• To recognize the contribution of research professionals to research, knowledge mobilization, training for new generations of researchers or supporting groups of researchers in all areas covered by the three Fonds de recherche du Québec, namely the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT), the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS) and the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture (FRQSC);

• To promote research professionals' careers in Québec;

• To develop ties between the Fonds de recherche du Québec and the province's community of research professionals.

Note:

For the purpose of this competition, the term "research professional" is used to describe any contract salaried professional, regardless of his or her research job title, whose remuneration comes from research grants or the regular budget of the institution in which he or she works.

An amount of $5,000 is awarded by each Fonds as follows:

• 1^st prize: $2,500

• 2^nd prize: $1,500

• 3^rd prize: $1,000

An overview of each recipient's experience and achievements, along with a photo, will be featured on the website of the FRQSC.

One competition per year, following which the names of the recipients from each Fonds will be announced.

Only research professionals are eligible to apply for the award.

The candidate:

• must work as a research professional for a minimum of 21 hours per week at a Québec university or research organization affiliated with a Québec university;
• must have a minimum of 5 years of experience as a research professional in Québec;
• may not be a full-time student or postdoctoral fellow;
• must not be a faculty member (regular or "sous octroi" - with an externally-funded academic appointment) of a university;
• must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident;
• may not simultaneously apply to more than one Fonds for the Research Professionals Excellence Awards.

A candidate may not receive the award more than once.

The candidate must demonstrate his or her contribution to one or more of the following types of activities:

• Advancement of knowledge;

• Mobilization, transfer or valorization of knowledge;

• Training of new researchers (students, interns or other highly qualified staff);

• Support for groups, networks or teams of researchers.

The quality and diversity of the contributions, as described in the applications, constitute the criteria on which the candidates are evaluated. The quality of the written language and the presentation of the application will also be taken into consideration.

Applications are submitted to the Fonds according to the research area identified by the candidate. They are assessed by a selection committee set up by each Fonds, based on the evaluation criteria.

Candidates must submit the following documents to the FRQSC no later than 4:00 pm on March 15^th, 2017:

The required documents have to be merged into one sigle PDF document in the following order :

• A cover letter of no more than 2 pages bearing the candidate signature;

• A CV (maximum 5 pages) providing full details of their education, training and research career.

The cover letter and CV should:

1. Contain all the information required for the evaluation of the application according to the evaluation criteria listed above;
2. Be written in 12-point Times New Roman font on 8½ x 11 inch (216 x 279 mm) paper, with margins of at least 2.5 cm.

• A letter from their employer attesting that, as of March 15, 2017 (application deadline), the candidate holds a research professional position in a Québec university or a research organization or institute affiliated with a Québec university. This letter must clearly state that the contract is for at least 21 hours per week of remunerated work;

• One letter of recommendation (maximum 2 pages).

Documents may be in French or English.

Incomplete applications will be deemed ineligible. No update or correction of applications is permitted after the deadline for submission.

Award recipients will be asked to provide the following documents:

• A recent photograph

• Administrative information