Security and Defence Forum (SDF) Funded Awards
George G. Bell Doctoral Scholarship
John Gellner Graduate Scholarship in Security Studies
Post-Graduate Research Assistance Fund
Language Training Fund
SDF International Conference Fund
SDF National Conference Fund
Non-SDF Funded/YCISS Administered Awards
Martin Cohnstaedt Graduate Research Award for Studies in Non-Violence
George G. Bell Doctoral Scholarship
YCISS is pleased each year to be able to offer the George G. Bell Doctoral Scholarship to an incoming PhD or LLM student. The scholarship commemorates one of the founding members of YCISS and his commitment to graduate education in the field of international peace and security. The award is valued at $5,000 for the academic year and comes with the offer of office space at YCISS.
The scholarship is awarded to a student who has been accepted to York University to pursue a PhD or LLM, and whose research interests fall within the mandate of YCISS, regardless of the discipline in which they are pursuing their graduate training.
Nominations for the George G. Bell Doctoral Scholarship are made by the graduate programme into which the student has been admitted. If you are interested in being considered for this award, please contact your Graduate Programme Director and ask that they forward your file to YCISS.
John Gellner Graduate Scholarship in Security Studies
In association with the Faculty of Graduate Studies and the Graduate Programme in Political Science, the centre awards the John Gellner Graduate Scholarship in Security Studies. This scholarship is awarded to an outstanding student upon acceptance to the Political Science MA programme and is valued at $3,000. The student's area of study must be relevant to international and/or Canadian security, strategic, or defence studies.
There is no formal application process for this scholarship. All incoming MA applications to the Graduate Programme in Political Science are reviewed for their eligibility and the successful candidate will be notified with their letter of acceptance to the Political Science MA programme.
Post-Graduate Research Assistance Fund
The York University Centre for International and Security Studies Post-Graduate Research Assistance Fund (PGRAF) is intended to provide funding assistance to post-doctoral researchers at York University and to individuals working toward the completion of a doctoral dissertation at York University for their conduct of field research.
Funding Criteria
- York University doctoral candidates and post-doctoral researchers in their field or doctoral dissertation research.
The PGRAF provides annual awards in support of field research up to a maximum of $ 2,000 for each application, although the most common award level falls in the $1,000 range per applicant (annually). The total award shall not exceed 75% of the overall costs of the field research. Eligible are post-doctoral researchers and those PhD candidates who will have completed their PhD course work, qualifying exams, and proposal (where required), prior to taking up the award, and who are engaged in field or doctoral dissertation research explicitly relevant to the YCISS SDF Mandate.
- The assistance will be provided exclusively in support of anticipated costs related to original research incurred from 1 April of the competition year to 31 March of the following year. Preference will be given to students applying for travel or accommodation expenses and to those who have applied to other sources of funding both within and outside the University. Capital costs are not eligible. No proposal will be funded unless there is an indication that adequate funding (combined funding including that sought here) has been secured (or is under consideration) to allow for the completion of the stated research. Please note that Per Diems or meal expenses will not be eligible.
- The most common level of assistance provided to individuals through this program will be in the range of $1,000 per year, up to a maximum of $2,000. There will be one competition each year. Awards are paid by reimbursement of documented travel/research costs. Expenses claim form
- Successful applicants upon completion of their proposed research will submit a brief report detailing monies spent and research undertaken. Successful applicants will be expected to give a seminar based on their research in the YCISS Afternoon Seminar Series.
Assessment
A selection committee of the Centre will assess the applications. It will choose those research proposals showing superior intellectual scope and depth, careful design, well-reasoned rationales, and relevance to the centre's SDF Mission. The selection committee will also make an effort to assist applicants whose proposed research may not appeal to conventional funding sources. In all cases, however, academic merit and relevance to the centre's SDF Mission will be the dominant considerations. The selection committee is under no obligation to dispense its total budget in the absence of appropriate applications.
Deadline
The deadline for applications is Tuesday, 2 August 2011. No applications will be accepted after the deadline. Decisions of the selection committee are final.
