UBC had presented 99 applications, out of which only 15 were awarded grants. This has been a great concern for the Faculty, given the fact that UBC had not fared well in the competition held the previous year. Although the University had bounced back in March 1998 with better results that maintained the average, the September 1998 results again seem discouraging. Dr. Emerman said that the Faculty has had intense meetings with regard to the concern and are considering internal grant reviews and workshops for better success in MRC competitions in the future. More details on these workshops will be forthcoming.
Additional measures are under study.
Dr. Emerman ended her update with good news. The Federal budget this year was very encouraging and it was hoped it will take the Faculty far in terms of research funding. A summary of the Federal budget was circulated to faculty. The next three years will see a tremendous increase in the research budget. The University is preparing for the second round of CFI grant competitions.