Outreach Activities and Research Awards
The International Security Research and Outreach Programme supports the Graduate Research Awards (GRA), in conjunction with the Simons Foundation.
The goal of the Graduate Research Awards is to develop the next generation of Canadian researchers on issues related to international security, especially disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation issues.
Graduate Research Awards for Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation 2012-2013
Competition Details
Graduate Research Awards for Disarmament, Arms Control and Non-Proliferation 2012-2013 are offered by The Simons Foundation and The International Security Research and Outreach Programme (ISROP) of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (DFAIT).
The primary objective of the Graduate Research Awards is to enhance Canadian graduate level scholarship on disarmament, arms control and non-proliferation issues.
A total of eight awards of Cdn$3,000 will be available to Masters and/or Doctoral students to support the research and writing of short position papers that will be presented at the Graduate Research Awards (GRA) Debates in Ottawa hosted by DFAIT. Awards include travel support to Ottawa (domestic transportation, accommodation, and meals) where successful candidates will be required to present their completed position papers in the form of a one-to-one debate during a special event at DFAIT in early 2013.
- Deadline for applications: October 22, 2012
- Selection of short-listed candidates: November 19, 2012
- Deadline for position papers: December 17, 2012
- Selection of eight award recipients: January 21, 2013
How to Apply
Applications should be sent to Elaine Hynes at The Simons Foundation by email to: elaine_hynes@sfu.ca by the close of business (PT) on October 22, 2012. Hard copies of official transcripts and other documents may be sent to follow by mail. Your application must include:
- An introductory letter of interest that supports your candidacy for the GRA programme.
- A writing sample (up to 1,000 words) that addresses non-proliferation, arms control and disarmament (NACD) issues.
- Your resume, including proof of citizenship status.
- A complete, official transcript of your grades.
- A letter of reference from your supervisor.
- A second letter of reference.
Eligibility
Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents/landed immigrants are eligible to apply. Previous recipients of a Graduate Research Award are eligible to apply, but priority will be given to students who have not already participated in the programme in order to expand the community of Canadian scholars working on NACD issues.
Selection Process
Following the initial review of applications, up to 16 candidates will be short-listed for further consideration. Applicants will be advised by November 19, 2012 if they have been selected as one of the short-listed candidates. Each of the short-listed candidates will be assigned one of the four pre-determined debate topics (see below) and will be required to research and write, individually and independently, a 1,000 word position paper arguing in favour or against, as instructed. Reading lists for each topic will be provided, along with a position paper template. Position papers must be submitted by December 17, 2012. Short-listed applicants may be re-assigned a debate topic for presentation at the GRA debates, to ensure appropriate debate pairings. The eight students whose position papers make the strongest argument for their assigned position, and are chosen to receive the award, will be notified by January 21, 2013.
GRA Debates
Award winners will be required to present their positions at the GRA Debates hosted by DFAIT in Ottawa in early 2013. At the debates, an additional monetary award of $1,000 will be presented to the students who make the most effective arguments in support of their positions in each of the four debates. The debates will be subject to Chatham House Rule and a report of the GRA Debates, including the position papers presented, will be published online by The Simons Foundation. Please note that attendance at the GRA Debates is a mandatory requirement of the award. Domestic travel, accommodation and meal expenses will be provided by ISROP, in accordance with Government of Canada Treasury Board Guidelines.
2012-2013 GRA Topics1
Debate #1: Membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group
Be it resolved that the objectives of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) would be best achieved by expanding the Group to include the states which remain outside of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT).
Debate #2: Transparency and Freedom of Information for Dual-use Research
Be it resolved that proliferation and security concerns should not trump transparency and freedom of information when publishing dual-use biological, chemical, or nuclear research, when there are likely to be positive benefits for humankind arising from such research (e.g. recent studies with biological agents that could have both positive and negative public health implications).
Debate #3: Commercialization of Space
Be it resolved that the commercialization of space will provide a net benefit to space security, in terms of the secure and sustainable access to, and uses of, outer space, and freedom from space-based and space-enabled threats.
Debate #4: Nuclear Non-Proliferation and Disarmament
Be it resolved that given the recent progress that has been made in the advancement of nuclear disarmament, the international community needs to focus greater attention on putting in place nuclear non-proliferation measures to address proliferation challenges, including by non-state actors and states of proliferation concern.
To Apply and For More Information Please Visit: The Simons Foundation
1 Positions will be assigned to the short-listed candidates; Each topic will require arguments "for" and "against".
