Canadian Institute for Historical Education

“THE CANADIAN COUNTER REVOLUTION”
Call for Research Proposals

1. Overview of what we are Seeking
On this, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States of America, the Canadian Institute for Historical Education (CIHE) is seeking the delivery of an approximately 20,000 word research paper related to how the formation of that country led to or influenced the later formation of Canada. The paper, once produced and peer reviewed, will be published on the CIHE website and widely promoted. The author will deliver the paper at a meeting of the CIHE open to the public. Possible themes include, but are not limited to: similar or differing approaches to government, colonial matters, Loyalist migration and patterns of settlement, indigenous affairs, leadership and
leaders (Lord Dorchester, John Parr, Sir John Wentworth, etc.).

2. About CIHE
A registered charitable organization, CIHE’s purpose is to conduct, publish and disseminate research in the field of history to provide Canadians with a better understanding of their national history and of the individuals and events that influenced the country’s growth and development. Learn more at https://cihe.ca.

3. Opportunity
This opportunity is open to current or former Canadian academics (including graduate students and retirees) currently or previously associated with a Canadian or American university. Those interested are invited to notify the CIHE of their interest in submitting a proposal (or application). They are then invited to deliver a proposal in the form of an approximately 1,000 word document describing the paper proposed to be produced. The proposal should set out the topic, thesis, and methodology (including the resources to be employed) and other matters that will allow the CIHE to assess the proposal against the Selection Criteria below.

4. Funding Available
A stipend of $20,000 (plus HST if applicable) will be payable to the successful applicant in tranches on completion of milestones. CIHE will reimburse the successful applicant for approved travel costs relating to the delivery of the lecture on the paper’s completion.

Milestone:
On submission of a detailed outline and proposed bibliography
Payment Amount: $2,500

Milestone:
On submission of draft paper for peer review
Payment Amount: $12,500

Milestone:
On submission of final paper reflecting input of peer review
Payment Amount: $2,500

Milestone:
Following delivery of lecture
Payment Amount: $2,500

Total $20,000

5. Selection Criteria
All applications will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

a. Strategic alignment – how well the research project aligns with the mission of the CIHE and the themes set out above

b. Proposal’s merit and assessment – the extent to which it:
i. is well written and focused,
ii. sets out a clear framework including a research plan, and expected research outputs,
iii. identifies aspects of the research project that will be carried out by the applicant and those that will be carried out by any others (students etc.)

c. Feasibility – The likelihood that the research project will be successfully completed including with regard to the resources intended to be employed

d. Scalability – The likelihood that the research project will produce content that can be used in the communication and historical research dissemination work of the CIHE

e. Capability – Experience of the applicant, and any other members of the applicant’s team if applicable (including any named students or supervisors) in completing research and writing of the nature of the research project

f. Level of engagement or support – evidence that the applicant has the time and resources to invest in the completion of the research project

g. Proposed timeline – how soon the research project will be completed (preference will be given to those that can be completed in 2026; however a date in 2027 will also be acceptable)

h. Innovativeness – based on the unique or “breakthrough” nature of the research project

i. Primary sources – the extent and nature of primary sources intended to be utilized

k. References (a minimum of two) – the caliber of the references CIHE has full discretion on scoring and selection. Nothing in this call for research proposals or process shall obligate CIHE to select a proposal.

6. Process and Timeline
CIHE is now seeking proposals for the research project. The timeline for selection and completion is below:
Deadline to submit expressions of interest: May 1, 2026

Deadline to submit proposals: May 22, 2026

Selected applicant notified no later than: June 19, 2026

Agreement with selected applicant signed: July 17, 2026

Research project begins: July 17, 2026

7. FAQs
How do I submit an expression of interest and if I submit that, am I bound to submit a full proposal?
If you think you might submit a proposal, drop us a line and let us know. Emails can be sent to Allan Williams at allan@cihe.ca. There is no obligation to submit a proposal afterwards.

What if I don’t submit an expression of interest? Can I still submit a proposal if I do so before the deadline for proposals?
Yes. It is not necessary to submit an expression of interest, but if will be helpful to the CIHE if you do.

What happens if my project is selected?
An agreement will be entered into between the selected applicant and the CIHE to clarify roles and responsibilities, expectations and deliverables, and project timelines. Once it is signed, you can start your work.

What are some common pitfalls to avoid when preparing the proposal?
Pay special attention to the Selection Criteria. Ensure that your proposal addresses as many of the criteria as possible.

Are there any fees to make a proposal?
There is no application fee to make a proposal.

Who will own the copyright in the paper?
The selected applicant will be required to assign the copyright in the produced paper to the CIHE. The CIHE will grant an unlimited licence to the author to use portions of the content of the paper in other works.

How many research proposals will CIHE select from among the applicants?
It is the intention of the CIHE to select only one applicant. But the CIHE reserves the right to select more than one.

Where can I learn more about CIHE?
More information is available on the website: https://cihe.ca.

Contact Us

Contact ACSUS