About PIMS Research Networks
Applying through the call
Deadlines, evaluation criteria, and the submission form are on the Scientific Call for Proposals page. This page covers the PRN program, how to apply, and what to include in your application.
What is a PRN?
The PIMS Research Network (PRN) program builds on the success of the CRG program as well as the earlier Postdoctoral Training Center in Stochastics (PTCS) and International Graduate Training Centre (IGTC) initiatives. PRNs are designed to build bridges between research areas in academia, industry, and the public sector. They go above and beyond the CRG mission by combining research, training, and, crucially, strong external partnerships.
The program is designed to help the mathematical sciences community in western Canada address grand challenges such as the ongoing climate emergency, sustainable resource management, resilience to future epidemics, and fairness and justice in human society, all of which require collaborative innovation from the mathematical sciences.
A PRN is a group of researchers from the PIMS network who work on problems of potential broad interest across the network. PRNs are expected to secure additional external funding from domestic or international partners in the industrial or government sectors, and bring together experts from multiple institutions to address a topic of broad and timely interest.
Program Basics
- PRNs have leadership drawn from across the PIMS network.
- Baseline support is $100,000 per year for three years. In addition, PIMS will match contributions from the PRN external partner up to $50,000 per year, providing a maximum total annual budget of $200,000 when the partner contributes at least $50,000 annually.
- Postdoctoral fellowships funded by a PRN follow the amounts and model of standard PIMS Postdoctoral Fellowships, including the required matching funds; a PRN typically funds three postdoctoral fellows (PDFs), each for two years, over its full cycle.
- PRNs recruit PDFs and organize scientific events, with a focus on EDI and vertical integration through mentorship and career building.
- PRNs offer Network Wide Courses and organize summer schools to introduce graduate students and early-career researchers to the topic of the PRN.
Application Process
PRN applications proceed in two stages, similar to the CRG program. Draft applications may be sent to the PIMS co-directors for feedback before the feedback date given in the timeline (typically mid-August).
Stage 1: Letter of Intent (LOI)
Prepare a 5-page overview following the general submission requirements and including the following additional sections:
| Section | Content |
| External Partners | Details of proposed partners from the industrial and governmental sectors. Identify key personnel and give estimates of support levels. |
| PIMS Participants | Short biographies for each lead investigator from PIMS member universities, indicating their roles in the PRN. |
| Objectives | A two-page summary (including key references) of the mathematical background and key objectives of the collaboration. |
| Impact | A short summary of the expected impact of the PRN for each partner organization. |
| Proposed Activities | A summary of major proposed activities (conferences, summer schools, other events). Include an approximate budget allocation for each item and indicate additional funding sources or connections with other PIMS initiatives. |
LOIs are evaluated on the general criteria and on their potential impact across the network. Submit through the call for proposals by the deadline given in the timeline (typically early October). Approved LOIs are invited to submit a full proposal the following year.
Stage 2: Full Proposal
Applicants are advised in December (see timeline) of the outcome of their LOI. Those with successful LOIs are invited to submit a full application the following year, incorporating SRP and PIMS feedback. Upon notification of a successful LOI, applicants may request up to $5,000 to support an event or PI summit during the period leading up to submission of the full proposal.
The full proposal expands on the LOI to 10–12 pages, adding a precise calendar of events, a detailed budget, and a one-paragraph executive summary. It is judged on the general criteria together with the additional considerations for CRGs and PRNs, including the PRN-specific partnership considerations.
Feedback before submission. Applicants are strongly encouraged to seek feedback from PIMS leadership at both stages. Please send draft applications to the PIMS co-directors (co-director-programs@pims.math.ca and co-director-careers@pims.math.ca) before the feedback deadline in the timeline (typically mid-August).
Responsibilities of PRN leaders
- Manage funds responsibly in accordance with NSERC and PIMS guidelines.
- Submit event post-reports online within one month of each event. Reports include scientific abstracts, participant demographics, complete speaker and attendee lists, and final budgets.
- Provide an annual report (see timeline) summarizing the PRN's impact to date (scientific advances, publications, and trainee placements) and outlining plans for the upcoming year.
- Present PRN highlights at the annual (virtual) CRG/PRN Leader Meeting.
Ready to apply?
Return to the Scientific Call for Proposals page for evaluation criteria, deadlines, and the submission form.