Competitive Edge Initiative

The Competitive Edge Initiative (CEI) will provide opportunities such as workshops and information sessions to enhance grantsmanship skills, facilitate connections, improve communications skills, and more.

Learn more about our upcoming and past initiatives below.

This information session will provide an overview of the Scotia Scholars Undergraduate and Summer Research Awards, program details, an overview of the application and review process, and application tips.


The Peer Review Observer Program is a Competitive Edge Initiative session which gives students and early career researchers the opportunity to attend a review committee meeting to learn more about the process and what reviewers expect in a research funding application.


Research Grant Applications: Unwritten Rules & Best Practices from University Affairs’ Ask Dr. Editor

MARCH 30, 2023
Dr. Letitia Henville | Author of the monthly advice column Ask Dr. Editor

Location: Virtual; RSVP Required

What are the characteristics of a strong, feasible grant application? What grantwriting strategies can you use to show a review committee that your project is worth funding? In this presentation, Dr. Letitia Henville – the author of the monthly advice column Ask Dr. Editor–will share evidence-based best practices for research grant proposals. She’ll also show you the behind-the-scenes of how she sets up a grant application for success before the writing even starts.


Considerations for Effective Integration of Sex and Gender in Research

DECEMBER 7, 2022
Dr. Natalie Rosen | Dalhousie University

Location: Virtual; RSVP Required

Research Nova Scotia’s Competitive Edge Initiative presents an opportunity for researchers to learn how to build more equitable, reflective, and inclusive research plans with respect to gender and sex.