Brock University is offering a new funding opportunity to support Black researchers in advancing their projects and developing applications to external granting agencies.

Valued at up to $7,500 over two years, the Black Scholar Research Grant (BSRG) is open to postdoctoral, limited-term and tenure-track Brock scholars who identify as Black.

The research, scholarship or creative activity can be on any topic or in any discipline, supporting scholars in any Faculty or the library.

The Black Community Forum at Brock (BCFaB) Working Group and Office of the Vice-President, Research (OVPR) co-created the BSRG to increase the inclusion of Black scholars in Brock research, says BCFaB Chair and Professor of Educational Studies Dolana Mogadime.

“This opportunity promises to be positive for both prospective award recipients and Brock University, which joins other leading Canadian institutions in redressing social barriers in the workplace encountered by Black researchers,” she says. “We wanted to ensure newcomers to Brock who are also Black will experience a welcoming environment for their research.”

Other BCFaB members include Professor of Information Systems Anteneh Ayanso, Professor of Computer Science Beatrice Ombuki-Berman and Associate Professor of Modern Languages, Literatures and Cultures Jean Ntakirutimana.

The BSRG is part of a larger initiative at Brock University to help address historical and contemporary anti-Black racism and foster Black inclusion, says Acting Vice-President, Research Michelle McGinn.

She notes the Scarborough Charter, which Brock signed, and Brock’s Institutional Strategic Plan 2025-2030 as well as the Tri-Agency Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan for 2018–2025 and the Ontario Human Rights Code as framing documents that inform Brock’s efforts to dismantle barriers faced by Black scholars.

“The Black Scholar Research Grant complements other initiatives to recognize the outputs, impact, mentorship, service and community engagement of Black scholars at Brock,” says McGinn. “Fostering Black scholarship enriches Brock and the wider community, and I am grateful to the BCFaB Working Group for their instrumental support and leadership in this work.”

Black scholars face a number of barriers in their academic careers. The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Action Plan for Black Researchers (2024–2029) lists some of these barriers, including isolation, limited representative mentorship, increased administrative responsibilities, anti-Black racism in the workplace and underfunding of research about Black communities.

“In working closely with BCFaB, the Black Scholar Research Grant demonstrates Brock University’s commitment to reducing these barriers,” says Acting Associate Vice-President, Research Debbie O’Leary, who adds that institutional programs such as the BSRG can enable scholars to build research networks, expand their leadership skills and access opportunities for mentorship.

Applications for BSRG funding will be accepted by the Office of Research Services (ORS) twice a year, with 2025 submission deadlines occurring on Friday, Feb. 28 and Wednesday, Oct. 15. Application details are available on the BSRG SharePoint page.

ORS recommends applicants submit their documents to ors-submissions@brocku.ca at least two weeks ahead of the planned submission date for a completeness review.

Questions about equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) support can be sent to EDI in Research Advisor Syna Thakur at sthakur@brocku.ca

The OVPR also invites all scholars with postdoctoral, limited-term or tenure-track appointments to submit an Expression of Interest to join the BSRG selection committee.

Thakur will provide the committee with training on EDI considerations in research assessment.

“This professional learning will help committee members reflect on barriers in the research system and common biases, tensions and power imbalances that may arise during the adjudication process,” she says.