Research Funding Opportunities

NSERC Discovery Horizon Grants

Discovery Horizons grants support investigator-initiated individual and team projects that broadly integrate or transcend disciplines to advance knowledge in the natural sciences and engineering (NSE). All full applications submitted to NSERC’s Discovery Horizons pilot program will be reviewed by the Tri-agency Interdisciplinary Peer Review Committee (TAIPR). In the context of this funding opportunity, the term “interdisciplinary” should be understood to fully encompass all research that connects, crosses or falls in between the traditional disciplines of the three agencies (NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR), including transdisciplinary, multidisciplinary, convergence research and other approaches at the interface.

An eligible proposal must meet both of the following criteria: (i) its primary objective must be to advance knowledge in the NSE; and (ii) it must integrate or transcend disciplines in ways that would significantly benefit from peer review by a tri-agency interdisciplinary peer review committee. Proposals that solely rely on the use of existing NSE methods and/or tools, while not advancing knowledge within an NSE field are not eligible for Discovery Horizons.

Individuals are only allowed to hold or apply for one Discovery Horizons grant as either an applicant or co-applicant. Individuals participating in a Discovery Horizons grant as an applicant or co-applicant cannot hold both a Discovery Grant and a Discovery Horizons grant.

*Upcoming webinars*

French session: May 20, 8:00 - 9:30 a.m. (MT)
Teams Meeting ID: 242 097 223 561 0; Passcode: XX6yz6Ft

English session: May 20, 10:00 - 11:30 a.m. (MT)
Teams Meeting ID: 285 474 938 639 5; Passcode: Tg9cC7D

• Amount: $50,000–$100,000 per year (dependent on team size); up to 5 years
• UCVM Internal Deadline — Letter of Intent: June 6, 2025 at 12:00 p.m.
• RSO funding opportunity posting

For more information, please contact Katie Cupello.

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NFRF 2025 Exploration Competition

The goal of the Exploration stream is to support high risk (meaning novel approach), high reward and interdisciplinary research. Exploration grants support research that pushes boundaries into exciting new areas. Researchers are encouraged to think “outside of the box” and undertake research that would defy current paradigms; bring disciplines together in unexpected ways and from bold, innovative perspectives; and has the potential to be disruptive or deliver game-changing impacts. 

Exploration grants are valued at up to $125,000/year for 2 years ($100,000/year in direct costs). The competition has two stages: a mandatory Notice of Intent (NOI) and full application.

Research Services will offer a Building and Presenting EDI Plans for New Frontiers Research Fund webinar May 20, 2025, 12:00 – 1:30 pm. Registration is required.

Research Services will offer Test Your Concept sessions on the NFRF Exploration competition May 27 – June 12 (TBD). To register for one of the TYC sessions, contact ipd@ucalgary.ca by 9:00 am May 16 (TBC).

NFRF will be hosting webinars on Exploration 2025: Notification of Intent to Apply (NOI) as follows (links to join on the competition webpage):

French:            May 22, 2025, 8:00 – 10:00 am MST

English:         May 22, 2025, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm MST

The NFRF Exploration 2025 internal timeline is attached.

Webinar recordings and slide decks are typically distributed within days after they are held and will be posted here once available.

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NSERC Alliance International Pause

NSERC is temporarily pausing the intake of applications to the Alliance International Collaboration grants program as of May 20, 2025, at 8:00 pm (ET) to review and refine objectives and optimize processes. The intake of Alliance International Collaboration grants applications is expected to re-open by winter of 2025-26. The intake of Alliance International Collaboration grants applications is expected to re-open by winter of 2025-26. Please note the new RSO internal deadline below. 

Award Amount & Duration: $100,000/year for 1-3 years

Internal RSO deadline: Noon on May 14^th, 2025

Additional resources: 

For more information about the internal process for applying to this competition, please visit the funding calendar.

Contact: Alisha Kadam

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Schedule RMS Training before your application is due

The RMS team is pleased to offer regular training sessions for RMS (Research Management System). Proactive training in RMS is encouraged, particularly in advance of the Fall grant season. Training is open to new users and existing users looking for a refresher: 

How to create an LOI/Application: 

• Every Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 am – 11:30 am
• Every Thursday, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Email rms@ucalgary.ca to schedule training for yourself or your team. 

RMS Training  

What is RMS?

RMS (Research Management System) manages the pre-award (LOI and Application) and post-award stages for research grants. Throughout the grants life-cycle, RMS interfaces with other UCalgary systems, such as IRISS and PeopleSoft, to provide a seamless process for grants and awards management, eliminate re-keying of data and heightened transparency into the status of applications at any time.

Learn more about RMS at research.ucalgary.ca/rms.

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PASSIONATE ABOUT ADVANCING ANIMAL HEALTH? APPLY TODAY AND SHARE YOUR EXPERTISE!

Morris Animal Foundation is seeking scientific experts in the animal health community to serve on our Animal Health Advisory Council (AHAC) and Scientific Advisory Boards, helping to select the best scientific projects to move veterinary medicine and wildlife health forward.