For doctoral students, a letter of support (not a reference) from your supervisor indicating that she/he supports your proposal is required. If you do not yet have a supervisor, the letter of support should be provided by your graduate program director. This letter should be sent by separate email to the Committee.
Completed application forms must be submitted electronically to:
YCISS Post-Graduate Research Assistance Fund Selection Committee
c/o YCISS
The purpose of the YCISS Language Training Fund is to support language training required for thesis or dissertation research. The fund provides annual awards of up to $1,000. Any individual working toward either an MA or a PhD from York University whose (proposed) thesis or dissertation is explicitly relevant to the YCISS SDF Mandate is eligible to apply.
Application Procedure
There is no formal application form for this award. Please submit the following information:
- Statement indicating name, address, contact numbers, programme status, proposed thesis or dissertation title, demonstration of relevance of the thesis or dissertation to the YCISS SDF Mandate, name of supervisor, language training requirements, current level of proficiency in desired language, type of training proposed, budget of expenses, other language training options available and why these are not being pursued. Please also indicate the ability to cover proposed expenses in excess of any award granted from this fund.
- Letter from supervisor indicating that thesis or dissertation proposal is either in its final stages or has been accepted and that the proposed language training is necessary for the thesis or dissertation research.
Criteria for Selection
The aim of this fund is to provide funding to individuals who need specialized language training. The onus is on the applicant to make the case that their chosen training program provides the best opportunity to learn the language skills they need, particularly where less expensive options exist.
Expenses eligible under this fund
Any expenses directly related to language training, i.e., tuition at a non-York institution (public or private), private tuition fees, and travel and living costs in non-Toronto locations. In certain instances, instructional materials may also be considered eligible. Please note that Per Diems or meal expenses will not be eligible
These claims should be entered on a York University expenses claim form. Expenses claim form
Expenses not eligible under this fund
York tuition fees.
Per Diem or meal expenses
Deadline: Tuesday, 2 August 2011. Decisions of the selection committee are final.
Please submit applications electronically to:
YCISS Language Training Fund Selection Committee
c/o YCISS
SDF International Conference Fund (2011-2012)
YCISS is able to offer financial assistance for junior scholars participating in international conferences thanks to the Security and Defence Forum’s International Conference Fund (SDF-ICF).
Eligibility: Junior faculty (non-tenured academic appointments, both tenure-stream and CLA) and post-doctoral and doctoral students who are participating in an international (including the US) conference directly related to the YCISS SDF Mandate. Participation is defined as presenting a paper, and speaking and/or being part of a panel discussion. Please note that more than one application to the fund per person per year is permissible only if the papers are original, i.e., the fund cannot support presenting substantially the same paper twice (this applies to papers in the same year as well as papers substantially similar to any papers funded by SDF in previous years).
Application Procedure - a complete application must include:
- A completed application form.
- A short 1- 2 paragraph explanation of how the conference travel is directly related to the YCISS SDF Mandate
- For doctoral students, a letter of support (not a reference) from your supervisor indicating that you are actively engaged in the research/writing of your dissertation and that she/he supports your participation in the conference. If you do not yet have a supervisor, the letter of support should be provided by your graduate program director.
- Budget of overall expenses, including all other sources of funding and indicating how much is being requested from this fund. Please note that this fund is not intended to cover all expenses but rather is intended to contribute to overall costs.
- An up to date copy of your CV.
Eligible Expenses (on a cost reimbursable basis): Regular economy class travel (lowest available fare by rail or plane), public transit, taxis (to/from airport, to/from hotel, and to/from conference only), accommodations, and conference registration fees. Please note that gratuities (i.e. tips) cannot be reimbursed and Per Diems, Incidentals and other meal expenses will not be eligible. Mileage is also ineligible, unless specifically pre-approved by the Selection Committee.
