University of Toronto’s Climate Positive Energy, the Office of Vice President International, and Singapore Management University are joining together to co-present an exciting grant call for faculty researchers. The 2024 Joint Call for Proposals will be open from 1 July 2024 until 17 September 2024.
Projects must focus on one of the following themes:
Theme 1: Enhancing Quality of Life: Exploring the Social Impacts of Mobility Infrastructure and Solutions for an Ageing Population
As a major contributor to global CO2 emissions, transportation is a focal point for achieving net zero by 2050. The emergence of EVs, fuel cells, and self-driving vehicles requires updated infrastructure to support this transition. Yet, we must consider the impacts on vulnerable populations and disaster-affected regions, as well as the needs of an aging population. While transportation innovations offer promise, they also risk widening inequalities. Low-income and elderly communities often lack access to affordable mobility options, highlighting the need for equitable infrastructure investments. Fragile governance systems pose additional challenges in regions affected by conflict or disasters. Urgent action is required to develop adaptive solutions that address pressing needs. We can create a better future for all by prioritizing equity and sustainability in transportation. This grant call aims to explore the Social Impacts of mobility infrastructure and solutions for an aging population.
Theme 2: Charting the Course: Navigating Post-Pandemic Mobility Transitions
The Pandemic has had a tremendous societal impact. Not only has it changed the pattern of living, but it has also impacted how we work and move around. The Pandemic has drastically impacted mobility and transportation due to the new work flexibility models. Work From Home (WFH) and related flexibility of work hours impact the urban travel market and home economics. The subjective well-being of the WFH lifestyle is still evolving. With many urban commuters doing WFH, people are making more non-work trips. This results in differences in trip lengths and trip start times. These all affect urban traffic congestion, GHG emissions, and air pollution. On the other hand, WFH also induces e-shopping, which generates additional urban freight deliveries. Overall, we have little understanding of the complexities that have been evolving. This requires more rigorous data collection and advanced empirical research. This grant call aims to explore the post-pandemic mobility transitions by urban residents.
Theme 3: Decarbonizing the Mobility Sector: Integrating the Transportation and Energy Systems
With transportation responsible for significant global emissions, we invite proposals to advance sustainable mobility solutions. This encompasses integrating electric vehicles (EVs) and charging infrastructure into electric grids, exploring grid-to-vehicle (G2V) and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems. It also includes new innovations and technologies to improve charging, battery and the life cycle of EVs including recycling and mining. Projects may investigate EV usage in logistics and sharing economies or smart grid management for seamless EV integration. Stakeholder perspectives, including EV manufacturers and V2G service providers, are key, focusing on business model innovations and operational strategies. Additionally, research may analyze utility firms and policymakers, drawing from early adopters to identify global best practices. This grant call aims to address mobility challenges and foster a sustainable transportation future.
Theme 4: Harnessing the Big Data: Data Analytics for Urban Mobility and Logistics
Recognizing the complex challenges faced in modern urban environments, where transportation inefficiencies contribute significantly to congestion and emissions, we seek innovative solutions to enhance mobility and logistics efficiency. Projects should aim to harness big data and advanced analytics techniques to perform any of the following: forecast public transit demand to improve service planning and resource allocation, analyze real-time data to adjust transportation routes dynamically, optimize last-mile delivery logistics in the urban environment or the operation of urban freight consolidation centers, or develop intelligent parking management systems, or plan and optimize bicycle and micromobility infrastructure, or create a dynamic ride-sharing platform, or develop data-driven Mobility as a Service (MaaS) platforms that integrate various transportation modes, or assess and improve the accessibility of public transit systems. Ultimately, the grant call aims to support initiatives that harness the potential of data analytics to create more sustainable, efficient, and resilient urban transportation systems for the future.
Please refer to U of T’s Supplementary Information about 2024 Joint Call for Proposals for details.
Please also download and review the following important documents prior to submitting your application:
Funding Details and Duration
Applications submitted to this grant call will be awarded as two separate grants: one awarded to the SMU PI by SMU, and one awarded to the UofT PI by UofT. PIs should only utilise the funding awarded by their relevant institutions, and utilisation of funding should not cross institutions. The funding quantum is capped at SGD50,000 for each SMU PI and CAD $37,500 for each UofT PI with a duration not exceeding 1 year. All selected projects must start on 03 February 2025 and end by 2 February 2026.
Eligibility
- SMU: Principal Investigators (PI) and Co-investigators (Co-PI) must be full-time faculty of SMU.
- UofT: Faculty members in continuing UofT appointments who are able to hold research funds at UofT. Please note that Status-only faculty are not eligible to apply.
Evaluation Process and Criteria
All grant applications received will be evaluated based on the merit of the proposals, subject to a two-stage evaluation process. Stage 1 is an internal independent review by SMU which will include senior faculty members from the schools, followed by Stage 2 which is conducted by an SMU-UofT Joint University Level Evaluation Committee (JEC).
Application
1. The application procedures and funding guidelines for this grant largely follow the SMU Internal Research Grant. Hence, applicants must go through the SMU Internal Research Grant Program Document and FAQ when preparing their proposal for submission.
2. Each proposal should have one PI from SMU and one PI from UofT.
3. Please note that applicants may only submit one joint application between UofT / SMU PIs. Submissions to this call will be done via SMU’s IRIS system which is only accessible by SMU faculty, hence all submissions must be done by the SMU PI. All submissions must be completed via SMU’s IRIS Research Grants Management System by Tuesday, 3pm (SGT), 17 September 2024.
4. PIs should also ensure the following documents (proposal template available here and attached) as attachments in the IRIS:
- Details of Proposal (click to download proposal template)
- CVs
- Excel Budget template (click to download budget template)
- Quotations, where applicable
5. It is encouraged that you submit the application a few working days before the last day of the grant call (17 Sep). This is so that in the event of technical issues, there will be enough time to resolve the issues. Please contact ore@smu.edu.sg if you encounter any issues when submitting your proposal on the IRIS Research Grants Management System.
6. Please remain contactable after the submission of your proposal in case any clarifications are needed.
Important Dates
- July 1: Grant Call opens
- September 17: Grant Call closes
- October 28: Internal Evaluation Completed
- December 2024 to January 2025: Notification of Application Outcomes sent
- February 3: Projects start
If you require assistance with your application, please contact info@cpe.utoronto.ca.