To learn more and apply to join, please visit our AHAC page. If you are interested in serving on a topic-specific board, please be sure to note that where prompted in the application.

Expertise needs change based on proposal topics and active grant review requirements. The Scientific Programs team continually queries the database and reaches out to members for potential roles when new opportunities arise.

LEARN MORE & APPLY

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The Research Community Digest is a quarterly communication designed to keep you, our UCalgary research community, informed about important updates and activities from the Office of the Vice-President (Research) and its portfolio of units.

Missed the first issue of the Research Community Digest? View it here.

Subscribe for frequent updates

• Subscribe to receive all research community updates

Subscribe to receive weekly e-mails on funding opportunities

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Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC)

On January 16, 2024 the Government of Canada announced its new policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC).

The policy will apply to all grant applications submitted to the federal granting agencies – the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) – that involve research advancing a sensitive technology area. 

The policy will apply to all federal granting calls announced on or after May 1, 2024.

Safeguarding your Research

If you have questions regarding the new STRAC (Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern) policy or the Risk Assessment Form required by Tri-Agencies, please visit the UCalgary Research Security SharePoint site.  The Research Security team has created reference documents to help researchers with these new requirements as well as many other resources to safeguard your research.  

Guides: 

20240528-Guide to Risk Assessment Form-v3 FINAL.pdf

20240501 - Complying with STRAC - A Guidebook for UCalgary Researchers - Final.pdf

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New Research Security Services

The Research Security Division is here to help you safeguard your work from unwanted access, theft, and misuse. There are three teams to support you – Outreach & Education, Due Diligence, and Compliance & Special Investigations. 

Reach out to researchsecurity@ucalgary.ca for information about:

• Partner vetting and assessing sensitive research areas for risk
• Assistance with Risk Assessment Forms
• Personalized travel and security briefings
• Workshops and information sessions
• Guidance on controlled goods, export controls, and sanctions
• Guidance on new policy on Sensitive Technology Research & Affiliations of Concern

Visit the Research Security website for important policy updates and links to resources.

Access Research Security resources

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Research Funding Alerts from Brain Canada Foundation

In the coming months, Brain Canada will be launching their first Social Innovation research program in Traumatic Brain Injury, with opportunities for health economics analysis, process analysis, evidence-based best practices based on current evidence, and other topics requiring skills and expertise beyond neuroscience. In the future, they may be launching more social innovation programs on different brain related topics.

Join Brain Canada’s mailing list and be among the first to receive email funding alerts by clicking here.

Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) — Accelerating Agricultural Innovations (AAI) 2.0

Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) is delivering Accelerating Agricultural Innovations (AAI) 2.0 under a Program Administrator Agreement with the Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI). Sustainable CAP is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5 billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

RDAR invites eligible applicants to submit Letters of Intent (LOIs) that support research projects that demonstrate and accelerate the farm-gate adoption of agricultural innovations and processes for the livestock and crop industries in Alberta. All AAI 2.0 research projects must: (i) contain a ‘Final Mile’ Plan, a clear research extension plan to show how research outcomes will reach Alberta’s producers on-farm, either directly or through ancillary service providers (e.g. veterinarians); and (ii) clearly demonstrate how results of the project will benefit producers and/or value-chain partners.

RDAR will accept Letters of Intent (LOIs) on a continual basis.

• Amount: There is no stated maximum; however, there are certain cost-sharing parameters.
• UCVM Internal Deadline: at least 6 business days (by noon) ahead of submission to RDAR
• RSO funding opportunity information

For more information, please contact Katie Cupello.

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Grant applications are now being accepted by the Government of Alberta for the Resiliency and Public Trust Program (Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation) which enables stakeholders to gain resiliency and build public trust in Alberta’s agriculture and agri-food sectors. Priority areas to increase resiliency and public trust include: animal health, animal welfare, biosecurity, food safety, livestock traceability, and more. Details can be found on their website Resiliency and Public Trust Program | Alberta.ca 

UCVM internal deadline: at least 6 business days prior to submission to GoA.

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Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) 2024 Open Competition

This program supports collaborative activities that will bridge the gap between the development of new innovations in agriculture and their adoption in the commercial space. CAAIN is seeking applications for research and innovation projects that: advance the development, use, and value of automation and robotics in agri-food production and primary processing; support the creation of data-based decision-making tools that can be applied to improve knowledge, reduce risk or optimize production; and/or contribute to the implementation of a smart farm platform or smart farm networks. All proposals must Be developing a digital technology or operating a Canadian smart farm focused on the production of a recognized agri-food product or addressing a specific Canadian agricultural challenge.

CAAIN will reimburse projects up to 40% of the Total Eligible Supported Expenses. Projects must include cash contributions from at least two small or medium enterprises (SMEs) incorporated in Canada. Financial contributions from governmental sources (including post-secondary institutions) and in-kind contributions are not eligible to match the CAAIN contribution.

The competition consists of three stages: (i) Project Application Form (PAF); (ii) Expression of Interest (EOI); and (iii) Full Project Proposal (FPP). Only the Full Project Proposal requires internal approvals collected via RMS and Research Services review.

