“To continue to be successful in my competitive field, my laboratory will need to publish lots…I worry that with the teaching loads at UPEI, the time spent away from these important tasks just means my laboratory will not remain competitive and all these years spent establishing my research career will be for nothing.” –FA Member

Research is an important component of the work FA members do at UPEI. However, as in other areas, we are seeing that a lack of investment in research by Administration is having a negative impact on our ability to effectively conduct research at UPEI. This is clearly demonstrated by the precipitous fall in research money brought in by UPEI researchers over the last decade: In late summer and fall 2021, we met with several groups of researchers to understand their concerns and priorities for the next round of bargaining. Some of the impediments to research they identified include: – High teaching loads/lack of course release  – Long delays in reviewing research contracts  – Overly burdensome procurement and HR processes – Administrative unwillingness to accept even minor research risk – Lack of investment in Library resources resulting in poor access to research literature – Lack of investment in research infrastructure, even in cases when money for this purpose is included in the grant  As the only University in the province, it is important that UPEI maintain its research capacity. Now is the time for us to work collectively to strengthen research supports for the benefit of all FA members, students, and wider Island community. You are UPEI   Here’s how you can do your part:  Attend the AGM on Friday, April 8th Talk to us: Tell us how these issues have been affecting you HERE. Get involved: Join us for regular meetings and consider joining an FA committee or serving as a grievance officer. Show your support: Use our downloadable logos as your photo for online meetings and lectures. Download them HERE. Stay in the loop: to prevent communications disruptions as we head into negotiations, share your personal email address HERE. Stay social: share social media content to help spread the word. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook by clicking on the icons below.   Together, We Are UPEI.