Funding Opportunities: Researchers

Welcome to the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy Researcher Funding Opportunities Index. We have included a number of relevant opportunities for our Faculty based on current research programs. This list is not exhaustive, and we recommend using the comprehensive funding opportunity resources below.

All Applicants submitting through the University of Toronto MUST have submitted their application information online via the My Research Applications (MRA) portal.

Additional comprehensive funding opportunities are available here:

• Pivot Funding Opportunities Database
• U of T Research Funding Opportunities Database 
• University of Toronto Research & Innovation Awards, Honours & Awards
• University of Toronto Research & Innovation Research Alerts

Search Pivot Funding Opportunities Database

Search for various funding opportunities by entering a search term into the Pivot search widget below. Please note that this will open up a new tab and may require a login or the creation of an account.

Take full advantage of all the features Pivot has to offer.  Register for an account to make searching for new and updated funding opportunities easier. You can even setup weekly email notifications that are based on your profile to ensure you do not miss any relevant opportunities.

Internal Opportunities

LDFP BMS Small Equipment Award (Internal Only)

The purpose of the Small Equipment Award is to support the purchase and repair of necessary research equipment for the research and training of Highly Qualified Personnel.  The Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy will provide up to $5,000 for successful applications that demonstrate need and where funding for equipment is a challenge to obtain.

Deadline:
Offered 4 times per year: January 31st, April 30th, July 31st and October 31st

Value:
Up to $5,000

For more information, please review the Program Guidelines and the Application Instructions.  Contact Mike Folinas (m.folinas@utoronto.ca) or Sam D'Alfonso (sam.dalfonso@utoronto.ca) with any additional questions.

LDFP CSAP Research Award (Internal Only)

The purpose of the Clinical, Social and Administrative Pharmaceutical (CSAP) Sciences Research Award competition is to support research excellence where funding is not currently held, e.g., pilot project, expand currently funded research, explore new areas of research. The objective of the program is to increase CSAP's research impact by supporting research excellence that leads to publications and externally funded research proposals. Capacity building is encouraged, yet not required.

Deadline:
Offered twice yearly: April 30th and November 30th.

Value:
Up to $10,000

For more information, please review the Program Guidelines and the Application Instructions.  Contact Mike Folinas (m.folinas@utoronto.ca) or Sam D'Alfonso (sam.dalfonso@utoronto.ca) with any additional questions.

External Opportunities

Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s (CIHR) - Free online training on patient engagement

Click here to start any module of the course.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s (CIHR) Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA) has developed a set of online, self-directed, free modules related to Patient Engagement (PE) in research! IMHA’s patient partners identified a need for more training in patient engagement and set to work filling the gap for practical tools and resources to help people do patient engagement in research. Modules must be completed in chronological order; after completing each module, you will receive a certificate. While the modules have been developed by IMHA, they are not disease- or condition-specific and are applicable to any research where patient partners are engaged.

Course: A How-to Guide for Patient Engagement in Research

• Module 1: What is patient engagement?
• Module 2: The research process: (a) Understanding the research process for patient partners and (b) Supporting patient partners throughout the research process for other members of the research team
• Module 3: Setting up a research project for a successful partnership
• Module 4: Patient engagement for research teams: (a) Being part of a research team for patient partners and (b) Engaging patients on your research team for other members of the research team

If you have any questions about the training or accessing the modules, please contact imha-iala@cihr-irsc.gc.ca and follow @CIHR_IMHA for related announcements!

Cancer Research Society (CRS) - Prostate Cancer Research Grant Competition 

Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in Canada, affecting one in seven men over their lifetime. Despite its high prevalence, significant challenges remain in the fight against this disease.

To address this critical issue, the Cancer Research Society, in partnership with PROCURE, is proud to launch a competition aimed at supporting cutting-edge translational research in prostate cancer.

Through this partnership, $2 million will be allocated to fund 4 groundbreaking research projects focused on:

• Improving early detection
• Developing more effective treatments

Key Dates

Call for proposals: April 15, 2025
Letter of Intent: May 28, 2025
Application Deadline: September 9, 2025

Application Process

A letter of intent is required for all applications. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full application, which will be evaluated by a peer review committee. Applicants must register and submit their applications exclusively through the CRS Research Portal, ProposalCentral.

For more details, please refer to the program guidelines and our website. 

Budget

Through this strategic partnership, $2 million will be allocated to support 4 research projects, each receiving $500,000 over three years

Additional Information

For more details, please refer to the program guidelines and our website. 

For all questions, contact CRS at grants@src-crs.ca 

Data Sciences Institute – Catalyst Grant

The University of Toronto Data Sciences Institute (DSI) is pleased to announce the fifth round of our Catalyst Grant Program. 
 

OVERVIEW

Tier 1 Value: Up to $100,000

Tier 2 Value: Up to $50,000

Duration: 1-2 years

Purpose: The Catalyst Grant program is a competitive seed funding program for multidisciplinary teams forming a Collaborative Research Team (CRT). DSI will fund Catalyst Grants in two tiers. Tier 1 funding from this program supports CRTs focused primarily on the development of novel statistical or computational tools or the innovative use of existing methodology in innovative ways to drive positive social change. Tier 2 proposals can include (a) projects that require more modest budgets as well as (b) projects that foster a robust exchange of knowledge between data sciences and qualitative or applied researchers working in fields where there is an identified unmet need to implement advanced data science methods. For Tier 2, the proposed data science methodologies themselves need not be novel, but their application in a given disciplinary context must be. See the full call on our website for more details.

Catalyst Grants are expected to align with the Data Sciences Institute (DSI) mission to catalyze the transformative nature of data sciences across all disciplines. Data Sciences is defined as the science of collecting, manipulating, storing, visualizing, learning from and extracting useful information from data in a reproducible, fair, and ethical way.