CAAIN will accept early submissions of the PAF until August 9, 2024. Subsequent submissions will be accepted on a continuous basis thereafter.

• Amount: up to $3M per project; 1 year
• UCVM Internal Deadline for Full Project Proposal: at least 6 business days ahead of submission to CAAIN (at 12:00 pm)
• RSO funding opportunity posting

For more information, please contact Katie Cupello.

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Alberta Innovates Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) Grants

The Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) program leverages the research industry partnerships programs offered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). Stream II is for applicants from Alberta Universities who are applying to, or have already been awarded, an NSERC Alliance Advantage grant or NSERC Alliance Quantum grant (in response to Call for proposals: Advancing the industrial readiness of quantum sensing technologies). CASBE aims to facilitate Alberta small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adopt emerging technologies in Alberta’s research and commercialization priorities to diversify their technological services and/or products with the support of post-secondary institutions.

Individual proposals can request at up to $150,000 per year from Alberta Innovates, depending on the amount requested from NSERC. The maximum length of the CASBE funds will be 2 years regardless of the original length of the project supported by NSERC, which could be 1-5 years. There must be at least one Alberta SME included as a partner, and industry partner(s) are expected to provide cash and in-kind contributions.

This is a continuous intake program. We recommend that you apply first to NSERC Alliance and then, if successful, to AI CASBE; however, the option remains to apply first to AI and then NSERC.

• Amount: max. $150,000 per year (Alberta Innovates portion); max. 2 years
• UCVM Internal Deadline (full application): at least 6 business days before submission to Alberta Innovates
• RSO funding opportunity posting

For more information, please contact Katie Cupello.

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Alberta Innovates Advance Program Stream II (General – NSERC Alliance)

The Advance Program Stream II (General - NSERC Alliance) is a partnership between Alberta Innovates and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Project funding is intended to help bridge the gap between academic research and technology validation (within TRLs 2-4). Projects will advance an idea toward developing a technological solution with an envisioned future market opportunity. 

PIs must hold an NSERC peer-reviewed grant when they apply and meet NSERC eligibility criteria when applying and when funding is released. PIs cannot hold more than one Advance Stream II (General) grant simultaneously, and only one application per PI is permitted per fiscal year. The 2024-2025 call targets the following four emerging technology areas: internet of things (IoT)/machine-to-machine systems; advanced data management and analytics; cybersecurity; and quantum computing. Partner organizations are not permitted in this program.

Advance Stream II is a joint funding opportunity between AI Advance and NSERC Alliance grants. The maximum amount is $150,000 per year for up to 2 years. AI will contribute a maximum of $100,000 per year. NSERC will match the AI contribution at a ratio of 50% to a maximum of $50,000 per year.

Stream II application inquiries (pre-intake stage) will be received on a continuous intake basis until application capacity for the current fiscal year has been reached.

• Amount: up to $150,000 per year; max. 2 years
• UCVM Internal Deadline for Intake Stage/LOI: at least 6 business days ahead of submission to Alberta Innovates (at 12:00 pm)
• RSO funding opportunity posting

For more information, please contact Katie Cupello.

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NSERC Alliance Advantage

Alliance Advantage grants (formerly Alliance cost-sharing option 1) are for partner-driven projects. They fund projects focused on the partners’ goals, with at least one partner sharing in the costs of research

Award amount and duration: $20,000 to $1 million per year for 1-5 years

Deadline: Rolling Intake

Applicant Eligibility: General NSERC eligibility requirements. 

Partner Organization Eligibility: Check Partner organization self-assessment tool; Partner organizations can be private, public or not-for-profit. Cash and in-kind contributions from Partner Organization(s) required. 

RSO Guide for applying: Guide available at this link. 

Recent update: NSERC is pausing the intake of requests for extensions with additional funds, as of February 27, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. (ET).  Until further notice, NSERC will not consider requests for additional one-year funding for existing Alliance Advantage grants beyond this deadline.   

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NSERC Alliance Society

In addition to the requirements to the above Advantage stream, applications submitted under the Society steam must address a societal challenge that will result in new natural sciences and engineering knowledge and societal impact.

Award amount and duration: $20,000 to $1 million per year for 1-5 years

Deadline: Rolling Intake

Applicant Eligibility: General NSERC eligibility requirements.

Partner Organization Eligibility: Check Partner organization self-assessment tool; Partner organizations can be private, public or not-for-profit. In-kind contributions from Partner Organization(s) required.

RSO Guide for applying: Guide available at this link.

For more information, please reach out to Alisha Kadam.

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Agriculture & Environment Program - Continuous Intake 

The Alberta Innovates Agriculture and Environment Program aims to support the development and advancement of technologies and knowledge to reduce costs, increase productivity, enhance competitiveness, boost the value of agriculture and forestry commodities, and reduce the environmental footprint (including GHGs) associated with natural resource development. 

Focus areas within the scope of this program include (1) Agriculture & Food Innovation; (2) Bioindustrial & Circular Innovation; and (3) Environmental Innovation.

