YELLOWKNIFE
Aurora College and Hotii ts'eeda awarded nearly $1 Million in Research Support Funding

In a significant boost to Northern research, Aurora College, Hotii ts'eeda, and the Institute of Circumpolar Health Research (ICHR) have collectively received $962,900 in funding from the Research Support Fund (RSF) for the 2023-2024 fiscal year. This allocation comprises $687,309 for Hotii ts'eeda, $224,494 for Aurora College and $50,097 for ICHR.

The Research Support Fund plays a vital role in strengthening Canadian post-secondary institutions by providing essential financial support to cover various research-related costs that are not fully covered by general research funding. These costs include maintaining state-of-the-art laboratories and equipment, as well as offering research management and administrative support.

This collaborative initiative involves the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), collectively distributing $450 million annually to post-secondary institutions across Canada.

Aurora College, in partnership with research affiliates Hotii ts'eeda and ICHR, has been instrumental in securing RSF grants. The collaborative partnerships, established in 2018 with Hotii ts'eeda and in September 2020 with ICHR, have facilitated access to RSF resources, significantly enhancing local research infrastructure and capabilities.

Hotii ts'eeda has strategically allocated its RSF funding to enhance research support infrastructure, including the creation of new staff positions and the development of welcoming spaces for Indigenous, community and visiting researchers. Similarly, ICHR has directed its funds towards expanding its library resources and improving research administration.

Aurora College has utilized its RSF grant to strengthen research administration, which includes hiring new staff and expanding the Office of Research Services. These efforts streamline administrative processes and provide crucial support for the pioneering research conducted in Northern Canada.

"In addition to Hotii ts'eeda services, this funding allows us to provide our partners, community projects, and visiting researchers with free meeting, boardroom, and office spaces. In doing so, it helps us fill a gap in the Northwest Territories health and research landscape, which contributes to stronger relationships and support for development health and wellness projects."

- Dr. Anne Pleydon, Executive Director, Hotii ts'eeda

"This funding will assist in streamlining administration processes, freeing up time and resources for Aurora College researchers to focus on their vital work in the North. The supports available through this funding will enable researchers to pursue their mandate of being leaders in generating and sharing knowledge, ensuring meaningful outcomes for residents of the Northwest Territories."

- Dr. Glenda Vardy Dell, President, Aurora College