 

Letter of Intent Deadline: July 11, 2025, 23:59 ET

Full Proposal Deadline: October 31, 2025, 23:59 ET

How to Apply: Access the complete application guidelines, online portal, and pre-recorded video information session via the DSI website.

About the Data Sciences Institute at the University of Toronto

The Data Sciences Institute (DSI) is a central hub and incubator for data science research, training, and partnerships at the University of Toronto. Its goal is to accelerate the impact of data sciences across disciplines to address pressing societal questions and to drive positive social change. DSI is focused on training the next generation of data science scholars. To learn more about the DSI, please visit our website: datasciences.utoronto.ca.

Department of Defense (DOD) programs - Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)

The Department of Defence has recently released the Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25) pre-announcements programs managed by the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP).

The Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Research Program (DMDRP) released a pre-announcement for the following funding opportunities:

• Idea Development Award
• Clinical/Translational Research Award

To view the pre-announcement, visit https://cdmrp.health.mil/pubs/press/2025/25dmdrppreann

 

The Military Burn Research Program (MBRP) released a pre-announcement for the following funding opportunities:

• Discovery Award (New for FY25!)
• Technology/Therapeutic Development Award
• Patient Centered Research Award

To view the pre-announcement, visit https://cdmrp.health.mil/pubs/press/2025/25mbrppreann

 

The Breast Cancer Research Program (BCRP) released program announcements for the following funding opportunities:

• Breakthrough Award Levels 1 and 2
• Breakthrough Award Level 3
• Clinical Research Extension Award
• Era of Hope Scholar Award

To view the program announcements and submit a pre-application visit: https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/ProgramFY.htm?programFYId=663101

 

The Ovarian Cancer Research Program (OCRP) released program announcements for the following funding opportunities:

• Investigator-Initiated Research Award
• Ovarian Cancer Clinical Trial Academy – Early-Career Investigator Award
• Pilot Award

To view the program announcements and submit a pre-application visit: https://ebrap.org/eBRAP/public/ProgramFY.htm?programFYId=663103

 

 

The Peer Reviewed Cancer Research Program (PRCRP) re-released a pre-announcement for the following funding opportunities:

• Idea Award
• Impact Award
• Clinical Trial Award
• Career Development Award- Fellow and Resident Option
• Career Development Award- Scholar Option

To view the pre-announcement, visit https://cdmrp.health.mil/pubs/press/2025/25prcrppreann

 

The Toxic Exposures Research Program (TERP) released a pre-announcement for the following funding opportunities:

• Clinical Trial Partnership Award
• Investigator-Initiated Research Award
• Translational Research Partnership Award

To view the pre-announcemen,t visit https://cdmrp.health.mil/pubs/press/2025/25terppreann

Gates Foundation - Grand Challenges RFPs

The Gates Foundation announced five new Grand Challenges requests for proposals (RFPs).

• Innovations for Gram-Negative Antibiotic Discovery
• Accelerating Innovations to Address Heavy Menstrual Bleeding in Women in Low-Resource Settings
• Enhancing HIV and TB Diagnosis: Adjunct Technologies for Sample Collection and Processing
• Innovative Data and Modeling Approaches to Measure Women's Health
• Reducing the Burden of Preeclampsia

Click on the link above for more information, including the dates of Foundation-led webinars on each RFP.

The internal deadline for all RFPs is 3 business days before the Gates Foundation deadline.   By then, an MRA must be completed and submitted for institutional review and approval.

GlycoNet - Call for Proposals

The Canadian Glycomics Network (GlycoNet) mobilizes Canada’s glycomics expertise into transdisciplinary, focused research and development programs to deliver breakthrough solutions for human and animal health and sustainable agri-food systems.

GlycoNet funds projects along the following research innovation continuum: translational research and development, clinical engagement, technology development, and knowledge mobilization.

Funding Programs

Translational Grants

These grants seek to fund multidisciplinary projects with clear endpoints to advance and de-risk them to a state at which translation is possible and could attract partners. Maximum request: $150,000 for one year, 1:1.5 matching required. Rolling Call. The review will be conducted every quarter until the funds are exhausted. For more details, see RFP.

Strategic Initiatives

These grants fund partner-led or initiated projects designed to meet partners’ needs. Maximum request: $150,000 for one year, with the possibility of renewal, 1:1.5 matching required. Rolling Call. The review will be conducted every quarter until the funds are exhausted. For more details, see RFP.

Please note:  the applicant must also upload and submit the application through the university's My Research Application (MRA) System. Please notify the Innovations & Partnerships Office of your intent to apply at least one week before the Sponsor's deadline. The MRA approval process should be started well in advance in parallel to ensure a successful submission since it can take several business days to complete the approval process. 

Halo Science: Various Research Funding Opportunities

Halo Science provides a platform where companies seeking scientific engagement can post their research needs and offer sponsored research opportunities to address them. Halo features a growing list of partner companies across a broad spectrum of fields. These partners contribute to a dynamic list of projects that require academic involvement.

There is no cost to academic researchers to join the mailing list or to respond to opportunities presented at Halo. U of T investigators are invited to register and propose solutions to posted challenges in their respective fields by submitting a brief, non-confidential summary. Companies may then reach out directly to engage in standard sponsored research arrangements.

Since responding to an opportunity is primarily an expression of interest and not a commitment of resources, an MRA will only be required once any subsequent discussion with the sponsoring company proceeds to the stage of budgeting and contract negotiations.

Halo Science sends out periodic lists of open projects to registered investigators and institutions. However, researchers can browse the Halo website at any time for open opportunities of interest.

As the list of opportunities offered by Halo clients is constantly evolving, researchers are encouraged to use the direct link to check their marketplace for current opportunities.

Halo hosts webinars with their partners to discuss their opportunities. By signing up on their portal (which is free), you will receive invitations to register for upcoming webinars.

Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) - U of T Research & Training Alliance Call for Joint Proposals

The Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HUJI) and the University of Toronto (U of T) are hosting a call for proposals for a Research & Training Alliance. This opportunity supports the development of a research collaborative that exchanges graduate and undergraduate students, researchers and one post-doctoral fellow. Proposals are invited for research in the areas of social science, humanities, law, and social work. 

Eligibility: 

• U of T applicants must have a faculty appointment and be eligible to hold research funding 
• HUJI applicants must have a faculty appointment and be eligible to supervise research students 

Important Dates: 

• Application deadline: May 22, 2025
• Notification to successful applicants – July 2025 

Value & Duration: 
U of T and HUJI will each provide the project with up to CAD $75,000 per year for up to four years. 

For full details about the opportunity and instructions on how to apply, please visit this web page. 

Faculty are encouraged to review U of T’s safeguarding research resources when developing their proposals. 

Do not use MRA to submit this application. 

Horizon Europe Partnership Development Seed Grants

The Office of the Vice-President, International (OVPI), in collaboration with the Division of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI), are hosting a call for applications for the Horizon Europe Partnership Development Seed Grants.  

This program offers seed grants to support U of T Principal Investigators (PIs) to establish or enhance international partnerships leading to Horizon Europe Pillar II applications. These grants will support U of T PIs from all disciplines in collaborating with researchers from European member states and Horizon Europe associate countries. 

Eligibility:

All U of T faculty members who meet the University’s definition of a Principal Investigator (PI) are eligible to apply. 

Application deadlines:  

• August 28, 2025 
• November 27, 2025 

Value and Duration:

• Maximum seed grant: $10,000 CAD, to be spent within two years. 
• Can be used as matching funds for SSHRC Destination Horizon Grants (up to $15,000). 
• Pillar II grants typically range from €4-€15 million. 

Funds from this grant must be used to support U of T PIs in building or strengthening international partnerships that are intended to build towards a Horizon Europe proposal/collaboration.   

Questions? For more information on this call, including detailed instructions on how to apply, please see the? funding opportunities page.? 

If you have questions, please get in touch with Elina Tulla, Research Officer, Office of the Vice-President, International at elina.tulla@utoronto.ca.?? 

Faculty are encouraged to review U of T’s safeguarding research resources when developing their proposals. 

Do not use MRA to submit this application.

Upcoming Horizon Europe Matchmaking Events for Canadians: Cluster 4 and Cluster 5

The Government of Canada is co-organizing two new matchmaking events for researchers, community members, and industry partners interested in applying for Horizon Europe calls in Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry and Space) and Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy and Mobility). The calls will open in May 2025 and have been pre-published by the European Commission.

 

Connexion Canada: Matchmaking Event (Online) for Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry and Space) 

Connexion Canada will take place on May 21st, in collaboration with the Government of Spain and other institutions, and it will consist on presentations by government representatives and other Horizon Europe stakeholders. Registered participants will be able to network from May 20 to June 2 on a dedicated platform.  

Date: May 21st, 2025
Time: 9:30am EDT
Place: Online (B2B Platform open from May 20 to June 2, 2025)
More information and registration

Organizers: Canadian Embassy to Spain, Spanish Government, and Horizon Europe-relevant organizations.

 

Canada-Baltics Horizon Europe Networking Event: Matchmaking Event (Online) for Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry and Space) & Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy and Mobility) 

The Canada-Baltics Horizon Europe Networking Event is organized by the Embassies of Canada in the Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia) and the Embassy of Lithuania in Canada, in collaboration with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED), as well as the National Contact Points (NCPs) from each of the Baltic countries. It is focused on Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry and Space) and Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy and Mobility) calls. It will consist on presentations and a pitching session (see full agenda). 

Date: May 29 ^th, 2025
Time: 10:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Place: Online (Teams' link to be shared with registered participants) 
More information and registration 

Organizers: Horizon Europe Secretariat (ISED), Embassies of Canada in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, NCPs from the Baltic States, and Embassy of Lithuania in Canada

For further details about Horizon Europe, including a full list of upcoming information sessions and matchmaking events, please visit the VPRI Funding Opportunity page.   

Horizon Europe 2025 Work Programme: Calls for Proposals Now Available 

The summaries of the 2025 draft work programme for Horizon Europe Pillar II funding opportunities are now publicly available. The publication of the 2025 Work Programme is expected on April 10, 2025.

We encourage you to explore potential areas of alignment with your research interests. In addition to the summaries, researchers can review early drafts of Cluster 2 (Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society), Cluster 4 (Digital, Industry and Space) and Cluster 5 (Climate, Energy and Mobility) work programmes containing the full details of funding opportunities within each Cluster and are shared by Science / Business.  

If you are interested in applying to Horizon Europe Pillar II funding in 2025, we invite you to contact horizon.europe@utoronto.ca and provide an overview of your proposed project(s), including objectives, potential partners, and anticipated impacts. Our team will follow up with you to review specific 2025 Horizon Europe calls that may align with your proposed projects. 

Horizon Europe: Upcoming Cluster-Specific Matchmaking Events and Info Sessions 

Are you planning to prepare a proposal for the upcoming Horizon Europe calls for 2025? Don’t miss the opportunity to build your consortium and connect with the right partners at the online Matchmaking Events during the next few months. Events include an information session, pitch presentations of consortia in preparation, and the opportunity for bilateral meetings with partners interested in the same topics for the 2025 calls. In some cases, following successful registration and activation of your profile, participants can pre-arrange bilateral meetings by a user-friendly matchmaking tool.

Online Info Sessions are also offered for each Cluster. Some of them require pre-registration, and most are available on YouTube after they happen.

