Purpose
The RIC KMb Exchange Program supports capacity exchange, professional development, mentorship, and leadership growth within the RIC Network by enabling members to learn from and with one another. The KMb Exchange Program awards facilitation of collaboration among two or more RIC member institutions for these purposes.
Eligible Activities
To be eligible, proposed activities must:
- Be collaborative
- Bring together staff from at least two (2) RIC member institutions
- Result in improved practice and/or skills development,
- Contribute to RIC’s priorities as outlined in the 2024-2027 Strategic Plan:
- Building the capacity of network members,
- Building the knowledge mobilization profession,
- Building and maintaining strategic partnerships.
Example of activities:
- Smaller member gatherings (expenses may include travel, hospitality, speaker fees)
- Collaborative KMb product/program development or evaluation
- Open access KMb related publications with 2 or more member authors
- Mentorship activities
- Bilingualism efforts
- Presenting at or attending conferences hosted by RIC member organizations
This list is not exhaustive and applications for any activities which meet the eligibility criteria are encouraged. Prospective applicants who are unsure whether their activity is eligible are encouraged to contact the Program Lead for the PD Committee before applying.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be professional staff members at RIC member organizations in good standing. A minimum of two (2) applicants from at least two (2) different RIC member organizations is required. Faculty members, postdoctoral fellows, contractors, and students are not eligible applicants.
Deadlines and How to Apply
Applications will be accepted three (3) times per year with the following deadlines:
- May 15 for activities taking place between July 1 and October 31 each year;
- September 15 for activities taking place between November 1 and February 28 each year;
- January 15 for activities taking place between March 1 and June 30 each year.
For each application period, a maximum of two (2) awards will be granted.
To apply, complete the application form and email it to Krista Jensen, Sr. Knowledge Mobilization Specialist (York University) at kejensen@yorku.ca.
Adjudication
Applications are evaluated by the PD Committee on the following criteria:
- Value to the RIC network and alignment with RIC goals (Pass/Fail)
- Professional Development (40%)
- Outputs and Outcomes (50%)
- Reasonableness of Budget (10%)
The decision of the PD Committee is final.
Award Amount
The maximum award amount is $2,400. Applications must include a well-justified budget. While not required, applicants are encouraged to explore other funding to offset costs that exceed the maximum award value. Funds from other sources should be included in the budget within the application form.
While up to two awards may be granted in a given application period, a maximum of five awards will be available across the RIC fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.
Funds will be issued as reimbursements for approved eligible expenses after receipts or other required documentation is submitted.
Reporting Requirements
Award recipients are required to share their learnings with the wider RIC network. Examples of suitable knowledge-sharing activities include:
- A presentation at a regular Dr. RIC meeting,
- A RIC blog post.
Alternative sharing activities may be acceptable but must be approved by the PD Committee at time of application.
Awardees must also submit the reporting form confirming completion of the planned activities to info@researchimpact.ca by the following deadlines:
- November 30 for activities which took place between July 1 and October 31 each year,
- March 31 for activities which took place between November 1 and February 28 each year,
- July 30 for activities which took place between March 1 and June 30 each year.
Lead for RIC PD Committee
KMb Exchange Program Lead:
- Krista Jensen, Senior Knowledge Mobilization Specialist, York University: kejensen@yorku.ca
RIC PD Committee Co-Chairs:
- Michael Johnny, Manager, Knowledge Mobilization, York University: mjohnny@yorku.ca