The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is committed to fostering the next generation of Asia Pacific researchers and analysts. To this end, it offers up to four one-year Post-Graduate Research Scholarships (PGRS). Successful applicants will have a background in Asia-related research in Asian studies, political science, economics, history, business, international relations, or related humanities or social science program. The selection of candidates will be based on abilities, academic excellence, and fit with the Foundation's research priorities.
Click here for more information
Grants are not intended to support dissertation research
Successful applicants will work out of Vancouver, British Columbia, partly remotely and partly from APF Canada's head office in downtown Vancouver during regular office hours (Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.). Please note, on-site work expectations may vary due to COVID-19. PGRSs will divide their time between conducting research and participating in the Foundation’s day-to-day activities, including:
- Supporting with general research needs.
- Contributing to the composition and distribution of the Asia Watch news service.
- Providing assistance in organizing events such as roundtables, conferences, and meetings, both virtually or in-person if and when the situation allows.
- Participating in and contributing to APF Canada Research Group meetings, as well as other meetings and activities in the Canadian and Asian policy communities.
Each selected PGRS will work closely with a Program Manager responsible for one of APF Canada's main research pillars listed below, providing research assistance and conducting original research under the Program Manager's supervision.
• Business Asia: Research under this pillar centers on two-way trade and investment between Canada and Asia with a focus on strategies and priorities put forward by the federal government, as well as the events unfolding in the region affecting Canada's trade diversification efforts. It can involve managing statistics and large databases of trade and investment.
• Perspectives Asia: Research projects under this pillar focus on Canadian perceptions of Asia, such as APF Canada's National Opinion Polls, and Asian perceptions of Canada. Methods used include surveys, interviews, focus groups, among others, and requires knowledge of statistical analysis and/or qualitative coding of raw data.
• Digital Asia: Research under this pillar explores how technologies of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (e.g. AI, IoT, robotics) and its governance impact Canada's current and future engagement with the Asia Pacific.
• Engaging Asia: As Asia's importance varies significantly across Canada and impacts a variety of societal groups – municipal and provincial governments, as well as Indigenous peoples – research under this pillar studies the various sub-national engagement strategies with Asia, such as, but not limited to, twinning, trade missions, business, and policies.
• Education: We believe that Asia competence – the knowledge, skills, and experiences required for effective engagement with Asia – is the foundation of a strong and thriving Canada-Asia relationship. Research and projects under this pillar aim at better understanding the specific competencies needed by Canadians at various stages of their education and career advancement.
Duration
Scholarships are for one year. They normally begin in August/September, although the Foundation will consider earlier or later start dates on a case-by-case basis.
Eligibility
Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have graduated from a Master's or doctoral program within 18 months of the application (as defined by the date of program completion) are eligible to apply.
Compensation
Scholarships are in the amount of C$44,000 for Masters graduates or C$48,000 for PhD graduates. Selected candidates are eligible for a $2,000 relocation allowance if coming from outside of British Columbia's Lower Mainland.
For questions, please contact Charles Labrecque at charles.labrecque@asiapacific.ca
*The Foundation reserves the right to cite the results of research funded under the grants program, and grant recipients may be called upon for media and outreach activities coordinated by the Foundation.