Cluster 1

Cluster 1 - Horizon Europe Info Day 📅 Date : May 22th, 2025 ⏰ Time : 3am EST 💻 Place : Online (Live streamed on their Platform; posted on YouTube) 🔗 More information 📝 Organizer: European Commission

Cluster 2 

Cluster 2 - Horizon Europe Info Day  📅 Date : May 15th, 2025 ⏰ Time : 3:30am EST 💻 Place : Online (Live streamed on their Platform; posted on YouTube) 🔗 More information 📝 Organizer: European Commission

Cluster 2 Matchmaking Event (Online) 📅 Date : May 16th, 2025 ⏰ Time : 3:30am EST 💻 Place : Online (Videos are usually posted on YouTube after the event finishes) 📝 Organizer: Net4SocietyHE project (Network of National Contact Points for Cluster 2) 🔗 Register and read more

Cluster 3

Cluster 3 - European Info Day and Matchmaking Event (Hybrid) 📅 Date : June 11th and 12th, 2025 (save the date) ⏰ Time : to be announced 💻 Place : Hybrid (online and in Brussels) 🔗 More information (to be found at the Events section) 📝 Organizer: European Commission

 Cluster 4

Cluster 4 - Horizon Europe Info Days (Online) 📅 Date : May 13 and 14th, 2025 ⏰ Time : 3:30am EST 💻 Place : Online (Live streamed on their Platform; posted on YouTube) 🔗 More information 📝 Organizer: European Commission

Cluster 6

Cluster 6 - Horizon Europe Info Days (Online) 📅 Date: May 20 and May 21, 2025 ⏰ Time: 3:00am to 12pm EST 💻 Place: Online only (will be web-streamed on this Platform. The live video will be available on the day of the event under the tab "Live sessions".) 🔗 More information 📝 Organizer: European Commission

Cluster 6 - Matchmaking Events (In-person) 27 May 2025: Brokerage event (on-site). Registration 28 May 2025: On-site training for applicants. Registration (Limited number of participants) 📅 Date: May 27 and May 28, 2025 ⏰ Time: N/A 💻 Place: National Institute for Culture and Rural Heritage, Warsaw (Poland) 🔗 More information 📝 Organizer: CARE4BIO project (Cluster 6 National Contact Points)

Other

Missions - Information Days (Online) 📅 Date: May 26 and May 27, 2025 ⏰ Time: N/A 💻 Place: Online 🔗 More information and YouTube Channel of NCP4Missions 📝 Organizer: European Commission

We look forward to supporting your participation in Horizon Europe and exploring significant opportunities for international collaboration and research advancement.  

For more details and resources about the Horizon Europe funding program, click here.  

The IDEaS Program and NATO DIANA

The Innovations & Partnerships Office (IPO), in collaboration with the Government Relations Office and the Centre for Research & Innovation Support (CRIS), invites you to a session with Philippe Hebert, Director General of R&D Innovation for Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC).

At this session, Philippe will introduce the Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) program and NATO DIANA (Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic).

Date and Time: May 13, 2025 | 11:30am-12:30pm

Registration Link: https://cris.eve.utoronto.ca/home/events/5657

U of T faculty and staff are invited to come prepared with questions.

Host:

• Derek Newton, Assistant Vice-President, Innovation, Partnerships & Entrepreneurship

Speaker:

• Philippe Hebert, Director General R&D Innovation at the Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC)

Additional Information:

For more information about the IDEaS program, please visit: Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) - Canada.ca

Institutional Strategic Initiatives (ISI) Stage II Funding Program Guidelines 2025-2026

In the fall of 2024, the ISI Office launched a new competitive two-stage funding program designed to foster the development of research initiatives that support the ISI mandate to launch, grow, and sustain large-scale interdisciplinary strategic research networks with the potential for transformational impact on issues of great societal importance.

Stage I of the competition was launched on September 3, 2024. See: ISI Stage I Funding Program Guidelines.

Stage II – Initiative Implementation

The Stage II application for a research initiative must articulate a grand challenge or complex research question at the convergence of multiple fields and disciplines, demonstrating collaboration across U of T’s academic units, the potential to elevate U of T’s global profile, and concrete pathways to securing significant external funds.

Stage II will offer a maximum of five years of funding to support core operational costs of implementing an initiative’s strategic plan, including growing the network through activities aimed at strengthening collaboration, partnership-building, knowledge mobilization, research training and other relevant activities.

Value: Up to $750,000 of ISI Funds per year
Duration: Maximum five (5) years

Key dates:

Expressions of Interest (EOI) deadline: May 26, 2025 at 5pm ET Notice of Intent (NOI) deadline (by invitation): August 25, 2025 at 5pm ET Full Proposal deadline: January 19, 2026 (Tentative)

For further information and application instructions, please visit the ISI Stage II Funding Program Guidelines (2025-2026). For questions, please contact strat.initiatives@utoronto.ca. 

Funds from this opportunity will not support individual or small-team research projects or programs. Receiving Stage I funding is not a prerequisite for and does not guarantee Stage II funding.

 

Lab2Market Launch - Call for Applications

Lab2Market Launch Ontario is a transformative four-month program supporting ten Ontario-based entrepreneurial students and research teams in turning innovative ideas into scalable, technology-driven ventures. Designed for ambitious individuals ready to form, build, and grow their businesses, the program combines the hands-on support of the local Ontario innovation hub with the national credibility, resources, and reach of the national Lab2Market network.

Eligibility

Lab2Market Launch is designed for students, researchers, and recent graduates with research-based ventures ready to explore their commercial potential. The program operates nationwide through a network of seven regional and national hubs, serving diverse disciplines.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Team Composition: Each team must include:
• A current graduate student (Masters or PhD), postdoctoral fellow (within 5 years of graduation), or a recent graduate within two years of completing their academic program in Canada.
   
