"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead "In the rush for justice it is important not to lose sight of principles the country holds dear." - Kofi Annan "In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same."- Albert Einstein "What's the use of a fine house if you haven't got a tolerable planet to put it on?" - Henry David Thoreau "For the times, they are a changin'." -Bob Dylan "If you think you're too small to have an impact, try going to bed with a mosquito in the room." - Anita Koddick

Research

The following are the main ways LSPIRG fosters research:

LSPIRG Researchers

Every year, LSPIRG hires student researchers (undergraduate and graduate) to conduct independent research over the academic year and in summer. A Research Advisory Council is formed to provide guidance to students on their projects. These students
• Design and implement a research project that falls within the values of LSPIRG
• Develop a research proposal to be presented to the Research Advisory Council
• Develop a research plan with the LSPIRG Training & Research Coordinator
• Conduct the research and prepare a report with a policy focus that can be published
Upon completion of these reports, researchers present their findings to the advisory council, board of directors, and any interested members. Their reports are then published and made available online for purchase.

LSPIRG Research Advisory Council

The LSPIRG Research Advisory Council is comprised of professors and community members interested in volunteering their time to support student researchers. LSPIRG hopes to draw upon on the expertise and experience of the council members to help facilitate research projects by providing direction as needed. Initially, the role of the Council is to review research proposals and provide feedback to strengthen students’ projects. Once the projects are complete, council members will review the final draft and hear presentations by students about their research findings. Input will once again be requested before the final reports are completed. At their discretion, Council members can also volunteer to provide individual on-going support in the interim of student research.

Terms of Reference for members of the Council

The Research Council generally meets two times during the academic year, once in October and once in March. In these meetings, the Council members listen to student researchers’ presentations and provide feedback and directions. Based on their availability and interest, Council members provide on-going support to students. Often their support entails being available to answer any questions and/or providing occasional guidance with research projects.

LSPIRG Research Fellowships

LSPIRG has created a Research Fellowship program through which it partners with other organizations to fund research projects. The research project is designed by the partner organization on the theme of social change and a student is recruited to work on the project.

LSPIRG Research Bursaries

The LSPIRG bursary is available to members participating in a directed studies or independent research courses at Wilfrid Laurier University. The bursary is to assist students conducting research related to LSPIRG values. The students will also be allowed to publish a completed version of their research to be kept on file in the LSPIRG Resource Centre. In return students participating in this project are required to add a section to the final paper/report outlining policy recommendations. Applications are granted on the basis of the project, pending the availability of funding and the maximum grant is $500.

If you are interested in any of the above research projects, please contact info@lspirg.ca for more information.

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