SMART Training Platform Funding Call 2025-2026
SMART Training Platform Funding 2025-2026
The SMART Healthy Cities Training Platform addresses an urgent need to build capacity in implementation science to support the development of healthy cities from a systems and equity perspective, utilizing state-of-the-art methods that range from effective community engagement to computational science.
The SMART Healthy Cities Training Platform was established in 2021 through a Healthy Cities Training Grant from CIHR-NSERC-SSHRC. The original team included faculty from 10 post-secondary institutions from across Canada, 11 non-governmental agencies/community partners and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Since 2023, the SMART Training Platform trainee awards program has expanded eligibility to support trainees at all Canadian post-secondary institutions. Also, all perspectives of healthy cities and implementation science are eligible for consideration.
Our Program
Our initiative stands out for its innovative approach to addressing urban challenges. Utilizing extensive and varied datasets, we work together to develop intelligent solutions customized for urban communities. With a focus on experiential learning, participants tackle societal issues through both independent projects and collaborative efforts, employing cutting-edge methodologies like design thinking and co-creation. Embracing digital technologies and big data, our program facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sectoral partnerships, driving rapid progress towards our overarching objectives. Apply now to join this dynamic and impactful academic endeavour!
Our Objectives
The SMART Training Platform funding aims to provide competitive awards to support trainees in their pursuit of training and research within the realm of healthy cities. Our program offers foundational courses that equip trainees with a foundational understanding of implementation science. Furthermore, we offer a variety of opportunities such as annual conferences, summer schools, webinars, experiential learning, and more, fostering a diverse and immersive environment where trainees can apply their knowledge and research to effect real-world transformation!
Funding Availability
The training platform is committed to capacity building supporting highly qualified trainees seeking to diversify and acquire new skills in healthy cities and implementation science. Two streams of awards are available to support students at different stages of their program. The same application can be used to apply for either or both streams. Note, students holding major awards are eligible to apply but students with financial need or equity deserving candidates will be prioritized.
The SMART Training Platform is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
Awards
| 1 Year Bursary Award* | Amount | # of Awards Available | Funding Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $5,000*** | 3 | 2025-2026 |
| Masters | $15,000 | 3 | 2025-2026 |
| Doctoral | $15,000 | 5 | 2025-2026 |
| Postdoctoral | $15,000 | 2 | 2025-2026 |
| 2 year Major Award** | Amount | # of Awards Available | Funding Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | n/a | n/a | 2025-2027 |
| Masters | $20,000/year for 2 years | 3 | 2025-2027 |
| Doctoral | $35,000/year for 2 years | 5 | 2025-2027 |
| Postdoctoral | $50,000/year for 2 years | 2 | 2025-2027 |
* These awards are not renewable but students may apply subsequently for the 2 year major award.
** These awards are not renewable & not eligible for further funding.
*** May be used as research assistantships or summer support. Must clearly define a healthy cities and implementation project.
Key Dates
Application opens: January 2nd, 2025
Application due date: February 3rd, 2025
Funding decision date: Decisions released.
Application Procedure
Please complete the SMART application package and submit along with supporting documents through the online portal. Questions to be directed to [email protected].
Eligibility Guidelines
- No more than 2 applications from the same supervisor.
- Students must confirm enrolment in their home institution’s undergraduate, Master’s, PhD or PDF program prior to receiving the funding
- Students must have plans for thesis related project or publication focused on a ‘healthy cities topic and relevance to implementation
- Students must have a committed advisor to supervise a healthy cities-focused research paper
- Students may apply for one or both award categories.
- Major award holders are eligible, however, students with financial need will be prioritized
- Students must complete the following mandatory components to receive funding
- Methods Café Course (Fall semester)
- Attend annual Healthy Cities Conference (Fall 2025)
- Commitment to experiential learning placement
Optional Offerings
- Team Implementation Lab course
- Agent Based Modelling Course
- Summer School
- Webinars