The Office of Research and Innovation offers a variety of workshops to support professional development.
Office of Research Information Sessions 2026-27 Term
These sessions will be led by Trent’s Research staff and will provide opportunities for informal learning and discussion about broader topics of interest to researchers. Each will begin with a general overview of the topic, to be followed by questions and discussions. If participants would like to bring drafts of applications materials related to the topic under discussion, they may do so.
View 2026 Program.
Agency-Based Information Sessions 2026-27 Term
Optimizing Research Strategies
| This series features a series of stand-alone workshops offering practical insights on topics such as developing fundable projects, media training, and increasing research visibility. |
Brilliant Budgeting: Balancing the breakdown and the objectives (with ORI Facilitators)
July 16, 10:00 am – 11:30 am via Zoom Registration link
This session will focus on how to develop a well-justified budget with detail and accuracy and will include a presentation on cash and in-kind contributions. The session will highlight how to use your budget justification to connect your grant sections together and complement details in other sections of the application for maximum clarity. The session will include reviewing successful examples from funded applications.
From Idea to Funded Project: Strategies for Building Fundable Research (with Dr. Raheleh Saryazdi)
June 17, 10:00am- 11:30 am, Bata Library Room 411, Registration link
This session focuses on practical strategies for moving a research project from an early, unfunded idea to a competitive, fundable proposal. Participants will learn how to refine research questions, align ideas with appropriate funding opportunities, and build a clear case for significance and impact. The discussion will also cover how projects often evolve over time from initial concepts to successful applications. The session is particularly relevant for early‑career researchers, faculty developing new research directions, or anyone looking to strengthen their funding track record. Participants are encouraged to bring questions or examples from their own research projects for discussion.
Tri-Agency Narrative CV with Dr. Letitia Henville
Date: Event confirmed; specific date to be announced, via Zoom. Registration details will be provided once scheduling is finalized.
Join us for a webinar on developing an effective Tri-Agency Narrative CV. Dr. Letitia Henville, an editor and columnist for University Affairs, will share practical strategies for presenting your research contributions in a clear, compelling, and strategically aligned way.
The session is relevant to current funding competitions, even where a narrative CV is not yet required. Many of the principles discussed are transferable to other application components. For example, NSERC applicants will benefit from guidance on preparing the “Most Significant Contributions” and “HQP Training” sections. Participants will also receive supporting materials, including examples tailored to SSHRC, NSERC, and CIHR, as well as six Narrative CV templates, making the session valuable for both immediate use and longer-term preparation.
As the Tri-Agencies continue moving toward narrative-style assessment, this webinar will help you move beyond traditional CV formats and effectively communicate your research impact and career trajectory. The webinar will include an interactive Q&A session, offering an opportunity to engage directly with the speaker.
Getting Your Research Noticed: Practical Communication Strategies for Researchers (with Celia Ernst, Communications Office)
Date: Event confirmed; specific date to be announced, via Zoom. Registration details will be provided once scheduling is finalized.
Join this interactive session designed to help Trent researchers effectively promote their work using a range of communication channels. Participants will learn practical strategies for working with institutional communications, using digital and social media, and sharing research with broader academic, community, and public audiences. The session will highlight tools, best practices, and opportunities to increase the visibility and impact of your research.
NSERC
| Sharpen your approach to NSERC Discovery Grant applications through this targeted Grant Writing Workshop Series, designed to help you build a compelling and competitive proposal. Whether you are applying for the first time or preparing a resubmission, these sessions offer practical guidance, insider tips, and opportunities to strengthen your application. |
EDI in Practice: Strengthening Your NSERC Discovery Grant Application (with ORI Facilitators)
July 22, 09:30 am – 11:00 am via Zoom, Registration link
This session will provide practical guidance on addressing the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) requirements within the NSERC Discovery Grant application. Participants will gain insight into how to meaningfully integrate EDI considerations into their research program and training plans strengthening both the quality and competitiveness of their proposal.
DG Evaluation: Reading Like a Reviewer to Strengthen Your Application – Panel Discussion (with Drs. Omar Alam and Wenying Feng)
August 26, 1:00 pm – 2:30 pm via Zoom, Registration link
This session provides an insider look at how NSERC Discovery Grant applications are evaluated, featuring insights from Dr. Omar Alam (1507: Computer Science) and Dr. Wenying Feng (1508: Mathematics and Statistics). Drawing from their experience as DG Evaluation Group members, they will discuss how reviewers interpret the criteria, what consistently strengthens or weakens an application, and how panel discussions shape final outcomes. Participants will learn practical strategies for positioning their proposals to align with reviewer expectations and stand out in a competitive field. The session will conclude with time for questions and open discussion.
NSERC Research Tools and Instruments (RTI) Grant – Q&A session
Presenter: Chanditha Priyanatha
September 02, 2026, 10:00am-11:00 am via Zoom, Registration link
The Q&A session on the NSERC Research Tools and Instruments (RTI) grant will offer an opportunity to ask questions about application requirements, eligibility, and program expectations. Attendees are invited to bring questions related to key components of an application. The discussion may also touch on common pitfalls, best practices, and strategies for effectively demonstrating need, impact, and feasibility.
NSERC Discovery Grants (DG): Practical Insights from a DG Reviewer (with Dr. Sanela Martic)
September 09, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Bata Library 411, in-person,Registration link
Are you preparing an NSERC Discovery Grant (DG) application? Join us for a series of practical workshops led by Dr. Sanela Martic, NSERC DG Review Committee member (1501: Genes, Cells and Molecules), to gain insights into evaluation criteria and strengthen your application. The session will focus on the Excellence of the Researcher evaluation criterion.
