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Committee on Research Policy & Planning

This committee implements the Faculty Research Plan and develops policies to improve the quality of research at LA&PS. They also adjudicate various research grants and awards.

For the 2022-2023 academic year the Committee on Research Policy and Planning meets on the fourth Monday of each month (September - June) from 12:30 - 2:00 p.m.

From section 6.5 of the rules and procedures of council, updated April 2021.

In discharging its functions, the Committee shall: 

1. In tandem with the Dean and in close consultation with Departments/Schools oversee the implementation/coordination of the Faculty Research Plan. 

2. Enhance the scholarly climate by developing overarching faculty strategies for advancing research scholarship and creative work; and by generating ideas and approaches for implementing these strategies.

3. Examine policies related to research grant / award adjudications and provide oversight of the procedures. 

4. Facilitate connections and communications between the Committee and other research bodies of the university. 

5. Liaise with any Senate committee(s) that have research planning and policy functions to ensure a free flow of ideas and information between the Faculty and the University level on matters of research and scholarship. 

6. Liaise with any research committee(s) in units, encourage and exchange research/scholarly ideas, enhance the scholarly climate of the faculty, and discuss the development of research, scholarship, and creative work within and across the units. 

7. Constitute sub-committees for research adjudications, and from time to time establish ad hoc working groups to deal with emerging priorities in relation to research and scholarship. 

8. Grant Adjudication Sub-Committee (chaired by a member of CRPP), reviews applications for minor research grants and other grants or awards, according to policy and procedures established by the CRPP and approved in Council, and disburses funds as available and appropriate. 

9. Awards and Celebrations Sub-Committee (chaired by a member of CRPP) reviews and adjudicates nominations for any awards for research excellence and scholarly creative excellence, and any other prizes that shall be approved by the Faculty Council.

10. Committee Secretary prepares final report for submission to the Office of Research Ethics. CRPP reviews the year-end undergraduate research ethics summaries from all academic unit Research Ethics Boards.

Faculty members will be elected at-large for a three-year rolling cycle. Members elected at-large will not be from the same School/Department. Each year, one-third of the membership turns over and will be replaced on a rotational basis by other faculty members from different Schools/Departments who are not already represented on the Committee. At all times there shall be members from the professional, humanities, and social sciences Departments/Schools. 

Quorum will be at least half of its voting members, the majority of whom are faculty members. The Chair of the Committee is selected by the voting members of the Committee for a two-year term. 

Grant Adjudication Sub-Committee Membership:

  • Dean or Dean’s designate;
  • Five faculty members with at least one from each of the professional, humanities, and social sciences Departments/Schools elected annually by and from the Committee on Research Policy and Planning;
  • One Research Officer; and
  • Secretary of Council or designate. 

The Grant Adjudication Sub-committee of the Committee on Research Policy and Planning adjudicates the Minor Research Grant.

Awards and Celebrations Sub-Committee Membership:

  • Dean or Dean’s designate;
  • Five faculty members with at least one from each of the professional, humanities, and social sciences Departments/Schools elected annually by and from the Committee on Research Policy and Planning;
  • One Research Officer; and
  • Secretary of Council or designate 

The Awards and Celebrations Sub-committee of the Committee on Research Policy and Planning adjudicates the Awards for Distinction in Research.

2023-2024 Members

Faculty Members


Shirley Roburn, Department of Communication & Media Studies
Shamette Hepburn, School of Social Work
Brandee Easter, Writing Department
Abril Liberatori, Department of History
Gajindra Maharaj, School of Administrative Studies

Representatives from SCOLAPS

Dua Fatima
Denise Laghayi

Ex-Officio Members (non-voting)

Ravi de Costa, Associate Dean, Research & Graduate Studies
David Cuff, Director, Strategic Research and Partnerships
LA&PS Representative on the Senate Academic Policy, Planning and Research Committee

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Upcoming Meetings

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Awards & Grant Information

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LA&PS Minor Research Grant

Adjudicated by a sub-committee of the Research Policy & Planning Committee, these grants of up to $5,000 are awarded twice a year to support faculty research projects across LA&PS. Find more about eligibility and procedures needed to submit your application.

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LA&PS Dean's Award for Distinction in Research

With three categories, emerging, established and social justice, these awards honour the wide range of research excellence and innovation. These awards are adjudicated annually by a sub-committee of the Research Policy & Planning Committee