next »

[A Canadian]

A question for other Canadian researchers out there.  I am just finishing my second year on the t-t in a humanities field at a major Canadian research institute. I had applied for a SSHRC grant last fall and have just received word that I've been put on that most puzzling of categories-- the 4A "Recommended for funding, but not funded" section.  I was wondering if any other researchers might have been in the same position and might help me understand exactly what this means.  Specifically, does anyone know the likelihood of a 4a turning into a granted application through resubmission?  Any perspectives would be much appreciated; I'm feeling a bit down about the results.

[I think...]

I think (and I'm speculating, I've not been on one of these committees), that this means that the peer reviewers they sent it out to liked it and recommended that it be funded, but the people who ultimately made the decision chose not to fund it.

So this would be akin to being vetoed by editor of a journal after receiving positive reviews. This may not mean the people making the decision didn't like you, it could be that all the grants recommended for funding were ranked and the money was gone before they got down to yours.

[another canadian]

The last part of I think.... post is correct. Essentially when you get 4A it means it has been peer reviewed -- great!--but there was not enough money to fund all the accepted proposals. It is based on a ranking scale. Some years it might have been funded -- it really depends on the amount of money the government gave.

At my university, to get a 4A is equivalent to getting funded in the admin's eyes. At other universities, it doesn't cut it for tenure etc.

There used to be a joke going around that you should be glad you got 4A as you won't have to do the work! That sentiment is now changing as more and more universities want research dollars.

Congrats on the 4A!

[Henrietta]

wrt your chances for next year: wait until you see the reviewers' comments. Some won't write very much, but others will be quite comprehensive. Based on their reactions, you can revise your submission and have a better chance next year, or decide to abandon that project idea and think of something better.

I would also recommend showing your proposal to some senior colleagues (who have their own grants).

And in the meantime, why not start your planned research with a pilot project or a literature review (or something else) over the summer, so that when you re-apply in the Fall you will be able to demonstrate that the project is feasible.

Of course you are disappointed, but I think that the 4A is analogous to a "revise and resubmit" from a top-tier journal. You are on the right track!

[random anon]

I agree with the postings above. It is very good. Look at the stats for SSHRC and see how very competitive it is. To be in 4A is actually quite great.

On another note, I read the feedback for a peer's 4A and found it very helpful.