• 50% of total project costs up to a max. of $750,000; max. 4 years
• This is a two-stage competition with a rolling deadline. RSO approval is only needed for stage two (full application). The UCVM internal deadline is 6 business days ahead of the intended submission to Alberta Innovates.
• RSO funding opportunity posting

For more information, please contact Haley Leavitt.

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Call for Collaborative Research Projects on the Brain 

Brain Canada Foundation (Brain Canada) and CQDM are joining forces to support interprovincial collaborative biopharmaceutical research and development (R&D) projects on the brain. This partnership creates a unique funding opportunity that brings together experts from academia and industry to support the development of platforms, tools and biopharmaceuticals that will pave the way for new advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders. Note: Overhead costs are not supported for this grant.

Award amount and duration: Up to CAD $1,000,000 for up to 3 years

Intent to Apply Deadline: May 21, 2025 – 3:00 PM 

NOTE: The Intent to Apply deadline is not competitive and does not require submission via RMS. The full application does require an RMS record to facilitate internal approvals. 

UCVM Final Internal Deadline: May 20, 2025 - 12:00 PM (full application in RMS)

Agency Deadline: May 28, 2025 - 3:00 PM (full application) 

Please contact samantha.mcewan@ucalgary.ca for questions. 

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Burroughs Wellcome Fund Climate + Health Excellence Centers (CHEX)

• Amount: up to $2 million USD per year over 5 years (max. $10 million)
• An internal Notice of Intent (iNOI) must be submitted to Katie Cupello in Research Services by May 20, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.

The Climate + Health Excellence Centers (CHEX) award is a new institutional research and training opportunity that will help institutions bridge the gaps between fields that will have important roles to play in understanding the impacts of climate change on human health and diminishing their effects. Creating new lines of research connecting climate change and human health will be the focal priority for the programs that are funded. Supported centers are expected to both launch what will become long-lasting research partnerships and to have well-planned training and post-graduate training components.

Institutions are limited to one application per competition. As such, an internal selection stage may be required if multiple applications are brought forward for submission to the competition. Submission of an iNOI is mandatory. Further details about our internal submission process for the CHEX program will be provided at a later date to those who submit an iNOI.

For more information, please refer to the Research Opportunities Database.

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2025 Funding Competitions Lotte and John Hecht Memorial Foundation 

In 2025, the Lotte & John Hecht Memorial Foundation will hold two rounds of competitions for proof-of-principle basic science/preclinical proposals in the field of cancer research. The Foundation is looking to support non-mainstream hypotheses and non-conservative projects which do not fit traditional funding mechanisms and have not received previous grants/awards. This opportunity is intended to attract emerging ideas which are high risk/-high reward and for which preliminary data is not required. Accordingly, proposal hypotheses must be based on extensive literature review and logical substantiation. 

Value: up to $450,000 over three years

UCVM Internal Deadline for EOI Fall Competition: August 7, 2025 at noon

UCVM Internal Deadline for Full Application, Fall Competition: September 22, 2025 at noon

Contact: Stephanie Patrick 

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Transdisciplinary Connector Grants

This new program is designed to promote initiatives that enable UCalgary teams to explore questions, challenges and opportunities that demand a transdisciplinary approach. Connector funding s distinguished from other forms of support such as start-up or bridge funding by its focus on fostering new connections among scholars, trainees, and external partners.

Transdisciplinary Connector Grants are offered in two streams – Initiating and Consolidating.

Value:   Initiating stream: up to $10,000 Consolidating stream: up to $20,000

Duration:  Initiating stream: 6 months Consolidating stream: 12 months

see terms of reference for more information

Deadlines    

Recurring annually on:

• June 1 (UCVM internal deadline: noon on May 27, 2025)
• October 1
• February 1

**NOTE: UCVM deadline is 3 business days prior to the above RSO deadlines.**

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VPR Catalyst Grants

UCalgary's internal VPR Catalyst Grants program asks researchers to think boldly and strategically to maximize the impact of downstream funding.

VPR Catalyst Grants will prioritize those who present a winning research context, including aspects such as mentorship, strong collaborators, and knowledge engagement partnerships.

• Designed to catalyze research initiatives that will lead to substantial external funding
• Intended to support early-stage research activities
• Value: $1,000 - $15,000
• Duration: Catalyst funds should be used within 6 months
• Deadlines: 3 intake dates per year (NOTE: UCVM internal deadline is 3 Business Days before the RSO intake deadline dates)

Recurring annually on: 

• June 1 (UCVM Deadline: noon on May 27, 2025)
• October 1 
• June 1

Apply Now

For questions and more information about Catalyst Grants, please contact vpr.catalyst@ucalgary.ca

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2025 ‘A’ Award Grant

The purpose of the ‘A’ Award Grant is to advance ALSF’s mission to find cures and better treatments for childhood cancers by providing support to early career scientists who want to establish a career in pediatric oncology research. The ideal applicant has an original project that is not currently being funded. Demonstration of a future commitment to pediatric cancer investigation as well as institutional support for the career development of the investigator are
critical components of a successful application. A mentor is required, and a career development plan must be included. Note: Indirect costs are not supported for this grant. 

