Call for Proposals – Kanishka Project Contribution Program
Current areas of interest and application details
Public Safety Canada is currently seeking proposals under the Kanishka Project Contribution Program (KPCP). This call for proposals will close on November 29, 2013.
The initiative is an ongoing process of learning and exploration of how research and related activities can effectively support countering terrorism, helping to produce more effective policies, tools and resources for law enforcement and people on the front lines. Drawing from the Kanishka Project's support for such collaborative dialogue that connects researchers, officials, the private sector, communities and other partners domestically and abroad, below are some examples of current areas of interest for which proposals are sought.
- Response to Recent Incidents
There have been several incidents in recent years (such as the Breivik killings in Norway and the Boston marathon bombing) that have required a comprehensive, multi-faced government response. Research could bolster existing knowledge about effective approaches to government responses to such incidents by examining specific areas such as public health, the justice system, the role of community-based organizations as well as use of technology, and/or how such sectors work or should work together.
- Terrorist Resourcing
A review of successful prosecutions and seizures around the world may foster a better understanding of how particular groups move their assets and resources. Research in this area could focus on how groups acquire, move and use funds and/or other resources across a range of activities from recruitment to organization to direct action, towards informing more effective means of intervention.
- Programs and Tools for Youth and Communities
There have been a number of community-based programs designed to steer youth away from a life of crime and violence, which have or could include aspects of addressing radicalization leading to violence. Research could examine existing domestic or international programs for their effectiveness in preventing radicalization leading to violence, or what programs could be expanded to include a greater focus on this goal.
- Traveling
There is an increasing amount of open source information available about where individuals travel to participate in violent extremist activities abroad, the networks and transit countries that facilitate movement, and possible motives for their activity, as well as the impact on individuals of such travel to and participation in conflict zones. Research could assist in developing responses to this issue, from prevention to appropriate responses upon return to Canada.
- Criminal Justice
Recent years have seen a large number of prosecutions for activities related to terrorism in a range of countries abroad. A study could draw lessons for Canada by reviewing what has and has not proved effective, and showing relevant connections with the Canadian legal and social context, as well as noting comparisons with examples of domestic court cases.
- Gender
Research has shown that there are gender-specific dimensions that affect both processes of radicalization leading to violence and efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism (PCVE). Proposals could focus on differential patterns of radicalization leading to violence between men and women, the security challenges posed by the recruitment of women into violent extremist groups, and/or strategies to engage or support women in efforts to counter terrorism.
- Terrorist/Extremist Dropout Phenomenon
In a number of countries, intervention strategies focus on encouraging individuals to “drop out” of violent radical groups. Research could examine the drop out patterns of former members, consider which forms of intervention and support work well, and take into account key barriers including “exit costs” (such as loss of social status or identity).
- Radicalization of Converts
Recent events have brought attention to the radicalization of religious converts to violent extremist movements. To date, there has been little Canada-specific research into this area. Research could focus on what factors contribute to radicalization to violent extremism for converts, and whether these factors differ significantly in contrast to non-converts, along with implications for relevant policy and program areas such as prevention.
- Comparative Analysis of Violent Extremist Movements and Government Actions
A number of contemporary extremist movements that are or have been involved with violent tactics are present in different ways in different countries. Where such movements have a presence both in Canada and abroad, comparative analyses could focus on social context and different government responses, in order to strengthen understanding of the role of context when formulating new approaches to addressing violent extremism.
- Improving Targeting and Reducing Risk
There is interest in utilizing academic research to assist in understanding terrorism-related targeting, including a focus on changes in tactics over time, in order to inform risk assessment. Development of targeting scenarios would need to be relatively comprehensive and accurately reflect current or otherwise realistic threat environments.
- Conflicts Abroad
More research is needed on whether lines of conflict abroad are being reproduced in Canada and the implications of such polarization within or between communities. While this is not a new phenomenon, knowledge gaps exist for example about the extent of narratives of conflict and tension online, and about the impact of such dialogue.
- Psychology and Counter-terrorism
There may be personality characteristics or other psychological variables that render individuals more likely than others to react or respond to messages of injustice through recourse to serious violence. Research could examine the traits and drivers of susceptible populations.
- Hate Crime and Violent Extremism
While the issues of hate crime and violent extremism have generally been studied separately, there is interest in better connecting these two areas. Research could help to apply lessons from research and practice on understanding and addressing hate crime, to support law enforcement and community programs aiming to prevent and counter violent extremism.
In order to be considered for funding, proposals must be consistent with the Terms and Conditions of the KPCP (http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/cntr-trrrsm/r-nd-flght-182/knshk/trms-cndtns-eng.aspx).
Although Public Safety Canada is seeking proposals that address the priority topics outlined above, it is not necessary to address a priority topic in order to be considered for funding. As noted, a core aim of the KPCP is to support projects to understand and address terrorism relevant to policy and program areas of strategic importance to the Government of Canada. For guidance, applicants are encouraged to consult several sources of information. In this regard, the original Kanishka Project Research Themes remain relevant (http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/cntr-trrrsm/r-nd-flght-182/knshk/rsrch-thms-eng.aspx), as do other statements about Canada's approach to countering terrorism: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/cntr-trrrsm/index-eng.aspx.
Further, to help identify knowledge gaps that remain to be addressed, applications should take note of areas already covered in previous rounds: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/cntr-trrrsm/r-nd-flght-182/knshk/index-eng.aspx, or by other relevant initiatives: http://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/cntr-trrrsm/r-nd-flght-182/knshk/fndng-pprtnts-eng.aspx, as well as the Canadian Network for Research on Terrorism, Security and Society (TSAS): http://www.tsas.ca/research/key-publications/.
All proposals will be assessed through a two-stage review process to determine relevance to government priorities (e.g. consistency with Kanishka Project Research Themes), compliance with the Terms and Conditions of the KPCP, and likelihood that an applicant can achieve the expected results and outcomes as set out in the Terms and Conditions (e.g. record of past accomplishments, as well as evidence of support from relevant participants and interest of key audiences).
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