NSERC/SSHRC Writing Workshops
Workshop Descriptions
The Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research and the Writing Centre (Academic Success Centre) have partnered to offer a series of free workshops. The workshops are centered on helping students be compelling in their research communication and enhance their academic performance.
Meet our Instructors- Bhuva Narayanan is a Graduate Writing Specialist at the Academic Success Centre
- Dr. Jonathan Simmons is a Graduate Writing Advisor at the Academic Success Centre
- Dr. Kate Pratt is the Writing Services Director at the Academic Success Centre
Writing a Plain Language Abstract
Writing a lay abstract can seem daunting. Learn strategies to eliminate jargon, reorganize your sentences, and communicate your research to a non-specialist reader without simplifying key concepts. We will discuss how to use plain language principles to adapt your writing for different audiences and purposes.
Monday, March 27, 2023 (repeated Tuesday, March 5, 2024)
1:00 - 2:30 pm MST
Virtual
Register in campusBridge
Preparing for an Academic Conference
The term is winding down, the campus is quiet…and you’re scrambling to prepare for a major conference. Come explore helpful ways to polish your paper, sharpen your presentation style, and reduce anxiety in the lead-up to the event. Open to graduate students in all disciplines.
Monday, April 24, 2023
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. MST
Virtual
Register in campusBridge
Making Your Research Matter: Highlighting Significance and Engaging Your Audience
Identify the key elements of a compelling research proposal, including a clear research problem statement, a well-supported argument for its importance, and a persuasive approach to engage the target audience. Boost your chances of success by making your research compelling to non-specialists, whether you're applying for funding from SSHRC, NSERC, or another agency.
Tuesday, May 16, 2023
1:00 - 2:00 pm MST
Virtual
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Analyzing and Meeting Scholarship Guidelines
Get the most out of your SSHRC and NSERC funding applications by effectively analyzing and interpreting funding guidelines. You'll learn how to identify key components and requirements, present information clearly and concisely, and address selection criteria used by funding agencies and scholarship committees.
Tuesday, September 12, 2023
10:00 - 11:00 am MST
Virtual
Addressing and Overcoming Writer's Block and Procrastination
Discover practical strategies to overcome common obstacles in the SSHRC and NSERC grant writing process, such as writer's block and procrastination. You'll learn techniques for managing time, setting realistic goals, and improving the quality and timeliness of your funding applications.
Tuesday, September 26, 2023 (repeated Monday, February 19, 2024)
1:00 - 2:30 pm MST
Virtual
Using Plain Language in Your Research Proposal
Boost your chances of being accepted by using plain language in your SSHRC and NSERC proposals. You'll learn strategies for effectively communicating complex ideas to a non-specialist audience and avoiding the pitfalls of using overly technical language.
Wednesday, October 11, 2023 (repeated Tuesday, January 9, 2024)
10:00 - 11:00 am MST
Virtual
Navigating Audience, Purpose, and Tone in Academic Writing
Tailor your SSHRC and NSERC messages to meet your audience's needs and expectations. You'll learn how to determine your communication's purpose, identify your audience, and use an appropriate tone.
Thursday, October 26, 2023
1:00 - 2:30 pm MST
Virtual
Storytelling and Narrative in Research Proposals
Enhance your research proposal with storytelling techniques. You'll learn how to engage your audience, clarify your research problem and solution, and make a compelling case for funding.
Monday, November 6, 2023
10:00 - 11:00 am MST
Virtual
Inoculating Against Jargonitis in Funding Proposals
Eliminate jargon and effectively communicate complex ideas to a general audience with this workshop. You'll learn how to identify and eliminate jargon, engage and inform a wider audience, and avoid using overly technical or specialized language. Improve the accessibility and chances of acceptance for your SSHRC and NSERC proposals by using plain language.
Thursday, November 23, 2023 (repeated Monday, January 22, 2024)
1:00 - 2:30 pm MST
In-person
Making a Strong Case for the Significance of Your Research
Effectively communicate the impact of your work with this workshop. You'll learn how to identify and articulate the unique contributions of your research, demonstrate its relevance, and present the potential outcomes in a compelling way.
Tuesday, December 5, 2023 (repeated Monday, April 8, 2024)
10:00 - 11:00 am MST
In-person
Addressing and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Grant Writing
This workshop is for SSHRC and NSERC applicants who struggle with self-doubt and insecurity in the grant writing process. You'll learn how to identify and challenge imposter syndrome, build confidence, and recognize the significance of your research. You'll also discover strategies for dealing with rejection, networking, and seeking support from mentors and peers.
Friday, December 15, 2023
10:00 - 11:00 am MST
Virtual
Framing and Analyzing Literature in a Grant Proposal
Critically evaluate the literature and strengthen your proposal with this workshop. You'll learn how to identify gaps, biases, and limitations in the literature, synthesize it into a coherent narrative, and make your proposal more convincing.
Friday, February 9, 2024
11:00 am - 12:00 pm MST
Virtual