• A faculty supervisor.
• Market Validation: Teams should have conducted substantial primary market research, including at least 50 customer discovery interviews, and be able to demonstrate the market opportunity for their technology with supporting evidence.
• Funding & Time Commitment:
  The program is partially funded through the Mitacs Business Strategy Internship (BSI) program. Participants must:
  • Meet Mitacs eligibility requirements.
  • Commit full-time (30+ hours per week) to qualify for the stipend.

The program offers teams tailored curriculum, mentorship, and coaching from successful entrepreneurs & industry experts and $10,000 in funding

Applications close on May 25th, 2025 at 11:59pm.

To Apply: Lab2Market

Information session:

To attend our next information session on Thursday, April 24, where they will dive into the program details, expectations, and application best practices [register here].

The applicant must also upload and submit the application through the university's My Research Application (MRA) System. The MRA approval process should be started well in advance in parallel to ensure a successful submission since it can take several business days to complete the approval process.

Lotte & John Hecht Memorial Foundation

Lotte & John Hecht Memorial Foundation of Vancouver, BC would like to welcome research groups to apply for funding opportunities in the field of major illnesses with a primary focus in oncology. We specialize in providing support to research projects that are novel and innovative and/or that otherwise experience difficulties in receiving support from other sources, potentially resulting from the inability to create intellectual property or from lack of peer support – in other words, high-risk, unconventional and disruptive research.

Because of that premise, the research project must be of high quality. We welcome all spectrums of experimental design initiatives, from meta-analyses and pilots to randomized controlled double-blinded trials and operational support; both pre-clinical and clinical projects are invited, with preference being given to clinical trials.

Deadlines:

Currently, applications are reviewed three times per year, and the potential for funding starts in April, August, and December for successful applicants.

Submission Guidelines:

Applicants should telephone the Foundation to discuss their project before submitting a proposal. If appropriate, a letter of intent and supporting documents will be requested.

Additional Information:

For more information, please, email anakonechnaya@hecht.org or visit our website at hecht.org.

Examples of previously funded research include:

• Lessening organ dysfunction/injury with vitamin C (LOVIT trial) / University of Sherbrooke / ClinicalTrials ID – NCT03680274
• Phase II randomized cross-over study of the efficacy and safety of omega 3 fatty acid supplements on lung cancer-promoting inflammatory markers in heavy smokers / BC Cancer
• Histamine receptor 2 antagonists as enhancers of anti-tumor immunity / Dalhousie University, through a collaboration with Canadian Cancer Society
• Fecal microbial transplantation in combination with immunotherapy in melanoma patients (MIMic trial) / Lawson Health Research Institute / ClinicalTrials ID – NCT03772899

MITACS Elevate proposals are now accepted year round

As of today, the Mitacs Elevate program will be open all year round to provide more flexibility and unlock more opportunities for postdoc researchers across the globe!

This evolution is part of an ongoing effort to make Mitacs Elevate a more inclusive and accessible program and support academic-industry collaboration through the seasons. Plus, the evergreen Elevate program now offers the following benefits:

No more deadlines — apply anytime
Elevate proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis.

A more efficient and accessible application process
Proposals can now be submitted through the Registration and Application Portal (RAP) for quick and easy access.

Agile research projects, $60K/year in funding
One-year projects will now be accepted for a standard $60,000 award per year to allow more researchers to participate in training and gain valuable experience.  Two-year projects are also still available as per previous guidelines.

Open to all sectors and disciplines
To simplify requirements, the thematic award will no longer be offered. This means postdocs from any sector or academic discipline can apply anytime.

For detailed program and application information, please visit: https://research.utoronto.ca/funding-opportunities/db/mitacs-elevate

Please note:  the applicant must also upload and submit the application through the university's My Research Application (MRA) System. The MRA approval process should be started well in advance in parallel to ensure a successful submission since it can take several business days to complete the approval process.

Mitacs Accelerate: Accepting New Applications

Applications to the Mitacs Accelerate program are now being accepted.  Please note the University of Toronto will need to adhere to a maximum number of Internship Units (IUs) that can be allocated in fiscal 2025/26.

Mitacs is working closely with the University to manage the allocation of internship units.  If you have a Mitacs Accelerate project in development and have not already done so, please connect with Mitacs Business Development Advisor Modupe Olufemi (molufemi@mitacs.ca) or the Mitacs Regional Director, Ontario, Laura Yu (lyu@mitacs.ca) to discuss your application.

Please note that any project may be reduced in size or deferred to next year once the institutional maximum allocation has been filled.  Priority will be given to the following applications:

• Projects already approved under existing, multi-year Mitacs Accelerate Grants and Umbrella Grants,
• NSERC Alliance-Mitacs joint projects.

The following Mitacs programs are NOT affected by the institutional allocation of internship units:

• Accelerate projects in quantum research (see definition below),
• Indigenous Pathways program (see definition below),
• Business Strategy Internship (BSI) program.

Please note that no changes are anticipated on allocations for the Globalink Research Awards. Those interested in the program should email globalinkaward@utoronto.ca to discuss.

NEW this year: The Mitacs Elevate program will merge into the Mitacs Accelerate program, and these units will be counted within the University maximum allocation.

If you have any questions, please contact innovations.partnerships@utoronto.ca or Mitacs directly. Also, refer to the How To Apply section on Accelerate on the Mitacs’ website:  Mitacs Accelerate Program.

Quantum Project Eligibility

“Quantum” projects refer to those in the ‘quantum’ field of science and technology which seek to predict and explain the behaviour of atoms and molecules and involve the manipulation and control of systems at the atomic and subatomic levels. Quantum science and technology projects broadly refer to projects that aim to study one or more of the following:

• Quantum computers – a type of computer that exploits the behaviour of microscopic elements of the size of atoms to perform calculations;
• Quantum software – software and algorithms that run on quantum computers and enable the operation and design of quantum computers and/or development and optimization of quantum applications;
• Quantum communications – networks that utilize the laws of physics to protect and share data;
• Quantum sensors – devices that use quantum science to perform measurements with high sensitivity and accuracy; and,
• Quantum materials – materials with unusual magnetic and electrical properties resulting from quantum effects.