Award amount and duration:  $800,000 USD in direct costs over four years

UCVM Final Internal Deadline: June 6, 2025 - 12:00 PM

Agency Deadline: June 16, 2025 - 6:00 PM

Please contact samantha.mcewan@ucalgary.ca for questions. 

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Team Grant: Bringing Biology to Cancer Prevention

The Team Grants: Bringing Biology to Cancer Prevention aims to unite interdisciplinary research teams to advance the biological and mechanistic understanding of cancer etiology, genesis, and risk, linked with host, lifestyle, environmental, social, and other factors, to identify new targets and approaches for cancer prevention, risk reduction, and early detection. Collaborations between traditional cancer prevention researchers (e.g., population and public health researchers, epidemiologists, social scientists) and those from other disciplines (e.g., biologists, immunologists, geneticists, drug developers) or who are new to the field are strongly encouraged. Collectively, these research teams will develop and disseminate evidence-based solutions to enable improvements in cancer prevention, risk reduction, and early detection at the individual and/or population-level.

• Registration: due directly to CIHR via ResearchNet on April 1, 2025
• Full application: UCVM Internal Deadline is 12 p.m. noon on June 11, 2025

Webinar

CIHR will be hosting a webinar to support interested applicants with the requirements of this funding opportunity and to answer questions related to the application process.

When: January 29, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. MT | Register
When: February 5, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. MT | Register
Duration: 90 minutes

Contact: Lindsey Hritzuk 

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CIHR: Planning and Dissemination Grants – ICS (Summer 2025)

The Planning and Dissemination Grants are intended to provide support for planning and/or dissemination activities (either virtual or in-person) consistent with the mandate of CIHR and relevant to CIHR Institutes and Initiatives.

This funding opportunity is not intended to support the direct cost of research (e.g., pilot projects, feasibility studies, or operating grants), principal and co-investigator salaries or research equipment. Primary research or primary data collection will not be supported through this funding opportunity. Any activity that may be perceived as such should be justified (e.g., surveying individuals for the purpose of the project).

• Full application: UCVM Internal Deadline is 12pm noon on June 11, 2025

Contact: Lindsey Hritzuk

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2025 Stars Career Development Awards

The Stars Career Development award helps establish the career of early career investigators. This salary award and research funding represents a three-year commitment by Arthritis Society Canada, together with an additional three-year commitment by the applicant’s Host Institution. 

Consult your department and/or Faculty early to ensure they can support your application, as this award requires significant confirmed resources and their eligibility requirements for supporting your application may differ from a standard research grant.

• Abstract registration is required and must be submitted by May 13, 2025 through the Arthritis Society’s online research grant portal - the registration phase will NOT require an RMS record, only the full application.
• The UCVM final internal deadline for the full application  is noon on June 18, 2025. 

For more information, please see the Research Opportunities Database

Contact: Maryam Tahir, Grants and Awards Specialist 

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Arthritis Society Canada 2025 Ignite Innovation Grant

The goal of the Ignite Innovation program is to support the development and testing of transformative, paradigm-shifting, concepts and approaches to address critical barriers to progress in arthritis research, challenge our understanding of arthritis and its management, and generate novel approaches to confront the challenges we face in defeating arthritis and delivering the best evidence-informed care possible. The program intends to foster novel, high-potential projects and ideas that could be expanded in the future through additional funding sources (i.e., successful operating grants, industry partnership programs, cross discipline funding opportunities, etc.).

Amount: up to $50,000 per year for up to 2 years ($100,000 total)

Registration Deadline (no RMS submission required): Tuesday, May 14, 2025 at 3PM Mountain time

UCVM Internal Deadline for Full Application: June 19, 2025 at noon

For more information, please contact Stephanie Patrick

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Team Grant: ERDERA Joint Transnational Call 2025

CIHR-IG is pleased to be partnering with approximately 34 international funding organizations in the context of this European Rare Diseases Research Alliance (ERDERA) Joint Transnational Call (JTC) 2025. CIHR-IG is committed to expanding and improving the diagnosis and treatment of rare diseases by creating the conditions needed to bring together creative, dynamic, interdisciplinary teams of researchers from across Canada and the European Community (EC) to collaborate for better health outcome for the rare disease patient community.

The topic of the call is pre-clinical therapy studies for rare diseases using small molecules and biologicals – development and validation.

Projects should focus on a group of rare diseases or on a single rare disease if there is no valid rationale/evidence for the benefit of grouping diseases. If focusing on a single rare disease, applicants must clearly specify why working on a group of rare diseases is not appropriate. The classification of rare diseases follows the European definition, i.e. a disease affecting not more than five in 10,000 persons in the European Community, EC associated states, and Canada.

The application process for this funding opportunity is comprised of four (4) steps for Canada-based applicants: 1a) Pre-Proposal to ERDERA; 1b) Pre-Proposal to CIHR; 2a) Full Proposal to ERDERA; and 2b) Full Proposal to CIHR.

