Important program notice:
Please be advised that the application cycle for the current fiscal year (2024-25) has been closed, as available funding has been fully allocated. We will not accept nor review any applications for events scheduled as of now until April 30, 2025.
Additionally, we are updating our program guidelines and application form to better align with program and departmental goals. As such, we encourage you to check our website for the most up-to-date details and documents regarding the program. If you are looking to put in an application for an event scheduled to occur in the upcoming fiscal year (which begins May 1, 2025), please ensure you utilize the updated application form once made available. Once the updated application form is live, we will accept and review any applications for an event occurring within the next fiscal year.
The Academic Joint Research Fund, also known as the Academic Joint Fund for Support of Graduate Student Research and Scholarship, was initiated to help support the creation of events (conferences, lectures) that bring external participants to share their research and interact with Western graduate students.
Research Western, the Society of Graduate Students (SOGS), and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS) have formed a partnership, annually contributing to $6,000 apiece to a jointly administered fund, designed to aid these events.
The maximum amount awarded to each successful application is $1,000.
Please download and complete the application for on our documents page and return it in person or by email (academic@sogs.ca) to the SOGS VP Academic, with all additional materials at least one month prior to the event.
Applications accepted throughout the year.
Joint Fund FAQ:
- What is the purpose of the Joint Fund for Graduate Student Research and Scholarship?
Western University is rich with academic activities that support graduate student research and knowledge exchange. From online speaker webinars and summer research internships to on-campus conferences and lectures, opportunities that support and promote Western graduate students’ research are multi-faceted. The Academic Joint Fund, supported by Western Research, the Society of Graduate Students (SOGS), and the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies (SGPS), aims to aid the creation and fulfilment of research-centered events for graduate students in alignment with Western’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
- Does the Joint Fund support travel to conferences outside of the London area?
No. If you are a student looking for a way to support conference travel please apply to the SOGS Travel Subsidy. - How much money is available?
Funds may be used to enhance accessibility and engagement through promotion, software, and/or equipment that my not be otherwise available (i.e., closed-captioning services, sign language interpreters, social media advertising, website domain name purchasing etc.). Funds may also be used to support the purchase of honoraria, awards, and/or gifts for speakers, presenters, researchers external to Western.