Interruptions in research can occur due to a variety of factors, and they can have a range of implications. While some involve the natural evolution of research that may require a change in plans, other interruptions can involve loss of critical resources and potential loss of funding.
It is important to engage with personnel at the University of Toronto (U of T) who can assist with determining a course of action, including the following.
- Your Chair and/or Dean
- Your departmental Business Officer (BO)
- The Research Officer listed in the header section of your University of Toronto Research Account (UTRAC)
Interruptions in research can occur for a variety of reasons that include, but are not limited to, the following.
- Changes in participation by co-applicants and collaborators (i.e. someone leaves or is no longer available to be part of the research team) or funding partners
- Staff changes or departures which may lead to delays in recruiting their replacement
- Health matters that restrict or prohibit you or your co-applicants from continuing the research for a prolonged period of time
- You take up an appointment at another University
- The sponsor stops paying the funding to the University and you therefore do not have sufficient budget to continue your work
- The sponsor terminates the funding agreement
- Delays in receipt of necessary equipment
- Delays or cancellation of travel due to changing conditions or travel advisories in the location where research activities were to occur
When an interruption occurs, or you anticipate that one will occur, the following actions are recommended.
- Reread the terms and conditions of the funding agreement
- Review the policies and guidelines affecting research at the University
- Check the relevant University of Toronto Research Account (UTRAC)
- Contact the relevant VPRI Research Officer, listed in the header section of UTRAC, to discuss the situation
- Contact your project manager, if relevant, and BO to avoid potential financial risks (see below)
It is also recommended that you advise your project manager, if relevant, and your BO in cases where there is a financial risk as a result of the interruption. In such cases, it may be important to avoid incurring any further expenses until a solution to the interruption is identified, and approved by the sponsor if required. This is particularly important for funding agreements where the sponsor must pre-approve all changes to the research plan or budgetary needs; in the worst-case scenario, where a sponsor stops payment or notifies that they wish to terminate funding.
A staff member within the Division of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI), such as your Research Services Office (RSO) or Innovations and Partnerships Office (IPO) contact, will work with you to refine the terms and conditions of the funding agreement, and can liaise on your behalf, or with you, in corresponding with the Sponsor about major interruptions and possible solutions (e.g. an extension of time, or a budget reallocation, etc.).
Any agreed upon solution may result in a funding agreement amendment. This amendment may or may not impact agreements with your co-applicants. Your RSO or IPO contact will facilitate these impacts, while also ensuring your Department Chair or Faculty Dean and BO are aware of the revisions.
In the worst case scenario where an interruption means the research cannot continue, including where the sponsor terminates the funding or is in default of payment, it may be necessary to prevent additional expenditures by freezing the fund with a 'No Post'. A No-Post reduces financial risk to the University.
- Assist in interpreting Sponsor and University guidelines and policies governing research funding
- Participate where appropriate in identifying options to remedy interruptions
Find the appropriate VPRI staff member to assist you by checking our staff directory. You may search by discipline area (e.g. Social Sciences, Health & Life Sciences, Natural Sciences or Engineering, etc.) or funding agency name.
