For the Practitioner-in-Residence (PiR), there is no educational requirement to apply. We are looking for those with in-depth career experience that is applicable to the role.

For the Scholar-in-Residence (SiR), a completed PhD or other terminal degree is required.

We are looking for candidates who actively engage in a particular profession, field, or activity (outside academia), applying their knowledge and skills in practical, real-world settings. We are particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals who work in government (including retired officials), not-for-profit organizations, advocacy groups, civic entrepreneurs, consultants, media professionals, and other relevant areas.

No, we will accept applications from independent scholars as well. Please note that this award is not intended for a post-doctoral appointment or a continuation of dissertation work.

PiR are expected to devote their energy to the proposed project for the length of the award. PiR should speak to their employers about a leave or partial leave from their normal duties. A letter of support from a full-time employer may be required.

The start date of the residency will be negotiated between each successful applicant and the College, based on project plans, the College schedule, and any personal/professional considerations. For Scholars-in-Residence, it can be expected that the residency will follow dates aligned with McMaster University’s academic calendar.

The length of the term will range between a minimum of 4 months (one academic term) or a full year (12 months). The desired length of residency can be indicated on the application form and will be negotiated between the successful applicant and the College.

While we do not expect in-person attendance on a full-time basis for the duration of the residency, there is an expectation that SiR/PiRs will create an on-campus presence through regular activities. This will vary for everyone based on their location and preexisting commitments. Wilson College staff will work with each SiR/PiR to determine the nature of their on-campus presence. 

Budgets will range between $10,000 and $30,000 (CAD) and will be determined based on the length of the residency and the scope of the project. Applicants may include a proposed budget or justification in their application form.

Use of the budget is at the discretion of the SiR/PiR. It may be received entirely as a stipend to cover living expenses, or partially/fully towards a research allowance for project/program costs (e.g. conference attendance, travel, research costs, subscriptions, etc.). The awarded amount and allocation of funds will be determined via the award letter.

Consider your residency’s time commitment, financial needs (e.g., work leave or personal costs), and any project-specific expenses to determine an appropriate allocation.

Research allowance expenses may include costs for materials, travel expenses, data access fees, or other resources essential to your residency project.

Include estimates for each cost, an explanation of how the funds support your residency goals, and note any personal financial considerations related to residency duration or work leave.

Unless negotiated in the terms of the award letter, SiR/PiRs will not be expected to teach a university course. They may be invited to participate in a Wilson College course (or possibly another discipline depending on background and experience) for possible guest lecturing, discussion groups, workshops, etc.

The nature of student engagement will be flexible and unique to everyone. In addition to possible class participation, other forms of student engagement may include mentoring, informal drop-in sessions or office hours, special events, or field/service trips.

SiR/PiRs can incorporate students into their project/program as volunteers, focus groups, survey participants, etc. Depending on the topic and scope of project, Wilson College staff will work with each SiR/PiR to determine the appropriate nature of student involvement. Note that this (or other scenarios) may require approval from McMaster’s Research Ethics Board, Wilson College staff will support this process.

Output is a broad term that speaks to what the intended results of the residency will bring. These results will vary based on stream (scholars or practitioners), length of the term, and scope of the project/program. Outputs might include: a formal report, short journalistic style article/blog/op-eds, a podcast, video shorts, digital story map, performance/installation/exhibit, lecture series, community programming, etc.