Overview
The new Institutes for Resilient and Inclusive Societies and Ecosystems (iRISE) is dedicated to solving complex problems facing society. We want to do things differently. From discovery to impact. The SDGs@UofT is an official Institutional Strategic Initiative (ISI) that is a key part of iRISE. It seeks to catalyze positive convergence research that guides effective actions on the SDGs and informs future global goals for an equitable and sustainable future.
We are pleased to announce the official launch of our flagship initiative, the SDGs Scholars Academy. The SDGs Scholars Academy would serve as a think tank, bringing together and supporting a global community of scholars, policy makers and practitioners in open discussion and dialogue to conduct convergence research that disrupts status quo thinking and addresses complex issues crucial to sustainable development. It will mobilize knowledge critical to advancing resilient, just, equitable, and sustainable futures, based on the current and next iteration of the SDG framework post 2030.
Nominations for Fellows
We are seeking nominations for fellows to the Academy. The following eligibility requirements must be followed to nominate a fellow:
- Candidates will be full-time faculty members with their primary appointment at the University of Toronto.
- Fellows will be early career or established researchers whose scholarship is relevant to multiple SDGs, who are interested in leading and participating in the synthesis and catalyst research activities, and who are recommended by the Nomination Committee, selected by the Implementation Committee, endorsed by the Leadership Council, and appointed by the UofT President. They will have an appointment for up to four years if they are a faculty member at the University of Toronto, renewable once.
- Fellows will be nominated based on their proven commitment to partnership and collaboration, and engagement in local, national, or international fora.
- Fellows should demonstrate their commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion through their scholarship and use of anti-oppression praxis in their teaching and research where applicable.
- Fellows will be nominated based on their potential to (1) accelerate convergence research that reflects epistemological and methodological diversity, and (2) empower trainees to engage in convergence research related to the SDGs.
Faculty can also self-nominate.
Nomination details
Each nomination packages should include:
- A cover letter from the primary nominator that introduces the nomination by presenting the referees and explains why they have been chosen.
- A citation (maximum 70 words) that briefly summarizes the appraisal and is written in plan language.
- A detailed appraisal (maximum 1200 words) stating how the candidate has made exceptional contributions to advancing research on the SDGs. It would summarize the candidate's leadership (internationally, globally and regionally) an impact on accelerating convergence research, empowering trainees, engaging community partners, and mobilizing knowledge to maximize impact. The appraisal should integrate the objectives of the Academy and would be clear enough to be understood by a multi-disciplinary selection committee.
- A candidate’s statement (maximum 500 words) focused on how s/he has actively participated and has had impact in volunteer associations, societies, or other groups (that are not part of her/his paid work) and how s/he anticipates to actively work with the Academy and other fellows.
- Two letters of reference (maximum 750 words) describing the nature and duration of the professional relationship with the nominee addressing the quality of the nominee's work and how the candidate meets the six (6) core criteria to become a fellow.
- A biography of each referee (maximum 250 words).
- A CV (maximum 10 pages).
- A completed nomination form.
Nominations must be uploaded to the completed nomination form by Friday October 27th, 2023. All inquiries or technical questions can be sent via email to sdg.admin@utoronto.ca.