The Research Support Fund Strengthens Ambrose’s Research Office
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From meeting national compliance deadlines to earning a voice in research security conversations, RSF-funded work is reshaping how Ambrose supports its scholars.
Ambrose University is expanding its research capacity and national presence, using Research Support Fund (RSF) support to meet federal compliance standards, contribute to research security discussions, and better equip faculty with centralized resources.
Meeting Federal Requirements
When federal granting agencies introduced Research Data Management (RDM) requirements, Ambrose’s Research Office then supported by a single person, needed dedicated capacity. The Research Support Fund (RSF) made it possible to engage Dr. Rita Yembilah as a research consultant.
Dr. Yembilah attended key forums, tracked emerging requirements, and brought that knowledge back to Ambrose. The institution met the February 2022 federal deadline to post its Institutional Management Strategies, updated relevant policies, and with the Library, built an online LibGuide that now serves as a faculty resource for RDM information.
A Seat at the Table on Research Security
RDM participation opened the door to Research Security. Continued RSF support enabled Dr. Yembilah to join the annual Research Security meetings and a Community of Practice co-chaired by the University of Calgary and University of Alberta, giving Ambrose a platform to represent the perspective of smaller institutions alongside larger U15 universities.
In May 2025, those connections brought Public Safety Canada to Ambrose’s Scholars’ Corner, where faculty gained direct access to national expertise on research security and its implications for their work.
“The high point for me was being invited to present at the annual research security conference in Calgary on how these conversations happen at Ambrose. From a novice in 2024 to presenting to 250 people in 2025 on research security communication was quite the leap!”
— Dr. Rita Yembilah, Research Consultant
A Centralized Home for Research Information
Previously, key research information was spread across multiple locations on the Ambrose website. Working with IT, Dr. Yembilah helped launch a dedicated research page — a single hub for RDM resources, Research Security guidance, institutional and federal policies, research news, and the ethics application portal.
“The RSF has been very helpful in strengthening the Research Office in ways we could not have done without these funds to support Rita’s role.”
— Dr. Pam Nordstrom, Provost and Senior Vice President, Academic
What began as funding for a single consultant has grown into something far larger: a Research Office equipped to represent Ambrose nationally, support faculty with current guidance, and provide the infrastructure a research community needs to thrive.