• Pre-proposal: RSO Internal Deadline is 12 p.m. February 14, 2025
• Full application: UCVM Internal Deadline is 12 p.m. noon on July 8, 2025

Contact: Lindsey Hritzuk 

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Arthritis Society Canada 2025 Strategic Operating Grant

The Strategic Operating Grant (SOG) program provides funding to support research proposals aligned with Arthritis Society Canada's priorities. Arthritis Society Canada’s Strategic Plan 2020-2027: Accelerating Impact - Research Strategy aims to identify research avenues that focus on areas of highest priority to patients and achieve the highest levels of scientific excellence and rigour. 

Amount: up to $150,000 per year for up to 3 years ($450,000 total)

UCVM Internal Deadline for LOI: Tuesday April 1, 2025 at noon

UCVM Internal Deadline for Full Application: August 22, 2025 at noon

For more information, please contact Stephanie Patrick

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Alberta Innovates Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) Grants

The Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) program leverages the research industry partnerships programs offered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). Stream II is for applicants from Alberta Universities who are applying to, or have already been awarded, NSERC Alliance or NSERC Alliance Quantum grants. CASBE aims to facilitate Alberta small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adopt emerging technologies in Alberta’s research and commercialization priorities to diversify their technological services and/or products with the support of post-secondary institutions.

Individual proposals can request at least $20,000 and up to $150,000 per year from Alberta Innovates and at least $20,000 per year from NSERC. The maximum length of the CASBE funds will be 2 years regardless of the original length of the project supported by NSERC, which could be 1-5 years. There must be at least one Alberta SME included as a partner, and industry partner(s) are expected to provide cash and in-kind contributions.

This is a continuous intake program. Alberta Innovates and NSERC recommend that the applicant applies first to the CASBE program and then, if recommended, submit the completed AI CASBE–NSERC joint application to NSERC for funding consideration. Researchers who have received Alliance or Alliance Quantum awards in the previous 12 months are eligible to apply to the CASBE program.

• Amount: $20,000-$150,000 per year (Alberta Innovates portion); max. 2 years
• UCVM Internal Deadline (full application): at least 6 business days before submission to Alberta Innovates
• RSO funding opportunity information

For more information, please contact Katie Cupello.

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Alberta Innovates Advance Program Stream II (General - NSERC Alliance)

The Advance Stream II (General - NSERC Alliance) program is a partnership between Alberta Innovates and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). Project funding is intended to help bridge the gap between academic research and technology validation (within TRLs 2-4). Projects will advance an idea toward developing a technological solution with an envisioned future market opportunity.

PIs must hold an NSERC peer-reviewed grant when they apply and meet NSERC eligibility criteria when applying and when funding is released. PIs cannot hold more than one Advance Stream II (General) grant simultaneously, and only one application per PI is permitted per fiscal year. The 2023-2024 call targets the following four emerging technology areas: internet of things (IoT)/machine-to-machine systems; advanced data management and analytics; cybersecurity; and quantum computing.

Advance Stream II is a joint funding opportunity between AI Advance and NSERC Alliance grants. The maximum amount is $150,000 per year for up to 2 years. AI will contribute a maximum of $100,000 per year. NSERC will match the AI contribution at a ratio of 50% to a maximum of $50,000 per year.

This is a continuous intake program. Applications are reviewed and evaluated until the annual budget is allocated.

RSO has created a flowchart for the application submission process. This resource is available online using the following link:  https://research.ucalgary.ca/conduct-research/funding/apply-grants/external-grants/alberta-innovate.

• Amount: up to $150,000 per year; max. 2 years
• UCVM Internal Deadline (full application): at least 6 business days before submission to Alberta Innovates

For more information, please contact Katie Cupello.

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Genome Canada is launching a targeted genomic initiative, Genomic Monitoring of Pathogens in Water (GeMPaW) to strengthen, complement and add value to existing pathogen monitoring efforts in Canada. There is $10M available from Genome Canada to support three GeMPaW funding opportunities including the Community Coordination and Collaboration Hub (C3 Hub), regional monitoring projects, and Indigenous-led monitoring in northern, remote or isolated communities. More information can be found here.

NOTE: UCVM internal deadline is 6 business days prior to agency deadlines.

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ASPCA Open-Access Publishing Fund (OAPF)

The ASPCA is pleased to announce a new funding opportunity to support research that advances animal welfare. The ASPCA Open-Access Publishing Fund (OAPF) is designed to support the dissemination of results of innovative and impactful animal welfare research. The program will subsidize article processing charges for selected articles, up to $5,000 per article. OAPF funds apply to publication and processing fees for open-access, scholarly, peer-reviewed articles.

The ASPCA invites applications from any field, as long as the research has direct and compelling relevance to animal welfare, with application in the United States (USA). Applicants must be citizens or residents of the United States or Canada.

Applicants may be independent researchers or a part of any of the following:

• Public or private academic institutions
• Other research institutions whether public or private
• Animal welfare organizations, human service organizations, etc.
• Government agencies

Applicants may hold any role in their institutions/organizations--including, but not limited to, academic faculty, research scientists, research scholars, and graduate or undergraduate students working on mentored research projects.

Applicants may be successfully funded by the program only once per calendar year as the primary author with funds being directly dispersed to the publisher.

