Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

NSERC is re-launching a pilot funding opportunity to support investigator-initiated individual and team projects that broadly integrate or transcend disciplines to advance knowledge in the natural sciences and engineering (NSE). The Discovery Horizons grants are expected to be valued from $50K to $100K per year and NSERC is expecting to award approximately 10-20 grants for this pilot year. LOI application is due June 16, 2022 and invited applications are due by October 18, 2022. Kindly click on the funding opportunity link for more details.

The objective of the Exploration stream of the NFRF program is to support high risk, high reward and interdisciplinary research that is not easily supported through funding opportunities currently offered by the three agencies.

In addition to recognizing faculty members for their contributions, the award funds bold and potentially game-changing projects that will challenge the status quo, spark change and take action to address persistent systemic barriers in the research ecosystem and academia.

The objective of the Exploration stream of the NFRF program is to support high risk, high reward and interdisciplinary research that is not easily supported through funding opportunities currently offered by the three agencies.

Sony Corporation of America is accepting applications for two Research Award Programs: Faculty Innovation Award and Focused Research Award. Proposal submissions are open from July 15, 2021 to September 15, 2021. This Program is intended to foster partnership with university faculty and researchers. It will support university research and innovation in the U.S. and Canada (plus India and select countries in Europe) with awards of up to $150,000 USD per year for each accepted proposal.

The objective of the Transformation stream is to support large-scale, Canadian-led interdisciplinary research projects that address a major challenge with the potential to realize real and lasting change. The challenge may be fundamental, leading to a scientific breakthrough, or applied, with a social, economic, environmental or health impact. Projects are expected to be world-leading, drawing on global research expertise, when relevant.

A 2021 Innovative Approaches to Research in the Pandemic Context competition of the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) was launched recently. The goal of the funding opportunity is to accelerate the exploration of new approaches and the development and testing of new directions in research methodologies, to respond to challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Deadline to submit a NOI is September 21, 2021 and full application is due to NFRF by October 26, 2021. Kindly click on the above link for details on this opportunity.

Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) provides an important pathway to emissions reductions for energy and industrial activities under conditions where neither electrification nor low carbon fuels are able to provide technically or economically feasible low-carbon solutions. Natural Resources Canada is seeking to support Front-End Engineering and Design studies for CCUS projects that have the potential to significantly mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. Deadline to submit an Expression of Interest is September 22, 2021.

NSERC has announced the launch of the Applied Research and Technology Partnership grants under the Community Innovation (CCI) program. These grants will allow colleges, CEGEPs and polytechnics across the country to help Canadian small to medium-sized enterprises seize new opportunities by applying innovative research and technologies or developing them into useful new products. Although this opportunity is directed for colleges, co-applicants who have remunerated at or affiliation with an eligible Canadian college or university may be included in an application. Please see the above link for more details, including virtual webinar information dates.

The Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) Program has launched six new challenges under Competitive Projects covering a wide scope of Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces (DND/CAF) needs, including real-time surveillance, rotary blade maintenance, antennas, and greenhouse gas reduction. The IDEaS Program is looking forward to seeing the cutting edge work being developed by innovators for these new challenges. Deadline to apply for any of the new challenges is September 15, 2021.

Supports women pursuing research in STEM2D (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Manufacturing & Design).

NSERC is re-launching a pilot funding opportunity to support investigator-initiated individual and team projects that broadly integrate or transcend disciplines to advance knowledge in the natural sciences and engineering (NSE). The Discovery Horizons grants are expected to be valued from $50K to $100K per year and NSERC is expecting to award approximately 10-20 grants for this pilot year. LOI application is due June 16, 2022 and invited applications are due by October 18, 2022. Kindly click on the funding opportunity link for more details.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is pleased to announce its partnership with the European Commission on a call for research proposals on quantum technologies. The joint EU-Canada projects are expected to address a mix of quantum technology challenges in the areas of quantum communication, computing, simulation and sensing. Under this call, Canada and Europe will each provide up to €4,000,000 (approximately ~C$6,000,000) in funding to support joint research projects. Deadline to apply is October 21, 2021 at 8am PST. Kindly click on the link for more information.

For new research collaborations jointly developed by French and Canadian teams that have never worked together before.

The Leaders Prize offers $1 million to the team that most effectively automates the fact-checking process using artificial intelligence.