In order to be reimbursed, all original receipts (including all ticket stubs, boarding passes etc.) need to be submitted as well as proof of conference participation (a program showing the presenter’s name) and a copy of the final paper. These claims should be entered on a York University expenses claim form. Expenses Claim Form
Please note that there are significant changes to the administration and eligible expenses for this award. Guidance on the application process and eligible expenses is available Click here.
Deadline: Applications for the SDF National and International Conference Funds will be accepted until 1 December 2011. The final date for all applications to the SDF ICF/NCF funds for travel in the financial year ending on 31 March 2012, including the 2012 ISA meeting, will be 1 December 2011.
Completed applications should be submitted to (only electronic applications will be accepted):
YCISS - SDF International Conference Fund Selection Committee
YCISS
SDF National Conference Fund (2011- 2012)
YCISS is able to offer financial assistance for junior scholars participating in national conferences thanks to the Security and Defence Forum’s National Conference Fund (SDF-NCF).
Eligibility: Junior faculty (non-tenured academic appointments, both tenure-stream and CLA) and post-doctoral and doctoral students who are participating in a national conference directly related to the YCISS SDF Mandate. Participation is defined as presenting a paper, and speaking and/or being part of a panel discussion. Please note that more than one application to the fund per person per year is permissible only if the papers are original, i.e., the fund cannot support presenting substantially the same paper twice (this applies to papers in the same year as well as papers substantially similar to any papers funded by SDF in previous years).
Application Procedure - a complete application must include:
- A completed application form.
- A short 1- 2 paragraph explanation of how the conference travel is directly related to the YCISS SDF Mandate
- For doctoral students, a letter of support (not a reference) from your supervisor indicating that you are actively engaged in the research/writing of your dissertation and that she/he supports your participation in the conference. If you do not yet have a supervisor, the letter of support should be provided by your graduate program director.
- Budget of overall expenses, including all other sources of funding and indicating how much is being requested from this fund. Please note that this fund is not intended to cover all expenses but rather is intended to contribute to overall costs.
- An up to date copy of your CV.
Eligible Expenses (on a cost reimbursable basis): Regular economy class travel (lowest available fare by rail or plane), public transit, taxis (to/from airport, to/from hotel, and to/from conference only), accommodations, and conference registration fees. Please note that gratuities (i.e. tips) cannot be reimbursed and Per Diems, incidentals and other meal expenses will not be eligible. Mileage is also ineligible, unless specifically pre-approved by the Selection Committee.
In order to be reimbursed, all original receipts (including all ticket stubs, boarding passes, meal receipts, etc.) need to be submitted as well as proof of conference participation (a program showing the presenter’s name) and a copy of the paper. These claims should be entered on a York University expenses claim form. Expenses claim form
Please note that there are significant changes to the administration and eligible expenses for this award. Guidance on the application process and eligible expenses is available Click here.
Deadline: Applications for the SDF National and International Conference Funds will be accepted until 1 December 2011. The final date for all applications to the SDF ICF/NCF funds for travel in the financial year ending on 31 March 2012 will be 1 December 2011.
Completed applications should be submitted to (only electronic applications will be accepted):
YCISS - SDF National Conference Fund Selection Committee
YCISS
YCISS Conference Fund (2011- 2012)
YCISS is able to offer financial assistance for Graduate Students to participate in national and international conferences. The purpose of the YCISS Conference Fund is to assist travel that works towards the Centre’s wider research objectives and which is not related to the Centre's SDF program.
Eligibility: YCISS members who are Graduate Students based at York University on a full time course and who are participating in a national or international conference that is assessed to be relevant to both their career development and to the research aims of YCISS. Participation is defined as presenting a paper.
Additional Information: Please note that there are limited funds available each year in this category and our intention is to make the widest use of these funds to support Graduate Student development. Therefore the YCISS Conference Fund will only be able to award a maximum of 50% of the total expenses for conference travel, although there are circumstances where a full award for total expenses below $500 can be made at the discretion of the Selection Committee. All applications received for SDF NCF/ICF are automatically considered for the YCISS Conference Fund by the SDF NCF/ICF Selection Committee.