• Amount: Up to $5,000 per article
• RSO Internal Deadline (full application): Ongoing Submissions

For more information, please contact Chantal Lemire.

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Alberta Innovates Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) Grants

The Campus Alberta Small Business Engagement (CASBE) program leverages the research industry partnerships programs offered by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC). Stream II is for applicants from Alberta Universities who are applying to, or have already been awarded, NSERC Alliance or NSERC Alliance Quantum grants. CASBE aims to facilitate Alberta small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to adopt emerging technologies in Alberta’s research and commercialization priorities to diversify their technological services and/or products with the support of post-secondary institutions.

Individual proposals can request at least $20,000 and up to $150,000 per year from Alberta Innovates and at least $20,000 per year from NSERC. The maximum length of the CASBE funds will be 2 years regardless of the original length of the project supported by NSERC, which could be 1-5 years. There must be at least one Alberta SME included as a partner, and industry partner(s) are expected to provide cash and in-kind contributions.

This is a continuous intake program. Alberta Innovates and NSERC recommend that the applicant applies first to the CASBE program and then, if recommended, submit the completed AI CASBE NSERC joint application to NSERC for funding consideration. Researchers who have received Alliance or Alliance Quantum awards in the previous 12 months are eligible to eligible to apply to the CASBE program.

RSO has created flowcharts for the application submission process, a list of required attachments for CASBE, and a sample CASBE budget. These resources are available online using the following link: https://research.ucalgary.ca/conduct-research/funding/apply-grants/external-grants/alberta-innovate.

• Amount: $20,000-$150,000 per year (Alberta Innovates portion); max. 2 years
• UCVM Internal Deadline (full application): at least 6 business days before submission to Alberta Innovates

For more information, please contact Katie Cupello.

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Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership

Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation officials are preparing for a smooth transition between the current Canadian Agricultural Partnership and the new Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership with programs now accepting applications.

Programs under Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership will continue to be available to farmers, ranchers, agri-processors, agri-businesses, industry associations and groups, post-secondary institutions, research organizations and agricultural municipalities.

S-CAP funds are available through RDAR's Accelerating Agricultural Innovations program.

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Found Animals offers Michelson Grants of up to $750,000 USD for research in pursuit of a single-dose, permanent, nonsurgical sterilization method for dogs and cats. To qualify for a Michelson Grant, a proposed project must pursue a technology, mechanism, or pathway representing an innovative approach to nonsurgical spay/neuter. The first step to apply for a Michelson Grant is submission of a brief letter of intent.

The Michelson Prize is an incentivized prize challenge that will award $25 million to the first entity to provide Found Animals with a low-cost, permanent, nonsurgical sterilant for companion animals. 

Download Flyer

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Morris Animal Foundation

To address critical animal health issues and underfunded areas of research, our grant opportunities have increased both in number and scope.

Check web site for Request for Proposals calendar. NOTE: Allow 6 business days in advance of the MAF deadline for internal approvals.

Summary of Current Opportunities:

Wildlife Health: Any relevant wildlife health topic
       MAF Deadline: August 14, 2024 (UCVM internal deadline: noon on Aug 7)

Equid Health: Any relevant equid health topic
       MAF Deadline: June 19, 2024 (UCVM internal deadline: noon on June 14)

Feline Health - Any relevant feline health topic
MAF Deadline: October 2, 2024 (UCVM internal deadline: noon on September 24)

Canine Osteosarcoma 

• Application period open September 4 — November 13 (UCVM deadline: noon on November 4)
• For Established Investigator, Pilot Study, First Award Applicants only
• Topics are limited to canine osteosarcoma, with preference for furthering therapeutics.

To explore research opportunities using GRLS data, including genetic information, visit our Data Commons database.
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Applications are submitted through the Research Management System (RMS).  A link to RMS can be found here which includes training resources.  Please note, when the RMS record is submitted to Research Services by the internal deadline, it should contain all the relevant Department and Faculty approvals.  If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you will need to secure additional late approvals from your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) and the Executive Director, Research Services.

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Schedule RMS Training before your application is due

The RMS team is pleased to offer regular training sessions for RMS (Research Management System). Proactive training in RMS is encouraged, particularly in advance of the Fall grant season. Training is open to new users and existing users looking for a refresher: 

How to create an LOI/Application:

•  
  • Every Tuesday and Wednesday, 10 am – 11:30 am
  • Every Thursday, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm

Approver training:

•  
  • By request

Email rms@ucalgary.ca to schedule training for yourself or your team. 

RMS Training 

What is RMS?

RMS (Research Management System) manages the pre-award (LOI and Application) and post-award stages for research grants. Throughout the grants life-cycle, RMS interfaces with other UCalgary systems, such as IRISS and PeopleSoft, to provide a seamless process for grants and awards management, eliminate re-keying of data and heightened transparency into the status of applications at any time.

Learn more about RMS at research.ucalgary.ca/rms.

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For more information on these and other Funding Opportunities, please visit our Research Opportunities Database.

CIHR Q&A Sessions on Award Programs – Register Now!

