International Student Training Network (ISTN)
A training program for potential or current graduate students (Masters or PhD) interested in research with LGBTQ+ youth
The International Student Training Network (ISTN) is a program of the International Partnership for Queer Youth Resilience (INQYR), a research partnership between universities and community organizations across Canada, the US, the UK, Mexico, and Australia.
A competitive two-year training programme, the ISTN trains the next generation of scholars to conduct interdisciplinary social science research with Sexual and Gender Diverse Youth (SGDY), with a particular focus on strengthening resilience through utilization of information and communication technologies (ICTs) in a global context. We are seeking committed, engaged, and focused graduate students in the social sciences to be part of our fourth and final ISTN cohort (2024-2026)!
Read more about the International Student Training Network
Trainee benefits
Trainees will develop skills in five core areas:
Research with SGDY
ICT research methodologies
Mixed method data management and analyses
Interdisciplinary research
Knowledge mobilization
Trainees will also gain valuable research experience and grow their research network internationally. Trainees will work directly in the Regional Networks, support research conducted by the INQYR team, and garner the opportunity to co-present and publish research findings. A Certificate of Completion will be issued to all trainees. Certificates will contain an attendance record and log of research hours. Financial stipends are available for students who are currently research assistants. Trainees will have the opportunity to participate in the research grant competition.
Peer Reviewed Evidence of the ISTN’s Effectiveness in Building Research Competencies
ISTN cohorts 1 and 2 competencies data for current knowledge (left) and current skill (right) before, during, and after participating in the ISTN, * p ≤ .01.
Reproduced from Craig et al. (2023) ‘Promoting community and competence: The development and evaluation of an international research training network of sexual and gender diverse (SGD) emerging scholars.’ Read a summary of the publication on our Research Hub.
“The ISTN has been an indelibly supportive and transformative experience that continues to benefit my work as an assistant professor at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work. It has linked me to a global network of ICT-engaged scholars and practitioners who work tirelessly to expand our understanding of the challenging experiences of queer youth worldwide and how to address them effectively. In addition to training on various research methodologies, the peer and mentoring relationships gained through ISTN have led to collaborations on peer-reviewed publications and (inter)national conference presentations. These experiential opportunities for involvement in INQYR’s projects define the ISTN.”
Training activities
Webinars (approx. 5 per year): Attending a series of participatory online webinars delivered by prominent SGDY social science scholars where you will develop methodological and analytic skills, and ethical integrity in working with SGDY.
“This webinar was helpful in that we were able to learn more about the conception of the minority stress model/theory from the person who is credited with its creation. As minority stress is a concept that is seemingly fundamental to LGBTQ studies, this webinar was really important to me.” - Feedback on cohort 2 webinar ‘Minority Stress’, led by Dr. Ilan Meyer.
“The section on survey bot prevention and detection was extremely useful, with clear takeaways and skills for my future studies. I also think the screenshot elicitation is a fascinating method and I had been looking forward to learning more about it!” - Feedback on cohort 3 webinar, ‘Conducting International Online Survey Research on LGBTQ+ Issues: Recruitment, Measurement, & Data Integrity Considerations’, led by Drs. Dane Marco Di Cesare and Ashley Brooks.
Hands-on Research Opportunities: Developing your practical research skills by supporting research activities in their Regional Networks for 5-20 hours/month depending on availability and interest. Activities include conducting literature reviews; collecting, cleaning, and analyzing data; and drafting manuscripts. In addition to publishing and conference opportunities, nominal stipends and travel opportunities may be available to support trainees undertaking research assistant work for INQYR projects.
Tea Chats (approx. 4 per year): Attending a series of interactive discussion groups where you will foster a scholarly community in the cohort, develop presenting skills, conduct collaborative research troubleshooting, and engage in personal and professional development relating to careers in academia.
“Ashley facilitated really well and made people feel relaxed. Everyone was very friendly. Enjoyable session” (September 3rd, 2021 Tea Chat)
International Symposium: Developing your scholarly network, inter-cultural competency, and knowledge mobilization skills at an expenses-paid in-person symposium hosted in one of INQYR’s regions.
“The Mexico trip was; it was really the trip of a lifetime. It was the first time I left the country. And, you know, just meeting everybody there and seeing just this beautiful culture in Mexico City.” – ISTN Student, Cohort 1, speaking about the Inaugural Student Symposium (TISS) in Mexico City.
“I felt so incredibly connected to so many people during INQYRIES, I wish it were longer. There were so many opportunities to connect with other queer academics — this being something I do not experience at my university. I feel so much more comfortable reaching out to the people I’ve met (prior I’ve only met people online) and I look forward to future collaborative opportunities.” - ISTN Student, Cohort 2, speaking about the INQYR Interdisciplinary Education Symposium (INQYRIES) in Toronto.
“Knowing that there are people doing similar work in other parts of the world, it almost makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger. It’s not just me sitting at my desk hoping for the best, but there’s actually people who can support the work I’m doing and I can have a much bigger impact than just me alone” - ISTN Student, Cohort 3, speaking about their month-long visit to Toronto supported by the Turing Scheme.
Trainees are responsible for:
Attending and fully engaging with Webinars and Tea Chats, and willing to undertake applied research tasks.
Completing research work within agreed-upon timelines under the supervision of academics in the Regional Networks.
Communicating effectively and promptly with supervisors and programme administrators about research work completion and ability to attend and engage with training activities.
Trainees will gain:
Research troubleshooting and light-touch mentorship/coaching with experience scholars and engaged peers.
A competitive advantage in the academic job market through superior practical research skills, enhanced publication record, and international immersion in academic research and culture.
A completion certificate contingent on satisfactory attendance and engagement with the programme.
Virtual ISTN activities span 9 time zones in 5 countries! Check the provisional schedule of training activities for local timings.
Eligibility
Masters or PhD (or applicant) student at a university in Canada, the USA, the UK, Mexico, or Australia.
Identifies as LGBTQ+ or as an ally for SGDY.
Timeline
Application period: April 1st, 2024 – May 31st, 2024
Shortlisted candidates may be interviewed
Interviews: Throughout June, 2024
Notice of decisions: by July 19th, 2024*
*For those in the process of applying for a graduate program, acceptance to the ISTN is conditional on your acceptance onto a program.
Orientation session: September 5th & 6th, 2024
If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Ashley Brooks, INQYR Research Manager, at ashley.brooks@utoronto.ca
