CORE PROJECT FUNDING 2001-2002

Funding for the 2001-2002 cycle will run from October 1, 2020 to December 31, 2002. Renewals will begin on January 1, 2003.

Introduction

Communication and literacy skills provide the foundation for effective social functioning and for academic, occupational/economic and life success. When children fail to develop good language and reading skills there are a range of profound and enduring consequences, including academic failure and dropping out of school, poor psycho-social development, and reduced self esteem and sense of well-being. All of these reduce the opportunities for lifelong success.

The Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network (CLLRNet) was developed to support research in the area of Early Childhood Development that will help us better understand what can influence, both negatively and positively, language and literacy development. The broad objectives of this National network are to improve our understanding and find ways of identifying children who are at risk of failing to develop adequate language, communication, and literacy skills, which, if not addressed, reduce their potential to succeed in school and function effectively as adults in Canadian society

The Network's research program integrates the efforts of basic-scientists, clinical researchers, social scientists, engineers, industrial and government partners. Leading investigators have been recruited as Network theme leaders, project leaders and participants to investigate the major processes involved in literacy and language development, identify potential diagnostic and intervention strategies, and establish methodologies to evaluate current and emerging treatment and training programs. Core research and training facilities support research programs in the Network as well as the needs of industrial partners.

The CLLRnet is one of Canada’s 22 Networks of Centres of Excellence, a Canadian research initiative that is sponsored by three major Canadian research granting councils (NSERC, SSHRC and CIHR). The Network is hosted by The University of Western Ontario and is entering it's first year of funding.

Goals and Objectives

The primary objectives of the CLLRNet Research Program are:

• To support integrated, multidisciplinary research that will lead to improved language and literacy skills in all Canadian children;
• Improve our basic understanding of the neural, sensory, perceptual, cognitive, developmental, and social processes involved in normal language and literacy development and the bases for various types of language and literacy disorders;
• Improve screening procedures for infants and young children to identify those who are at risk;
• Improve assessment methods for differential diagnosis and to guide interventions;
• Improve and evaluate different interventions that are appropriate for specific groups of children;
• Develop new software products and technologies to support improved assessment, treatment and training;
• Conduct longitudinal studies of language and literacy development in normal and abnormal populations and of the effects of interventions and different social conditions on the development of language and literacy processes;
• Evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of existing and proposed treatment and/or training programs;
• Develop effective ways to communicate the results of this research to education and health professionals, care givers, families of young children, and the research community; and
• Find ways to positively influence policies and practices for early childhood education and intervention strategies at the provincial, territorial, and national levels.

Research Themes and Priorities

For the 2001-2002 funding cycle, The Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network has structured its research themes into five closely-related areas of study:

• Theme I: Biological factors underlying the development of language and literacy skills
• Theme II: Sensory processes and environment
• Theme III: Language
• Theme IV: Literacy
• Theme V: Social, economic and program influences; families, schools and communities

Project Evaluation Criteria

In general, the review process expects to consider projects:

• that are at the forefront of research by national and international standards;
• that involve networking and collaborations with other CLLRnet researchers and Network partners;
• that contribute to one or more of the Network Themes
• that contribute to the overall CLLRnet Goals and Objectives.

Proposals will be reviewed based on the following criteria (equal weighting):

1. Fit with the overall objectives and goals of CLLRnet
2. Fit with Research Themes
3. Merit of the research
4. Training of highly qualified personnel
5. Networking and integration initiatives with Network partners and other organizations
6. Knowledge and technology transfer initiatives
7. Feasibility in terms of timeframe, resources availability and proposed budgets

Application Guidelines

Eligibility

During the first year of funding (October 31, 2020 to December 31, 2020), applications for general project funding will be accepted only from Principal Investigators listed on the original CLLRnet proposal. A list of eligible PI’s can be found on the CLLRnet web site.

CLLRnet intends to set aside a pool of funds for new Programs including Strategic Initiatives/Projects, Networking Activities (Travel, Workshops, Seminars, Meetings) and Scholarships Fund.

All academic staff of Canadian universities who meet the standard SSHRC/NSERC/CIHR eligibility criteria and regulations outlined in the Councils’ Guides are eligible to receive network funds.

Due Date

2001/2002 proposal (hard copy and electronic copy) are due in the CLLRnet Office on August 13, 2001.

How to apply for funding

Your application will be made of four parts:

1. The Funding Application Cover Sheet (including signatures)
2. Your detailed proposal (see notes below)
3. A detailed budget

Here are the steps you should follow when applying for funding:

1. Please talk to us and your Theme Leaders

   Since this is the first year of program funding with newly designed Theme Statements, we advise you to talk to your Theme Leader or someone in the CLLRnet office before preparing your application.

2. Complete the Funding Application Cover Sheet

   The Cover Sheet is part of this package and requests general information about your organization and project. It is an essential part of the application. The person in your organization who holds signing authority for grant administration and ethics approval must sign it.

3. Write your detailed proposal

   Please follow the instructions below and be sure to use the sections suggested in the left-hand column.

4. Send in your application

   Send two hard copies to the following address:

   Canadian Language and Literacy Research Network
   c/o  The University of Western Ontario
   Elborn College, 1201 Western Road
   London, ON N6G 1H1
   Telephone: 519-661-2111 x 88950
   Fax: 519-661-3805
   dan@cllrnet.ca
   

   Last Modified: October 06 2002 09:55:27.