One of the oldest named features on the coast of Newfoundland, Fogo Island is vibrant and brimming with colours and contours. It’s no surprise that with its rich history and lively arts community, Fogo Island has been selected as the location for Memorial’s research fellowship program.

Memorial will partner with Fogo Island’s Shorefast Foundation to provide up to 10 faculty members with the opportunity to spend four weeks in residence there for the purpose of completing the writing of a significant manuscript on the results of a major research project, or to complete a work of artistic creation.

The Fogo Island Research Fellowship Program grows out of the recommendations outlined in Memorial’s Strategic Research Intensity Plan 2014-20, which aims to “strengthen all aspects of research at Memorial, including scholarship and creative activity, as well as the translation of knowledge into products, practices, policies, and other forms of community engagement.” The plan both recognizes and supports the achievements of Memorial’s research-intensive faculty members.

In 2013 Memorial University and the Shorefast Foundation entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to lay the foundation for a sustained, responsive and mutually beneficial partnership. The research fellowship program reflects the intentions of this MOU through collaboration to support research at Memorial. The Shorefast Foundation is a registered Canadian charity committed to promoting the island’s cultural, economic and social resiliency.

“Memorial values collaborations with community partners such as the Shorefast Foundation, that share our goals of encouraging and promoting excellence through innovation and creativity,” said President Kachanoski. “I offer my sincere thanks to the members of the Shorefast Foundation, without whom this unique opportunity would not be possible.”

“Memorial is Newfoundland and Labrador’s great fountain of knowledge and expertise,” said Gordon Slade, chair, Shorefast Foundation. “Shorefast is currently involved in an array of groundbreaking ventures, so being able to avail of this wealth of expertise and experience through interaction with many disciplines will be of tremendous benefit to our foundation and community.”

“This initiative is yet another example of how Memorial is committed to fostering and supporting excellence in knowledge and artistic creation, while also engaging the community,” said Dr. Richard Marceau, vice-president (research). “The research fellowship program provides a significant opportunity for faculty, while also building on the university’s goals for growing research.”

Successful applicants will take up residence on the island for four weeks in a home provided by the Shorefast Foundation, during the period of Sept. 1 to the following Aug. 31. In addition to enjoying dedicated time for writing or artistic creation, fellows will engage with the local community through activities like public lectures on their area of expertise in research or artistic creation.

The deadline for the first competition is Friday, May 15, at 5 p.m. Interested applicants can read the terms of reference at www.mun.ca/research.