Federal grants highlight excellence at TRU
In an exciting boost for academic research at Thompson Rivers University (TRU), seven researchers have secured nearly $900,000 in funding, as announced by the Government of Canada on Wednesday, July 9. This significant financial support comes from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight and Insight Development Grants program, which empowers both emerging and seasoned researchers to embark on ambitious projects spanning two to six years.
“Insight and Insight Development Grants are highly competitive, prestigious federal awards and the success of our researchers demonstrates the exceptional research being conducted here at TRU,” said Brian Roy, interim vice-president Research.
The Honourable Mélanie Joly, minister of Industry and minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, announced an investment of over $1.3 billion in funding nationwide to support over 9,700 researchers and research projects.
“These researchers aren’t just imagining the future—they’re building it,” said Joly. “Their work covers topics such as pandemic readiness and cutting-edge technology, and it reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to driving innovation, strengthening the economy and tackling the challenges that matter most to Canadians. With this support, we’re empowering the talent that will shape a more resilient, inclusive and globally competitive Canada.”
Insight Development Grants
Michelle Harrison, Using a holistic open learning design model to support inclusive and flexible course development, $62,762
Yaou Hu, Reducing consumer food waste in restaurants through innovative and intercultural menu communication, $69,981
Jessica Allingham, Bridging the novice-to-expert gap in representational competency: scaffolding strategies for enhancing chemistry education and producing better professional chemists, $64,282
Tara Duncan, Employee resilience in the face of wildfires: looking through the lens of tourism and hospitality, $57,780
Zhe (Betty) Ji, Evolving dynamics and compensation design in brand-influencer partnerships, $68,564
Insight Grants
Heather Price, Increasing the evidence base in cold case investigations: facilitating recall of events from long ago through witness refreshing, $240,290
Courtney Mason, Indigenous-led conservation for reconciliation in parks and protected areas, $310,000
The Research Support Fund provides a portion of the costs associated with managing the research funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Natural Science and Engineering Council, such as salaries for staff who provide administration support, training costs for workplace health and safety, and library maintenance.