NSERC Discovery Grants (DG): Practical Insights from a DG Reviewer (with Dr. Sanela Martic)
September 16, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Bata Library Room 411, in-person, Registration link
Are you preparing an NSERC Discovery Grant (DG) application? Join us for a series of practical workshops led by Dr. Sanela Martic, NSERC DG Review Committee member (1501: Genes, Cells and Molecules), to gain insights into evaluation criteria and strengthen your application. The session will focus on the Merit of the Proposal evaluation criterion.
NSERC Discovery Grants (DG): Practical Insights from a DG Reviewer (with Dr. Sanela Martic)
September 30, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, Bata Library Room 411, in-person, Registration link
Are you preparing an NSERC Discovery Grant (DG) application? Join us for a series of practical workshops led by Dr. Sanela Martic, NSERC DG Review Committee member (1501: Genes, Cells and Molecules), to gain insights into evaluation criteria and strengthen your application. The session will focus on the Training of HQP personnel evaluation criterion.
SSHRC
| Researchers interested in applying for SSHRC funding (Insight Grant or Insight Development Grant) are invited to register for the following sessions in our SSHRC grant-writing support series: |
Introduction to SSHRC funding: A comparison of popular SSHRC funding programs
Presenter: Breanne Whitwell
July 21, 10:00am-12:00pm, virtual, Registration link
This session is for early-career researchers, first-time applicants and established researchers looking to understand the various granting programs offered by SSHRC (Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council). We will cover basic information about a variety of SSHRC programs, application components, support available through the ORI and tips for successful applications. Time will be set aside for questions.
SSHRC Partnership Engage Grant (PEG) - Information session
Presenter: Breanne Whitwell
July 23, 1:00pm-3:00pm, virtual, Registration link
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the SSHRC Partnership Engage Grant (PEG) program, including requirements of the application. We will describe individual elements such as project descriptions and budgets and discuss best practices and common pitfalls for each. We will also cover the requirements of the partner organization, including the contributions and letter of support that the partner must provide. Time will be set aside for questions.
SSHRC Insight Grant (IG) - Information session
Presenter: Breanne Whitwell
July 29, 10:00am-12:00pm, virtual, Registration link
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the SSHRC Insight Grant (IG) program, including requirements of the application. We will describe individual elements such as project descriptions and budgets and discuss best practices and common pitfalls for each. Time will be set aside for questions.
Introduction to Research Funding in the Social Sciences & Humanities
Presenter: Breanne Whitwell
August 13, 12:00pm-1:30pm, virtual, Registration link
This session is for newly hired faculty, early-career researchers, first-time applicants and those looking to understand various internal and external sources of funding for research in the social sciences and humanities. We will cover information about a variety of funding sources, support available through the ORI and tips for successful applications. Time will be set aside for questions.
SSHRC Connection Grant – Information session
Presenter: Breanne Whitwell
August 19, 1:30pm-3:30pm, virtual, Registration link
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the SSHRC Connection Grant (CG) program, including requirements of the application. We will describe individual elements such as project descriptions and budgets and discuss best practices and common pitfalls for each. We will also cover requirements related to matching contributions and letters of support from sponsoring organizations. Time will be set aside for questions.
SSHRC Insight Development Grant (IDG) – Information session
Presenter: Breanne Whitwell
August 20, 10:00am-12:00pm, virtual, Registration link
This session is for early-career researchers who are ready to apply for external funding or established researchers looking to explore new research questions or approaches. The session will provide a comprehensive overview of the SSHRC Insight Development Grant (IDG) program, including requirements of the application. We will describe individual elements such as project descriptions and budgets and discuss best practices and common pitfalls for each. Time will be set aside for questions.
SSHRC Partnership Development Grants (PDG) Information session
Presenter: Breanne Whitwell
September 1, 10:00am-12:00pm, virtual, Registration link
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the SSHRC Partnership Development Grant (PDG) program, including the requirements of the application. We will describe individual elements such as project descriptions, evidence of the partnership, and budget, and discuss best practices and common pitfalls. We will also cover the requirements of partner organizations, including the contributions and letters of support that partners must provide, as well as possible university contributions. Time will be set aside for questions.
CIHR
| This series is designed to help connect those interested in CIHR and other health-related opportunities. All are welcome, regardless of whether research is historically health-centered or if human health is a new area of interest. We will discuss research interests, potential collaborations, and proposal planning. In addition, we will gather feedback to plan support activities and application resources. Sessions will be held at either Peterborough or Durham campus, with a Zoom link to allow remote attendance. Shawna Wicks will be the Grants Facilitator present. Each session will have a short presentation to stimulate discussion, but the prime objective is co-developing a comprehensive support strategy to GROW into. You can attend any or all three sessions. |
Health/CIHR Grants Interest Group: Project Planning & Strategy (with Shawna Wicks)
July 21, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm, Bata Library 411, hybrid (Zoom) Registration link
This session will feature a presentation of a Research Canvas planning tool. It will be followed by discussion of strategically planning your research questions and experimental progression to generate preliminary data and manage budgets, facilitating targeted grant submissions.
Health/CIHR Grants Interest Group: Interest Clusters and Support (with Shawna Wicks)
August 19, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm, Durham campus (B349 on the 3rd floor of Building B), hybrid (Zoom)Registration link
This session will feature an overview of the different supports available and how all of the support pieces fit together. This presentation will lead into a brainstorming session to prioritize areas of targeted support to grow health-related research and visibility at Trent. Possible options include grant writing workshops, mock review sessions, internal review processes, building internal/external collaborations, optimizing health-related track records of publications/funding/impact.