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Announcements, events, and other news from Spark

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August 29th 2024

Bi-weekly news from Spark: a centre for social research innovation at McMaster University

Centre News

Get Ready for a Productive Year: New Equipment Available for Loan

As the academic year kicks off, Spark is excited to announce the latest additions to our equipment loan program, available to users of our free CoLab workspace. Whether you’re setting up for long hours of reading on your laptop, conducting interviews, or needing software to analyze your data, we’ve got equipment to help you succeed.

Our new inventory includes:

5 Portable Monitor, Wireless Keyboard and Mouse Combos: Perfect for a more comfortable workspace in the CoLab (available for use in LRW 5803).

1 Laptop with Research Software: We are installing Stata, R, Python, NVivo 12, and Qualtrics on the laptop (available for use in LRW 5803).

3 Blue Snowball Ice Microphones: Ideal for high-quality audio recordings during interviews, presentations, podcasts, etc (available for 2 day loan).

2 OWLS: For seamless 360-degree video conferencing, perfect for hybrid meetings and remote collaboration (available for use in LRW 5803).

2 Audio Recorders: Capture clear audio for interviews or fieldwork with ease (available for 5 day renewable loan).

2 Portable Large Screen TVs: Great for group presentations or displaying data visualizations in meetings (available for use in LRW 5803).

All of this equipment is available to faculty, staff, and graduate students who are members of the Spark CoLab.

To become a member of the CoLab, simply stop by L.R. Wilson suite 5803 (5th Floor) between 9:30AM - 4:30PM any weekday. Ring the bell and we'll get you signed up!

Resources for Researchers

Research Conversations

We provide up to 4 hours of free support each year to any researcher (students, staff, faculty or community) on every social research topic imaginable.  If we can't help you, we'll help you find someone who can.

Request a research conversation here.

Qualtrics Licenses

If you are an Faculty of Social Sciences researcher who would like to request access to Qualtrics survey software, please contact us here.

Looking to pool software licences?

Now you can! Fill out this form and we will reach out if we can match you with others looking to pool licences.

Methods Demonstrations

Faculty in Social Sciences may request demonstrations, short trainings, or code-along sessions from Spark staff for Research Methods or Professional Skills courses.  We're happy to discuss any needs and have already developed trainings for Literature Review, Interviewing, Survey Development, Focus Groups, Data Visualization.  Email us at [email-masked] to discuss if there's a fit for your course.

CoLab

Research on research innovation (yes, it's very meta) points to a simple truth.  Being in the same physical space and able to informally interact significantly increases cross-disciplinary collaboration and discovery.  The Spark CoLab aims to be such a space.  It is a free, open co-working space for graduate students, research staff and faculty.  You can learn more on our website or stop by from 9 am - Noon or 1 pm - 4pm on Tuesday or Thursday for a tour and orientation.

SEAL

Some data is critical to addressing major research questions, but is also profoundly sensitive and must be secured.  SEAL is a high security data repository that allows approved researchers worldwide to access highly sensitive data securely.  Data owners can use it to engage researchers in using their datasets and researchers can access data that otherwise would not be available to them.

Learn more about SEAL at: https://seal.mcmaster.ca/

Brighter Spark Applied Research

Spark offers custom research and evaluation, as well as highly skilled assistance in implementing virtually any social research method. Our cost-recovery services include methods and software training, custom research, state-of-the-art facilities, and taking on elements of your project to support its completion.

For a full list of Brighter Spark Applied Research's services, visit here.

Spark Collaborations

Help us profile your research, publications, job ads, opportunities, and upcoming events by sending them to: [email-masked] to be showcased in our following newsletter.

Work Study Opportunities: Research Data Management (RDM) Services

This fall and winter, the Research Data Management (RDM) Services at McMaster University is offering an exciting opportunity for students to gain hands-on experience in the world of research data management. RDM Services is currently hiring two (2) part-time work-study positions. These roles are perfect for students interested in supporting high-quality research, understanding disciplinary and funder expectations, and contributing to the development of best practices in RDM.

Successful candidates will join a dynamic team at the Library’s Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship, working under the supervision of RDM Specialists. The positions involve building new resources and providing guidance for researchers at McMaster, making this an excellent opportunity for those looking to enhance their skills and knowledge in research data management.

Learn more about the role here.

Upcoming Funding Opportunity: SSHRC Partnership Engage Grants

The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is now accepting applications for the Partnership Engage Grants September competition. These grants provide short-term support for partnered research activities that will inform decision-making at a single partner organization from the public, private, or not-for-profit sector.

Key Dates:

Intent to Apply: As soon as possible

Draft Application Due: August 26, 2024 (9am)

Final Application Due: September 9, 2024 (9am)

Sponsor Deadline: September 15, 2024

These grants are valued at $7,000 to $25,000 over one year and offer unique opportunities for partnered research. For more details and to apply, visit the Partnership Engage Grants Funding Opportunity.

