holders are responsible to follow year end financial deadlines to avoid over expenditures to their project accounts.

SARP awards recipients will be required to submit a brief report to the OARI's Research Support Coordinator, summarizing the results and potential developing opportunities. Provision of awareness workshops at Saskatchewan Polytechnic on the research will be encouraged.

Applicants complete electronic application form, and submit to dean’s office. The dean’s office will submit on behalf of the applicant to the OARI Research Support Coordinator.

For further information and/or assistance in completing applications:
Applied Research Research Support Coordinator
Office of Applied Research and Innovation
4500 Wascana Parkway
PO Box 556
Regina, SK S4P3A3
306-775-7320