We are pleased to announce that CIHR will be hosting two MS Teams Q&A sessions for trainees, postdoctoral researchers, and institutional staff to provide information about CIHR’s award programs.

Each session will begin with a brief overview of our programs, followed by an open Q&A where participants’ questions will take center stage. 

 Session Details:

Tuesday, June 10, 2025 1:00 p.m. ET English Session  Register Here

Thursday, June 12, 2025 1:00 p.m. ET French Session Register Here

Don't miss this opportunity to engage directly with the CIHR team and get your questions answered.
Register today!

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2025 Mitacs Accelerate Rolling Deadline

• Amount: $60,000/year of matched funding for up to 3 years 
• Internal Deadline: rolling

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2025 Killam Postdoctoral Fellowship

The Killam Postdoctoral Fellowship provides the postdoctoral scholar with the opportunity to pursue advanced training at the University of Calgary, engage in innovative research, and contribute to the activities of the host unit. The program promotes interdisciplinary collaboration and helps fellows establish leadership roles within academia and beyond.

The fellowship is open to all faculties and research areas. Only one fellowship is awarded annually. Applicants must have completed their PhD or equivalent within three years (36 months) preceding the expected fellowship start date.

Award: $50,000 per year for two years and a one-time $6,000 research allowance

Deadline: Monday, May 5, 2025

Contact: fellowships@ucalgary.ca

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Human Frontiers Science Program (HSFP) Fellowship - The HFSP fellowship program supports proposals for frontier, potentially transformative research in the life sciences. Applications for high-risk projects are encouraged. HFSP postdoctoral fellowships encourage early career scientists to broaden their research skills by moving into new areas of study while working in a new country.

Amount: $69,900 CAD - $72,228 CAD over 3 years with a yearly research and travel allowance of $9,552 CAD

Deadline: LOI must be initiated by May 7, 2025

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Health System Impact Fellowship Information Webinar 

Are you a postdoctoral researcher in health services or policy research? Do you want to make a tangible, real-world impact on health systems through your research? The Health System Impact (HSI) Fellowship, led by CIHR’s Institute of Health Services and Policy Research (IHSPR) in collaboration with several other CIHR Institutes, offers a unique opportunity to engage in embedded research that directly addresses pressing challenges faced by health system organizations.

We invite you to join the information webinar on May 8, 2025, from 12 PM - 1 PM ET. Register Here.
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the Health System Impact Fellowship (HSIF) program, covering key topics such as funding opportunities, program components, and tips on how to find a host partner organization. 

Award value: The maximum amount per post-doctoral award is $155,000 total for 2 years ($70,000 stipend per year, plus $7,500 professional development training and research allowance per year) Application Deadline: Summer 2025 Fellowship Start Date: Spring 2026

Application Deadline: Summer 2025
Fellowship Start Date: Spring 2026

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2025 Cancer Research Institute (CRI) - Immuno-Informatics Postdoctoral Fellowship

• Amount: $74,000 with increases up to 78,000 (over 3 years) & $5,000 Research Allowance (yearly)
• Internal Deadline: August 21, 2025 

Eligibility:  Project must be hypothesis-driven in basic or translational cancer immunology or immunology. The applicant should make every effort to demonstrate the potential of the proposed study to directly impact our understanding of the immune system’s role in cancer by leveraging the use of innovative technologies and/or computational methods including high throughput “omic” methods and data analyses. A successful proposal will include how the project intends to address the current gaps in cancer immunology.

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2025 Cancer Research Institute (CRI) - Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship

• Amount: $74,000 with increases up to 78,000 (over 3 years) & $5,000 Research Allowance (yearly)
• Internal Deadline:  August 21, 2025 
• Eligibility:  Applicants for the CRI Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship Program must be working in areas directly related to immunology or cancer immunology. An eligible project must fall into the broad field of immunology with relevance to solving the cancer problem.

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Alberta Innovates Postdoctoral Fellowship Program | Research at UCalgary | University of Calgary

The University of Calgary invites applications for a range of postdoctoral fellowships, including two-year recruitment fellowships starting at $70,000/year. Open to applicants of any citizenship, these fellowships are designed to support outstanding postdoctoral scholars aligned with strategic priorities in health research and innovation.

Fellowships must align with at least one of the following priority areas:

• Lab to Market/Impact – Advancing health research and technologies with strong commercial or real-world potential.
• Clinical Research – Engaging in clinical study design, participant recruitment, data collection/analysis, or integrating research into care.
• Innovative Care Model Implementations – Partnering with healthcare providers to test and scale models that improve outcomes and efficiency.
• Building Healthier Futures Through Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration – Using integrative frameworks (e.g., One Health) for holistic health promotion.

Alberta is leading the way in redefining postdoctoral support to reflect today’s dynamic research and innovation environment—join us in shaping the future of health.

Apply now and be part of this transformation.

Award:  

UCVM Final Internal Deadline (Full Application): May 28, 2025, at 12:00 noon MT

Contact:  fellowships@ucalgary.ca

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For more information on these and other Funding Opportunities, please visit UCalgary’s Research Opportunities Database.

NO OPEN CALLS AT THIS TIME