The Competitive Edge Initiative (CEI) is designed to support researchers in advancing their programs of research. The CEI will provide opportunities such as workshops and information sessions to enhance grantsmanship skills, facilitate connections, improve communications skills, and more.
2023-24 Scotia Scholars Award Information Session
MARCH 23, 2023, 1 P.M. (ADT)
ZOOM WEBINAR
The 2023-24 Scotia Scholars Award provides financial support to students with exceptional potential who are or wish to be engaged in a health research project at participating institutions.
This award will support the growth, acquisition, and retention of highly skilled individuals who are advancing and translating knowledge in disease detection, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, strengthening health care delivery systems, caring for vulnerable populations, and promoting better opportunities for future health and wellbeing.
The current iteration of the program is open to Master’s and Doctoral students at the following institutions:
- Acadia University (Master’s and Doctoral)
- Atlantic School of Theology (Master’s)
- Dalhousie University (Master’s and Doctoral)
- Mount Saint Vincent University (Master’s)
- NSCAD (Master’s)
- Saint Mary’s University (Master’s and Doctoral)
This information session will provide an overview of the award, program details, an overview of the application and review process, and application tips. Attendees will also be provided the opportunity to ask questions about the award.
Research Grant Applications: Unwritten Rules & Best Practices from University Affairs’ Ask Dr. Editor
MARCH 30, 2023, 12:30 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. (ADT)
ZOOM WEBINAR
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. Bring your questions for a ten-minute Q&A at the end of the presentation.
Considerations for effective integration of sex and gender in research
December 7, 2022
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.
Our guest speaker, Dr. Natalie Rosen, will briefly touch on topics including:
- participant eligibility,
- recruitment,
- sampling plans and data analysis, and
- measurement of genders and sexes.
The aim is to stimulate critical thought with regard to the integration of sex and gender in research (and grant applications) and to offer some resources for continued learning.

Dr. Natalie Rosen is an Associate Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Neuroscience and Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Dalhousie University. Her research focuses on how sex and gender intersect with interpersonal (i.e., relational) factors to influence the development, maintenance, and consequences associated with sexual health problems. Dr. Rosen is also the Science Lead for Sex and Gender-Based Analysis (SGBA+) for the Maritime SPOR Support Unit.