The School of Graduate Studies and the Office of the Vice-President, International invite proposals to participate in a new initiative aimed at forging global research alliances among graduate institutions. Called International Doctoral Clusters (IDCs), this initiative enables 6-12 supervisors from the University of Toronto and a leading international institution to form co-supervisory relationships with doctoral students whose progress is then managed under individual Joint Educational Placement Agreements that are linked by an institutional Memorandum of Understanding. In establishing this model, we hope to strengthen relationships with top global institutions, attract the best international talent, and produce a new generation of researchers whose insights are profoundly enriched by this unique opportunity.

To establish an IDC, co-supervisors must present an academic rationale to identify areas of complementary research strength and confirm their commitment to be active participants in the alliance. A five-year plan outlining funding commitments from each institution and identifying areas in need of additional financial support must accompany the rationale, along with an implementation plan. Upon fulfilling these academic requirements, doctoral candidates can potentially be issued with two parchments, one from each institution. The U of T parchment will identify that the degree has been granted under a joint arrangement between the two institutions.

Beginning in the 2017-18 academic year, proposals for IDCs will be accepted four times annually: September 1, December 1, February 1, and May 1. An interdisciplinary committee chaired by the Associate Vice-President, International Partnerships, will adjudicate the proposals, which should address all seven topics noted in the document Building Global Research Alliances: U of T and the World.

For more information about proposal submissions or IDCs, please contact:

Edward Sargent
Vice-President, International
vp.international@utoronto.ca