Indigenous Pathways Eligibility

To be eligible to the Indigenous Pathways offering, one of the following requirements must be met:

• The partner organization must be a for-profit organization with self-identifying Indigenous persons (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit) who hold 50% or greater ownership shares;
• The partner organization must be a not-for-profit organization with board membership consisting of 50% or greater self-identifying Indigenous Persons (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit);
• The student assigned to the project must be a self-identifying Indigenous person (First Nations, Métis, or Inuit).

Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI)

Mitacs Globalink Research Internship (GRI) is now accepting faculty project submissions for Summer 2026. GRI pairs professors in Canada with top senior international undergrads for 12-week research projects from May to October. Projects must start between May 1 and July 31 of 2026.

The Globalink program builds international networks and positions Canada as a top research and innovation destination for emerging talent around the world.

• All disciplines are eligible.
• Top-ranked senior undergrads travel from around the world.
• Faculty can submit multiple projects.
• Re-submit projects from previous years by using the clone option on the platform.

Submission deadline: June 5, 2025, at 1 pm PT

No institutional endorsement is required for submission of this proposal to MITACS - My Research Applicaiton (MRA) is not required.

Questions can be directed to helpdesk@mitacs.ca. For additional information, please visit MITACS Website.

Updated NIH Policy on Foreign Subawards: Impact at UofT

The National Institutes of Health in the US updated its Policy on Foreign Subawards effective May 1st, 2025.  Further information on Foreign Subawards was released by NIH on May 7th.   Researchers who hold NIH funding at the University of Toronto, either as a subaward recipient or as a primary award holder, may be directly impacted by these new updates.

What are the updates to NIH’s Foreign Subaward policy?

There are three major changes:

1. NIH will implement a new awards structure by September 30th, 2025 under which NIH may issue awards to foreign recipients directly as an independent subproject rather than permitting the primary institution to issue a foreign subaward. 
2. As of May 1st, 2025 NIH will not issue Notices of Awards for new grants, renewals, or continuations (referred to as non-competing continuations) when a foreign subaward entity is included.   The Primary Institution has three options:  i) find a US-based investigator who can take over the foreign sub-awardee's work, ii) complete the work themselves, or iii) if the work cannot be completed without the foreign sub-awardee's participation, NIH will terminate the primary grant.
3. Foreign co-applicants are no longer permitted on NIH applications until the new awards structure is in place.

Impact on NIH Subaward holders at U of T

• If the Primary Institution issuing your subaward has submitted a Research Performance Progress Report for their grant ‘s continuation, and the Notice of Award was or will be issued after May 1, 2025, NIH will not approve your continued inclusion in the award.  This means your budget for the subsequent year(s) will be cancelled but for certainty please reach out to your collaborator at the Primary Institution to discuss the effect of the policy and their plans for the project moving forward.
• If you received or expect to receive a subaward agreement or amendment based on a Notice of Award that NIH issued prior to May 1st, 2025, your budget for the current year will remain unaffected. We expect more clarity from NIH on the impact for future years when the new award structure is released.

Impact on Foreign-based Primary Award Holders

• At this time, primary awards held outside of the US will continue to be funded, however, the foreign Primary Institution must comply with the same requirements regarding foreign subawards as outlined above.

  • For example, if an NIH grant is held at U of T as the Primary Institution, and the PI submits their Research Performance Progress Report in June 2025, NIH will not issue the subsequent year’s Notice of Award until the subawards to recipients in Canada or anywhere outside of the US are removed.

Next steps

• taff in VPRI will be reaching out to PIs and their respective Chairs and Vice/Associate Deans or Vice-Principals, Research who are impacted by the updated policy to explain the impact of these changes and to answer any questions.
• We encourage PIs to reach out to their collaborator(s) whether you are a subaward holder or the Primary award holder, to discuss any required changes to the project and funding.
• We also encourage PIs to familiarize themselves with this change and to actively review their NIH funded programs to assess impact.
• VPRI will continue to monitor the policy and will share any updates as they occur.
• For those researchers who hold NIH subawards from other institutions, we encourage PIs and their project teams to ensure all expenses related to these subawards are charged/reallocated to their subaward fund (UTRAC) in a timely manner so that final financial reports/cost recovery invoices prepared by the Research Oversight & Compliance Office reflect total expenditures on your grant and to minimize the risk of loss of funding awarded

Questions

You can review the UTRAC for each NIH Subaward or NIH Primary award you hold by accessing the My Research online tool. The name of the Grant Officer in VPRI who is managing your award will be identified on the UTRAC and we encourage you to write to them directly.  

 

National Research Council of Canada: The Pandemic Response Challenge Program - Call for Expression of Interest

The Pandemic Response Challenge Program is currently structured around four main research areas:

• Rapid detection and diagnosis
• Therapeutics and vaccine development
• Digital health

Purpose: 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 using the button below to indicate their interest, and related areas of expertise and capabilities.

The NRC will receive $15M to form dedicated teams to address challenges in the areas of greatest research and development (R&D) need in the fight against COVID-19. The NRC Pandemic Response Challenge Program will accelerate the development of diagnostics and medical countermeasures for a rapid front-line response to protect and treat Canadians. This national vehicle will convene the best Canadian and international researchers from academia and small and medium-sized businesses to collectively accelerate R&D to address specific COVID-19 gaps and challenges as identified by Canadian health experts. 

Researchers at Canadian and international universities, government departments, colleges, and highly innovative firms with relevant expertise can now register their interest to work with NRC on these challenges by Registering via the link below.

