Application Guide

Application Guide

Proposal Contents

General Information (1 page)

Please include a cover page with the following information:

  1. Project title;
  2. Name, title, and institutional affiliation of principal investigator (project leader);
    1. List of names, titles and institutional/industry affiliations of any additional investigators or collaborators. CVs of PI and all co-investigators should be included in the appendix section;
  3. Signature (digital or scanned) of the Principle Investigator, collaborators and partners with the statement “I agree to collaborate on the proposed project as outlined in this application. I have contributed to its development and have reviewed the final draft prior to submission”.

Research Proposal (6 pages maximum in total)

Project Description - Approach/Methodology/Objectives (3 pages)

  1. Please provide a lay summary of the research question, objectives, approach, relationship to the goals of VISTA, and expected outcomes/ impact of the proposed project. This summary may be used for public communications and thus should be targeted for the layperson. (300 words max)
  2. Describe the proposed research approach/methodology.
  3. Clearly state the research question being proposed, the rationale for the proposed research, and the objectives of the project;
  4. Describe the design of the research project and rationale, including why the proposed research is novel and/or innovative;

Project Milestones (1 page)

  1. Demonstrate realistic milestones that are achievable within a one- or two-year time period, including research ethics approvals, as appropriate.

Description of the Research Team and the Partnership(s) (1 page)

  1. Describe the skills/experience of the proposed project team and the value-added for proposed collaborations and partnership(s);
  2. Describe how the research builds on established partnerships, or enables the establishment of new partnerships.

Potential Impact and Relevance to VISTA mandate (1 page)

This section should clearly describe the project’s potential impact within the mandate of VISTA. Please address:

  1. The potential impact for the project on vision science in terms of new breakthroughs, innovation in industrial application or clinical practice, or knowledge translation/application;
  2. How the project is relevant to the VISTA mandate as defined in the research objectives section of this RFP;
  3. Explain whether this work will lead to subsequent external funding and indicate the potential source(s).

Appendix (not included in the 6-page max proposal):

  1. Tables & Figures (2 pages max) - Two additional pages may be included for tables/figures. Please note that any additional pages beyond two may be deleted prior to review.
  2. Budget & Budget Justification - Please provide a brief but specific budget that includes the levels of salary support, research trainee support, research equipment and materials, and other expenses. In addition, if any partner funding will be used towards the research project, please indicate the level of both in-kind and cash contributions anticipated. Present a clear rationale for the proposed expenditures. If the funds will be flowing to multiple sites, provide a clear breakdown of where the funds will be flowing.

Please note that:

  • Personnel funding levels should be consistent with the applicant’s institutional minimum and maximum limits for research staff and trainees; trainee stipend amounts should be consistent with the higher of either the applicant’s institutional minimums or minimums recommended by Tri-Council Policy;
  • Grant funds cannot be used to provide matching funds for VISTA Graduate Scholarships or VISTA Postdoctoral Awards;
  • Proposed expenditures should be consistent with CFREF’s guidelines on eligible expenditures;
  • Indirect costs shall not be considered eligible for this program;
  • A list of eligible expenses is provided as a guide. For any questions related to the eligibility of research costs, please contact adminvista@yorku.ca;
  • Budget categories should follow the categories listed in the list of eligible expenses. Please provide a breakdown by category and per fiscal year, ending March 31st.
  1. Curriculum Vitae or Bios - Please provide your most recent NSERC or CIHR common CV (limited to last 5 years).
  2. References (1 page max) – One additional page may be included in the appendix for references.
Application Instructions