Focuses on people and groups who are inspirational in the way they promote science to the general public. The individual recipient will receive an award of $10,000. The winning group will be awarded $25,000 to further science promotion activities. Funds paid to winners of this prize are subject to the PromoScience Grants Guide.

NSERC has announced a new grants program called Alliance Mission Grants. This program is aimed at addressing critical science and technology challenges that can play a pivotal role in Canada's economy. Alliance Mission grants will provide $100,000 to $500,000 per year for two years, to initiate research collaborations between Canada's academic researchers and partners from private, public, and/or not-for-profit organization(s). These grants will cover 100% of the eligible costs of researcher for a two-year period. Project proposals should be focused on addressing challenges that have emerged as a result of the pandemic and/or respond to new economic opportunities. Applicants must be eligible to hold NSERC funds and must hold at least one active peer-reviewed grant from NSERC. Deadline to apply is November 30, 2021 at 5:00p.m. (PST).

The Government of Canada has announced special funding, in the form of supplements to existing research grants, that will provide relief and assistance to research trainees from Ukraine. The Special Response Fund for Trainees (Ukraine) is administered by Canada’s three federal research funding agencies – CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC – and provides support to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers directly impacted by the Russian regime’s invasion of Ukraine. Applications will be accepted using a continuous intake up to December 22, 2022.

The Government of Canada has announced special funding, in the form of supplements to existing research grants, that will provide relief and assistance to research trainees from Ukraine. The Special Response Fund for Trainees (Ukraine) is administered by Canada’s three federal research funding agencies – CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC – and provides support to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers directly impacted by the Russian regime’s invasion of Ukraine. Applications will be accepted using a continuous intake up to December 22, 2022. Kindly click on the above link for details on this opportunity.

The Government of Canada has announced special funding, in the form of supplements to existing research grants, that will provide relief and assistance to research trainees from Ukraine. The Special Response Fund for Trainees (Ukraine) is administered by Canada’s three federal research funding agencies – CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC – and provides support to graduate students and postdoctoral researchers directly impacted by the Russian regime’s invasion of Ukraine. Applications will be accepted using a continuous intake up to December 22, 2022. Kindly click on the above link for details on this opportunity.

Recognizes individuals and organizations who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, integrity, respect and commitment to furthering Reconciliation or inspiring others to continue Reconciliation efforts.

Quantum science and innovation are giving rise to promising advances in communications, computing, materials, sensing, health care, navigation and other key areas. The Government of Canada is committed to helping shape the future of quantum technology by supporting Canada’s quantum sector and establishing leadership in this emerging and transformative domain. The Alliance International Quantum grants will provide support for researchers in Canada to work with international researchers in the academic sector to establish and grow international research collaborations and projects in quantum science and technology. Valued at up to $25,000, the Alliance International Quantum grants will accept applications anytime up until January 31, 2023. NSERC will begin accepting application as of April 1, 2022. Please click on the link abovefor more information.

A 2022 Innovative Approaches to Research for Postpandemic Recovery competition of the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) was launched recently. The goal of this Special Call is to mobilize Canadian-led research efforts in support of a more equitable, sustainable and resilient postpandemic reality. Deadline to submit a NOI is April 26,2022 and full application is due to NFRF by August 9,2022. Kindly click on the above link for details on this opportunity.

The Transition Accelerator, a pan-Canadian registered charity focused on reaching net-zero while solving other societal challenges, is looking to collaborate with researchers across the country interested in developing transformational pathways to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Transition Accelerator is currently accepting applications for this funding opportunity and seeking submissions for projects that can help define credible, compelling, and capable pathways to net-zero across Canada. No formal application form is required, but applicants will need to submit a short project proposal by Monday, May 2, 2022. Maximum award is $20,000. Please click on the link above for further information.

The Canada Biomedical Research Fund (CBRF) is an institutional program administered by the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS) housed at Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) on behalf of the three federal research funding agencies: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and SSHRC. The CBRF is based on an ecosystem approach and is designed to build on existing assets, infrastructure, partnerships, and strengths of institutions and to support targeted investments for maximum impact. The total budget for CBRF is $250 million over four years starting in 2022-2023.

The Millennium Technology Prize celebrates the world’s greatest technological innovations that are crucial in solving global challenges.

The objective of the Transformation stream is to support large-scale, Canadian-led interdisciplinary research projects that address a major challenge with the potential to realize real and lasting change. The challenge may be fundamental, leading to a scientific breakthrough, or applied, with a social, economic, environmental or health impact. Projects are expected to be world-leading, drawing on global research expertise, when relevant.