On that linked page, you will be asked to identify your primary area of interest.  Please note that, as a 'radio button,' you can only select one Challenge area at a time.

Funding is available to help cover the costs of research for academic institutions, small and medium-sized businesses, and other eligible recipients participating in the challenge teams. Over the coming weeks, NRC will post the specific R&D challenges,  send information to registered researchers, and invite them to indicate the expertise and capabilities they can bring to a team.

https://nrc.canada.ca/en/research-development/research-collaboration/programs/expression-interest-challenge-program-collaboration

Additional Information and Submission Guide

For more information about the different research areas for the NRC Pandemic Response Challenge, please visit the program website. 

In order to manage the University's response to the COVID-19 Challenge, please confirm your registration via a courtesy email to strat.initiatives@utoronto.ca identifying the Challenge stream to which you have registered.  As with other Challenges in relation to COVID-19, this is a rapidly evolving real-world situation, so please be patient as NRC finalizes program details.

New NIH "FORMS-I" Grant Application Forms and Instructions - Due Dates on or after January 25, 2025

NIH is making changes to their application forms and peer review process affecting applications for due dates on or after January 25, 2025, and on or after May 25, 2025. Applicants must use FORMS-I application packages for due dates on or after January 25, 2025.

Required for due dates on or after January 25, 2025

Simplified Review Framework for Most Research Project Grant Applications Revisions to the NIH Fellowship Application and Review Process  Updates to Reference Letter Instructions for Referees  Updated Application Forms (FORMS-I)

Availability of FORMS-I Application Guides
Application guides for FORMS-I application packages is posted to the How to Apply - Application Guide 

Availability of FORMS-I Application Packages
FORMS-I application packages are available through NIH’s application system - ASSIST

Common Forms for Biographical Sketch and Current and Pending (Other) Support

Required for due dates on or after May 25, 2025

New Frontiers in Research Fund - Exploration 2025 competition

The 2025 NFRF Exploration grants competition has launched.

The objective of the Exploration stream is to support high-risk, high-reward and interdisciplinary research. It seeks to inspire projects that bring disciplines together beyond traditional disciplinary or common interdisciplinary approaches by research teams with the capacity to explore something new that might fail, but that has the potential for significant impact.

Exploration grants support research with a range of impacts, some of which might be social, cultural, economic, health-related or technological. This list is not exhaustive; other types of impacts are also recognized. Diversity of perspectives is important, and the fund encourages research proposals led from any discipline, from those in the social sciences and humanities, to health, the natural sciences and engineering.

Grants awarded are up to $125,000 (including indirect costs) per year for two years.

KEY DATES (for UofT led applications): 

Notice of Intent

Internal Deadline: August 18, 2025 - noon

Sponsor Deadline (RSO submits): August 19, 2025

Full Application

Optional Editorial Review - September 22, 2025 - noon

Internal Deadline: October 14, 2025 

MRA Deadline:  October 14, 2025

Sponsor Deadline (RSO submits): October 21, 2025

NOI Webinar 

In preparation for the NOI deadline, we encourage all applicants interested in submitting a NOI, as well as the research administrators, to participate in one of the two upcoming webinars hosted by the sponsor. Below are the dates, times and links to the webinars.

May 22, 2025 -  Exploration NOI –French

10am Eastern Time

Meeting link  

May 22, 2025 - Exploration NOI – English

1pm Eastern time

Meeting link  

Webinars will be recorded and they will be made available along with the presentation slides to the research administrators after the session.   

Additional Resources

2025 Exploration competition funding opportunity - UofT Funding Opportunities Page

Research Services Contacts

Jenny Korolik (jenny.korolik@utoronto.ca)

Sponsor Contact

Email: NFRF-FNFR@chairs-chaires.gc.ca

NIH - Research Grant Program (R01)

The Research Project Grant (R01) provides support for health-related research and development based on the mission of the NIH. R01s are most often investigator initiated in response to either the R01 Parent Announcement or a Program Announcement highlighting particular scientific areas. Requests for Applications (RFAs) may also utilize the R01 mechanism.

NIH runs three open investigator intiated competitions per year for new R01 Research Grants (February, 5, June 5 and October 5). Other deadlines apply for resubmission/renewal of Research Grants, other NIH research program announcements (PA) and for Requests for Applications (RFAs).   Applications in response to RFAs are managed through the University's Innovations & Partnerships Office. Internal deadlines: 4 business days in advance of the NIH deadline.

UT Information:

Resources for applications led by UofT Researchers:

• University of Toronto Submission Guide found here.
• For more information on Writing NIH applications click here.
• NIH Tips for Preparing Your Application Using ASSIST can be found here 
• Please note these documents are supplemental resources only and the details and instructions for applications is found in the specific Funding Opportunity Announcement

• Applicants applying to NIH applications a should access the application by signing-in to ASSIST using their eRA Commons user name and password

Resources for UofT co-applicants on proposals led by other institutions:

• University of Toronto Submission Guide for Faculty Applying as a Subaward found here

• Submission Process

  The internal deadline for applications to be submitted to the Research Services Office is 4 business days prior to the NIH submission deadline.  Applications must be submitted through My Research Application (MRA) for department and faculty approval prior to the internal deadline.

Help with Application

NIH Grant Application Basics

• NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices can be found here. Please consult the Parent Announcement, Program Announcement or RFA to confirm that non-US institutions are eligible to apply.
• Register for NIH newsletters, funding announcements, Podcasts here.
• NIH has created a series of Podcasts about Grant Writing, Early Stage Investigators and Jump Starting Your Research Program. Access them here.

Additional Information

Visit here to see the National Institutes of Health’s recently released requests for applications and program announcements. For more information on NIH application and the submission process, please visit the University’s Research Funding Opportunities found here.

