FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES - IPSFC FACULTY FELLOWSHIPS, 2026-27

Header with program title and logos of Faculty of Social Science and Humanities and the Government of Canada

 FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES

IPFSC FACULTY FELLOWSHIPS, 2026-27

 

DEADLINE TO APPLY:  August 31, 2026

The Indo-Pacific Scholarships and Fellowships for Canadians (IPSFC) program is funded by Global Affairs Canada to support Canadian universities in offering programs of scholarships and fellowships to enhance the capacity of Canadians in the areas related to Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy; to increase connectivity between Canadian and Indo-Pacific Institutions; and to support new academic and research pursuits on the Indo-Pacific region.

Lakehead's IPSFC project will support graduate student research stays with partner institutions in the Indo-Pacific region, on topics related to "Gender and Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation for Sustainable Development".  The program will run for two years (there will be a second call for the 2027-28 academic year).

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities has been working to develop institutional partnerships in Japan, the Philippines, Fiji, and Vanuatu.  Lakehead has recently established relations with the University of the Ryukyus in Okinawa, Japan, and new partnerships are under discussion with institutions in the Philippines (University of the Philippines), the University of Fiji, and the National University of Vanuatu. 

This project will support Lakehead researchers seeking to establish new research collaborations in these countries, as well as enable master’s students to undertake short research stays. In order to examine the gender dimensions related to the impact and mitigation of climate change, we anticipate master’s research projects to be conducted in Japan, the Philippines, Fiji, and Vanuatu. Examples of research topics include climate change and sustainable domestic food and fibre systems; social inequalities, ecological vulnerabilities and responses to climate change; sociological dimensions of climate change mitigation and adaptation; the role of women in building disaster-resilient communities; and gender and the green economies.

Full-time faculty members within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities are eligible to apply for Fellowships to conduct research stays of one to three months at any of the eligible host institutions.  

A concurrent competition will be held for Lakehead graduate students, with the potential for the Lakehead student and faculty member to travel at the same time and work together.  While faculty and graduate student researchers will have their own scope of work and deliverables, this synergy is encouraged.

Eligible Host Institutions:

ELIGIBILTY CRITERIA:

  • Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
  • Must be a member of the Faculty of Graduate Studies and hold a full-time appointment within the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities.
  • Must have a research project that relates to the intersections of gender, environment, climate change, and sustainable development.
  • Must be able to co-supervise or connect with graduate students from the host institutions, or participate in related activities at the host institutions.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:  Apply via the ROMEO Research Portal

1.  CV

2.  Project Proposal, to include the following (maximum 3 pages)

  • Project title and abstract
  • Introduction, including host country and institution, dates of travel, and how the project fits with the strategic objectives of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
  • Description of new or existing connection or collaborator in the Indo-Pacific region
  • Expertise related to climate change
  • Description of project, including objectives, activities and desired outcomes
  • Explanation of how graduate students may be involved

3. Letter of Invitation from Host University

  • must be on letterhead, have a recent date, and be signed
  • should reflect agreement with the proposal and proposed dates of stay
  • should indicate availability of work space, required resources and expertise to support the proposed project. 

5.  Budget - include airfare, accommodations, meals.  (A university insurance package will be provided, do not include in the budget)

4.  Government of Canada Privacy Statement DOWNLOAD

 

FUNDING

Fellowships provide funding for international travel and monthly living expenses for a minimum of one month to a maximum of three months.  The amount of funding will based on destination and length of stay.  

Budget maximums (3 months). 

  • Fiji - 7,300
  • Japan - 9,500
  • Philippines - 7,000
  • Vanatu - 7,800

Travel may begin as early as soon as the fellowship is awarded, but may require some time to complete host institution and/or visa requirements.  

SELECTION CRITERIA

The Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities will convene a fellowship selection committee to review applications and award the fellowships.  

Selection criteria will include:

  • Quality of proposal
  • Potential of project to contribute to a sustainable collaboration between Lakehead and the host institution (including involvement of graduate students)
  • Fit with the strategic objectives of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
  • Strength of supporting documents (letter of invitation (host))
  • Self-identification with an equity-seeking group

Questions?