VPR Major Research Project Application Preparation grants assist SFU faculty members who are applying for major external research grants (e.g., CFI, NCE or SSHRC MCRI or INE). Assistance may take the form of support salaries for personnel needed to prepare application materials, costs of travel required to meet with research collaborators, long-distance telephone/fax charges, etc. These grants do not fund research per se.

Alliance grants encourage university researchers to collaborate with partner organizations, which can be from the private, public or not-for-profit sectors.

The objective of the International stream is to support international research collaborations and position Canada and Canadian researchers as strategic partners at the international level. The New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) 2020 Horizon Global Platform competition provides funding for Canadian researchers who are partners on successful projects funded through eligible calls under the EU Horizon 2020.

This program will build teams to address challenges requiring further research and development for solutions to meet COVID-19 related needs. The NRC will build these teams drawing on internal-to-government capacity and academic researchers who register to indicate their interest, and related areas of expertise and capabilities.

Please see the following important call for project ideas or proposals from Canada's Digital Technology Supercluster for COVID-19 related-research. Further information and questions can be directed to Avi Kapoor, Strategic Partnerships Manager for SFU's Big Data Initiative.

Research Training Awards are designed to foster the development of occupational health and safety research expertise in B.C. These awards are available to highly-qualified graduate students at the master's and doctoral level and their purpose is to enable highly qualified students to undertake full-time research training.

The PICS Opportunity Projects Program provides support for engaged research projects that develop new knowledge and directly facilitate use of that knowledge for climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions. This program is aimed at self-contained projects of less than three years duration and encourages applications involving one or more of the following attributes: innovative and impactful ideas, new entrants to the climate solution generation space or new partnerships between academics and practitioners that may not have developed a prior track record of success.

This grant serves to establish collaboration between German universities and international partners. Applications must be submitted by German researchers. Researchers who have already achieved their doctorates and who are based at a German research institution in Germany or abroad can apply.All disciplines are eligible for the grant.

The goal of the Individual Fellowships is to enhance the creative and innovative potential of experienced researchers, wishing to diversify their individual competence in terms of skill acquisition through advanced training, international and intersectoral mobility. Individual Fellowships provide opportunities to researchers of any nationality to acquire and transfer new knowledge and to work on research and innovation in Europe (EU Member States and Horizon 2020 Associated Countries) and beyond. The scheme particularly supports the return and (re)integration of European researchers from outside Europe and those who have previously worked here, as well as researchers displaced by conflict outside the EU and Horizon 2020 Associated Countries. It also promotes the career restart of individual researchers who show great potential.

Science magazine recognizes the achievements of researchers at all stages of their careers through a variety of prizes and awards.

The New Digital Research Infrastructure Organization has announced their Inaugural Funding Opportunity (IFO) to bridge the gap between the three digital research infrastructure (DRI) pillars (i.e. Advanced Research Computing, Research Data Management, and Research Software). This funding opportunity will provide $100,000 to $3 million for projects that address IFO's key objectives. Letter of Intent submissions will open in May 2021 and only applications selected at the LOI stage will be invited to submit a Full Proposal. For further details please click on the funding opportunity link.

NSERC and the US National Science Foundation are pleased to announce the first joint collaborative research opportunity focusing on discoveries and innovations in the areas of quantum science and artificial intelligence. The work funded through this call is expected to push the boundaries of new knowledge and provide a rich training experience for young researchers. The NSERC-NSF opportunity will support collaborations between members of the research community in both countries through a flexible, streamlined application process. Through a lead agency model, U.S. and Canadian research teams will submit a single collaborative proposal that will undergo a single review process at the NSF, which will be the lead agency. Canadian academic researchers may receive funding from NSERC and U.S. researchers may receive funding from the NSF. Kindly click on the bulletin link for more information.

NSERC has announced a new, permanent funding stream called the Alliance International Grants. This new stream is to support Canadian university researchers working with leading international academic researchers to establish and grow international research collaborations and projects of global importance that will generate benefits to Canada. Alliance International offers two grant types: (1) International Catalyst grants that will provide up to $25,000 for one year to support Canadian researchers in initiating international research collaboration in the NSE disciplines and (2) International Collaboration grants that will provide up to $100,000 per year, for up to 3 years, for Canadian researchers to participate in international projects. There are no deadlines to apply and grants will awarded throughout the year. Click on the link above for more information.