Application Procedure: If you are eligible on the above grounds and interested in travelling to a National or International conference to present a paper that is relevant to research at YCISS please contact the Centre Coordinator yciss@yorku.ca providing the following in an email:
- Details of the conference
- The title of the paper you will present
- An abstract or draft copy of the paper
- An outline of the proposed costs
Your application will then be presented to the Director and Deputy Director for review.
Eligible Expenses (on a cost reimbursable basis): Regular economy class travel (lowest available fare by rail or plane), public transit, taxis (to/from airport, to/from hotel, and to/from conference only), accommodations, and conference registration fees. Please note that gratuities (i.e. tips) cannot be reimbursed and Per Diems, incidentals and other meal expenses will not be eligible. Mileage is also ineligible, unless specifically pre-approved by the Selection Committee.
In order to be reimbursed, all original receipts (including all ticket stubs, boarding passes, meal receipts, etc.) need to be submitted as well as proof of conference participation (a program showing the presenter’s name) and a copy of the paper. These claims should be entered on a York University expenses claim form. Expenses claim form
Deadline: Applications for the YCISS Conference Fund will be considered as received .
Completed applications should be submitted to (only electronic applications will be accepted):
YCISS Conference Fund
YCISS
Martin Cohnstaedt Graduate Research Award for Studies in Non-Violence (2011-2012)
In recognition of: Martin Cohnstaedt, a Jewish refugee from Hitler's Germany in 1933, who became a pacifist and then a Quaker. He devoted his life to the ideal of a non-violent world. On his 80th birthday in 1997, the distinguished Quaker activist Ursula Franklin wrote, "Martin understood more astutely than many [Quakers] that pacifism should not be interpreted solely as an approach to war; pacifism, as a way of life, dictates the pacifist's response to power, be it when exercising power or when being subjected to its external demands. The orders to kill are...the final and most horrible demands of power, but Martin saw clearly how many other demands of power needed to be resisted as a public witness."
As a German citizen--an 'enemy alien'--living in the U.S., he was required to agree to bear arms in order to become an American citizen. Martin refused, declaring himself a conscientious objector, and was denied citizenship. He fought the decision, eventually taking his case to the U.S. Supreme Court, where he eventually won his right to citizenship in 1950. He moved to Canada in 1967 enthusiastic about his work for social justice, and became a Canadian citizen. In the late 1970s, Martin was dismissed from his position as a Professor of Sociology at the University of Regina. He charged the University with wrongful dismissal and took his case to the Canadian Supreme Court, a process that took sixteen years. Again he won. The University had abused its power. Throughout his life, Martin worked tirelessly for the empowerment of marginalized people, among them poor blacks, single mothers, convicts, and Canada's Aboriginal peoples.
Funding Criteria
- This research costs award is open to all full or part-time Canadian and International York doctoral and master's candidates engaged in researching some aspect of pacifism or non-violence (biographical, historical, international, philosophical, political, religious, social action, etc., or some combination of the above).
- The award is open to graduate students whose research work is associated with one or more Organized Research Units at York University, for example, but not limited to, the Centre for International and Security Studies, the Canadian Centre for German and European Studies, the Centre for Jewish Studies, the Centre for Refugee Studies, the LaMarsh Centre for Research on Violence and Conflict Resolution, and the Nathanson Centre on Transnational Human Rights, Crime and Security.
Expenses eligible under this fund
Research project consumables (on a cost reimbursable basis) such as: travel, accommodation, photocopying, etc. No equipment, capital, or salary costs. Please note that gratuities (i.e. tips) cannot be reimbursed and Per Diems, incidentals and other meal expenses will not be eligible. These claims should be entered on a York University expenses claim form. Expenses claim form
Criteria for Selection
The award is based on outstanding achievement to date, merit of the project, and need. Students may apply for the award annually.
Deadline
Deadline: Tuesday, 2 August 2011. Decisions of the selection committee are final.
Completed application forms must be submitted electronically to:
Martin Cohnstaedt Graduate Research Award for Studies in Non-Violence Selection Committee
c/o YCISS
