Government of Canada invests in 7,700 world-class researchers and projects across the country

From: Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

News release

Funding supports groundbreaking research in key branches of science, engineering and humanities

March 13, 2024 – Montréal, Quebec 

Canada’s world-class researchers and institutions play a critical role in finding solutions to major challenges and advancing a resilient and sustainable future. Investments in talent, trainees, institutions and infrastructure drive innovation and help create a better future for all Canadians and people around the world.

Today, the Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health, announced support for 7,700 researchers and research projects all across Canada. Over $1.7 billion in funding has been allocated to researchers and students, which reflects the government’s steadfast support for Canada’s research community.

This funding, part of the $16 billion invested in science and research since 2016, is being distributed to recipients through grants, scholarships, fellowships and other programs. It will support the acquisition of the state-of-the-art tools and infrastructure needed by researchers to advance their discoveries and innovations. It will also spur a new generation of researchers in their pursuit of excellence, while building an inclusive research community that reflects Canada’s diversity and promotes an equitable future for all. The investment will also further efforts to attract and retain exceptional talent and promote domestic and international collaboration that strengthens Canada as a global leader in finding solutions to major challenges.

The funding is distributed across the country through:

  • 2022-23 Scholarships and Fellowships – awarding $275 million to 5,762 scholarship and fellowship recipients through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).
  • The Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program – awarding $191 million to 230 new and renewed chairholders at 50 institutions. This includes $8.7 million to CRCs leading 40 research infrastructure projects at 22 institutions, funded by the John R. Evans Leaders Fund through the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).
  • The CFI Innovation Fund – awarding $515.3 million to 32 institutions and 100 projects.
  • SSHRC Insight Development Grants – awarding $35.3 million to 577 emerging and established scholars.
  • 2023–24 Research Support Fund and Incremental Projects Grants administered by the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat – awarding $427 million to 148 Canadian postsecondary institutions.
  • NSERC Alliance Grants – awarding $347 million to 882 university researchers who work with partners in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors.

Quotes

“Congratulations to top-tier researchers who will get a boost through this vital funding to take their projects to the next level. Our Government is proud to support future generations by enabling students and postdoctoral researchers to acquire and hone the skills and knowledge they need to excel in their challenging fields. Their pioneering research will further establish Canada’s position as a global leader in innovation while helping to drive our economy and achieve our shared vision of a brighter, healthier future for all Canadians.”
– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Congratulations to all the recipients of these grants, awards and scholarships. Our government is pleased to invest in your diverse array of health, natural sciences and engineering, and humanities and social sciences research projects. Your ideas, passion, and hard work, as well as the evidence you uncover, will be instrumental in improving the health and quality of life of people in Canada and around the world.”
– The Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health

"When we invest in science and innovation, we are investing in our well-being and prosperity. Our researchers continue to distinguish themselves internationally and, by supporting them, we are helping them to continue to improve our quality of life, fight climate change and inspire the next generation of researchers, here in Quebec, across the country and around the world."
– The Honourable Pablo Rodriguez, Minister of Transport and Quebec Lieutenant

“The breakthroughs and innovations created by Canada’s diverse and talented research community improve the quality of life for Canadians today and for future generations. I am immensely proud that we are able to continue supporting research excellence at all stages, from students all the way through to established leaders. The investments made through these federally funded research programs are vital for developing solutions to our local, national and global challenges, and they will pay dividends for years to come.”
– Engineering Research Council of Canada and Chair of the Canada Research Coordinating Committee

Quick facts

  • The Scholarships and Fellowships programs are administered by Canada’s three federal research granting agencies: the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). Among these programs are:

    • the Canada Graduate Scholarships–Master's program, which helps develop research skills and assist in the training of highly qualified students who demonstrate a high standard of achievement in undergraduate and early graduate studies.
    • the Canada Graduate Scholarships–Doctoral program, which promotes continued excellence in Canadian research by rewarding and retaining high-calibre doctoral students at Canadian institutions.
    • other agency-specific scholarship and fellowship programs supporting doctoral and postdoctoral research trainees.

  • The Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat’s (TIPS) Research Support Fund (RSF) assists Canadian postsecondary institutions with indirect costs associated with managing their research enterprise, helping them maintain a world-class research environment. The Incremental Projects Grants (IPG) stream within RSF was launched in 2018 and provides further support to help offset the indirect costs of research for projects across IPG priority areas. 

  • SSHRC Insight Development Grants build knowledge and understanding about people, societies and the world by supporting research excellence in the social sciences and humanities.

  • NSERC Alliance Grants encourage university researchers to collaborate with partner organizations from private, public and not-for-profit sectors. The grants support research projects led by strong, complementary, collaborative teams that will generate new knowledge and accelerate the application of research results to benefit Canada.

  • The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) invests in research infrastructure at Canadian universities, colleges, research hospitals and non-profit research institutions, equipping researchers with the tools they need to be global leaders. CFI’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund helps institutions attract and retain researchers and provides support for the Canada Research Chairs Program. CFI’s Innovation Fund provides ongoing investments in infrastructure across the full spectrum of research.

Associated links

Contacts

Audrey Champoux
Press Secretary and Senior Communications Advisor
Office of the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
audrey.champoux@ised-isde.gc.ca

Media Relations
Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
media@ised-isde.gc.ca

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