The Graduate Fellows program supports graduate (and exceptional undergraduate) students from across the University of Toronto who are working on urban-focused projects of an applied, translational, or policy-oriented nature.
Graduate student fellows may work on an independent project or a component of their degree-based project (thesis or dissertation). Candidates are welcomed from across all disciplines – from the fine arts to social sciences to the natural and applied sciences.
Graduate Fellow positions are open to students at the University of Toronto who are pursuing a PhD or Masters degree and who have a passion for urban issues. Fellows are required to propose a knowledge mobilization project that is transformative and/or high impact. They will have the option of submitting the project in the School of Cities Knowledge Mobilization Competition in May 2024; winning entries will receive a cash prize of up to $1,000 and select projects will be highlighted on the School of Cities website.
In 2023-24, we are offering an opportunity for a select number of Fellows to engage with the Creative Communities Commons (CCC) to present and attend their events. In addition, as we launch the School of Cities India, we are particularly interested in supporting research projects that involve fieldwork or investigate topics related to India.
Graduate Fellows are eligible/responsible for:
- A stipend of $3,500 to support their pursuit of an independent project that addresses the broad theme of cities
- In-person knowledge mobilization workshops – coordinated by School of Cities Director Karen Chapple and faculty lead Stanka Radovic, and featuring School of Cities-affiliated experts – which focus on identifying ways to reach a broader audience via data visualization, op-eds, policy briefs, blogs, videos, podcasts, and more
- Opportunity to participate in the School of Cities Knowledge Mobilization Competition
- Opportunity to engage with and attend events with Creative Communities Commons (CCC)
- Recognition for University of Toronto Co-Curricular Record (CCR) (3 competencies)
We ask that Graduate Fellows:
- Develop a project that includes a knowledge mobilization and/or public engagement component. This may include, but is not limited to, producing a performance, podcast, or art installation; writing an op-ed, blog, or policy brief; giving a public talk; conducting a monthly student-led conversation or a debate; creating a website or app, etc.
- Attend the Graduate Fellows knowledge mobilization workshops in person and if selected, attend the CCC events
- Participate in School of Cities events and outreach programs
- Share their project outcomes at a symposium in May
What we look for:
- Demonstrated creativity, impact and knowledge mobilization of the proposed project
- Demonstrated viability of the proposed project (i.e., based on research already in progress or connected to an active research team)
- Potential to reach broad audiences with implications for motivating public policy, professional practice change, or community action.
- The rigour of the proposed methodological approach
- A connection to equity, diversity, and inclusion
Questions?
Feel free to contact us at education.sofc@utoronto.ca