For further assistance, contact Amanda Graveline, Senior Advisor, Development, ROADS, at [email-masked].

Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship (SCDS) - Graduate Residency: Applications Open

The Sherman Centre for Digital Scholarship (SCDS) is at the forefront of empowering graduate students to explore digital scholarship through its Graduate Residency in Digital Scholarship. The program offers a unique opportunity for graduate students to advance their digital scholarship projects through expert consultation, research mentorship, skill sharing, comprehensive training opportunities, dynamic interdisciplinary collaboration, and a supportive digital scholarship community, making it an exceptional choice for those seeking to amplify their research impact and scholarly pursuits.

The residency has seen diverse representation from various programs across McMaster, including Global Health, Earth, Environment, and Society, Communication Studies and Media Arts, English and Cultural Studies, Medical Science, Engineering, Social Work, Neuroscience, and more!

Applications for the 2024-2025 residency cohort are now open until August 30, 2024.

Learn More about the Graduate Residency.

Reviewer in Training Program: Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is offering an exciting opportunity for Early Career Researchers (ECRs) through their Reviewer in Training (RiT) Program. This program is designed to provide ECRs with valuable experience in the peer review process during the Fall Project Grant Competition. Participants can apply for the role of either a Mentee, gaining exposure with the support of a Mentor, or an ECR Reviewer, participating fully in the peer review process.

Key Dates:

Application Deadline: September 11, 2024

Project Grant Competition Meeting Dates: November 13 – December 12, 2024

This is a unique chance to enhance your understanding of high-quality peer review and contribute to the research community. For more details and to apply, visit the CIHR RiT Program page: CIHR Reviewer in Training Program.

Call for Papers: Canadian Journal of Communication (CJC)

Special Issue of the Canadian Journal of Communication (CJC) - Reimagining Canadian Communication Thought invites scholars to reflect on and reimagine the concept of "Canadian Communication Thought" nearly 25 years after the publication of Robert Babe's foundational work. The issue seeks to challenge and expand the traditional canon by incorporating diverse voices and contemporary perspectives. Contributions are welcomed in two formats: full-length research articles (7000-8000 words) and shorter interventions (2500-3000 words).

Key Dates:

Abstract Submission Deadline: September 30th, 2024

Final Draft Contributions Due: March 15th, 2025

Issue Publication: Summer 2026

Cost: No fee for submission

Relevant for: Scholars in media, communication, technology studies, and those interested in Canadian intellectual history, particularly from diverse and marginalized communities.

For more information read here.

Call for Participants: Statistics Canada Workshops

Statistics Canada is offering two valuable workshops designed to enhance your understanding of statistical methods and economic frameworks. These workshops are ideal for beginners or those seeking a refresher.

Workshop: Introduction to Basic Statistics

This 8-hour workshop, spread over two days, covers essential statistical measures and hypothesis testing methods, making it perfect for those new to statistics or in need of a refresher. Participants will learn about Descriptive and Inferential statistics, measures such as margin of error, and Z-tests and Chi-Square methods.

Cost: $325 per learner

Target Audience: Ideal for beginners; may be too basic for advanced users.

Registration: Available in both English and French from October to November. Register Here

Workshop: Statistics Canada's Supply-Use Framework

This workshop provides an overview of Statistics Canada's Supply and Use Tables, including GDP calculations and economic impact models. It's geared towards those interested in understanding macroeconomic concepts and how they are applied.

Cost: $550 per learner

Target Audience: Ideal for those with a basic understanding of macroeconomics; may be too basic for advanced users.

Registration: Available in both English and French in Ottawa, Toronto, and Montreal from September to November. Register Here

Kudos

Let's celebrate the achievements of colleagues, friends, and those doing important social research with the potential to spark a brighter world. We welcome recommendations for kudos features (including for yourself)! Please send any features you would like us to mention by emailing us at: [email-masked].

Kudos to Dr. Benjamin R. Warner for his insightful analysis on the CN-CPKC rail lockouts and strikes, as featured in McMaster's Brighter World. Dr. Warner's examination offers a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between economic pressures and labour disputes. Read more here.

And another congrats to Dr. Yanqiu Rachel Zhou for her insightful analysis of Vance's nomination speech and vision. Her article provides a detailed examination of the political implications and strategic elements involved. Read more here.

Finally, a big shoutout to Associate Professor Geraldine Voros for receiving the 2024 Faculty of Social Sciences Excellence in Teaching Award. Her dedication and innovative teaching methods have truly made a significant impact. Read more here.

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Spark: a centre for social research innovation, McMaster University · 1280 Main St W · Hamilton, ON L8S 4L8 · Canada