*NIH is informing the applicant of changes to grant application forms and application guide instructions for due dates on or after January 25, 2022.  Application guides for FORMS-G application packages will be posted to the How to Apply - Application Guide page.

NIH Small Research Grant Program (R03)

The R03 grant mechanism will support small research projects that can be carried out in a short period of time with limited resources.

The common characteristic of the small grant is the provision of limited funding for a short period of time. Examples of the types of projects that ICs support with the R03 include the following:

• Pilot or feasibility studies
• Secondary analysis of existing data
• Small, self-contained research projects
• Development of research methodology
• Development of new research technology

The current R03 Parent Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for investigator-initiated R03 applications can be found at here and articulates the policies and procedures that apply to this grant mechanism.

Resources for applications led by UofT Researchers:

• University of Toronto Submission Guide found here.
• For more information on Writing NIH applications click here.
• NIH Tips for Preparing Your Application Using ASSIST can be found here 
• Please note these documents are supplemental resources only and the details and instructions for applications is found in the specific Funding Opportunity Announcement
• Applicants applying to NIH applications a should access the application by signing-in to ASSIST using their eRA Commons user name and password
• Strategies for Success with NIH Funding Info Session (May 3, 2021)
  • Dr. Dona Love’s (NIH Program Officer) Slides
  • Dr. Leah Cowen’s Slides
  • Key Session Takeaways Overview Document
  • Webinar Recording 

Resources for UofT co-applicants on proposals led by other institutions:

• University of Toronto Submission Guide for Faculty Applying as a Subaward found here

Submission Process

The internal deadline for applications to be submitted to the Research Services Office is 4 business days prior to the NIH submission deadline.  Applications must be submitted through My Research Application (MRA) for department and faculty approval prior to the internal deadline.

Please notify the appropriate contact in Research Services Office by e-mail if you are planning to apply to an NIH funding opportunity.

Help with Application

NIH Grant Application Basics

• NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices can be found here. Please consult the Parent Announcement, Program Announcement or RFA to confirm that non-US institutions are eligible to apply.
• Register for NIH newsletters, funding announcements, Podcasts here.
• NIH has created a series of Podcasts about Grant Writing, Early Stage Investigators and Jump Starting Your Research Program. Access them here.

Additional Information

Visit here to see the National Institutes of Health’s recently released requests for applications and program announcements. For more information on NIH application and the submission process, please visit the University’s Research Funding Opportunities found here.

*NIH is informing the applicant of changes to grant application forms and application guide instructions for due dates on or after January 25, 2022.  Application guides for FORMS-G application packages will be posted to the How to Apply - Application Guide page..

NIH Developmental Research Grants (R21)

The R21 grant mechanism is intended to encourage exploratory/developmental research by providing support for the early and conceptual stages of project development. The NIH has standardized the Exploratory/Developmental Grant (R21) application characteristics, requirements, preparation, and review procedures in order to accommodate investigator-initiated (unsolicited) grant applications.

The R21 Parent Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for investigator-initiated R21 applications can be found at the Program Home Page and articulates the policies and procedures that apply to this grant mechanism.

Resources for applications led by UofT Researchers:

• University of Toronto Submission Guide found here.
• For more information on Writing NIH applications click here.
• NIH Tips for Preparing Your Application Using ASSIST can be found here 
• Please note these documents are supplemental resources only and the details and instructions for applications is found in the specific Funding Opportunity Announcement
• Applicants applying to NIH applications a should access the application by signing-in to ASSIST using their eRA Commons user name and password
• Strategies for Success with NIH Funding Info Session (May 3, 2021)
  • Dr. Dona Love’s (NIH Program Officer) Slides
  • Dr. Leah Cowen’s Slides
  • Key Session Takeaways Overview Document
  • Webinar Recording 

Resources for UofT co-applicants on proposals led by other institutions:

• University of Toronto Submission Guide for Faculty Applying as a Subaward found here

Submission Process

The internal deadline for applications to be submitted to the Research Services Office is 4 business days prior to the NIH submission deadline.  Applications must be submitted through My Research Application (MRA) for department and faculty approval prior to the internal deadline.

Help with Application

NIH Grant Application Basics

• NIH Funding Opportunities and Notices can be found here. Please consult the Parent Announcement, Program Announcement or RFA to confirm that non-US institutions are eligible to apply.
• Register for NIH newsletters, funding announcements, Podcasts here.
• NIH has created a series of Podcasts about Grant Writing, Early Stage Investigators and Jump Starting Your Research Program. Access them here

Additional Information

Visit here to see the National Institutes of Health’s recently released requests for applications and program announcements. For more information on NIH application and the submission process, please visit the University’s Research Funding Opportunities found here.

*NIH is informing the applicant of changes to grant application forms and application guide instructions for due dates on or after January 25, 2022.  Application guides for FORMS-G application packages will be posted to the How to Apply - Application Guide page..

NSERC Alliance grants: Canada’s Research Partnerships Program

***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). The intake of Alliance International Collaboration grants applications is expected to re-open by winter of 2025-26.****

NSERC is pleased to announce the launch of several improvements to its Alliance Grants program, described below.

Alliance grants encourage university researchers to collaborate with partner organizations, which can be from the private, public or not-for-profit sectors. These grants support research projects led by strong, complementary, collaborative teams that will generate new knowledge and accelerate the application of research results to create benefits for Canada.

Alliance Advantage grants (formerly Alliance 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. Research supported by Alliance Advantage grants will:

• generate new knowledge and/or technology to address complex challenges;
• create economic, social and/or environmental benefits;
• contribute to Canada’s long-term competitiveness;
• support public policy;
• train new researchers in areas that are important to Canada and to the partner organizations;
• draw on diverse perspectives and skill sets to accelerate the translation and application of research results.

Alliance Society grants (formerly Alliance Option 2) fund projects with societal impact as the main driver. Research supported by Alliance Society grants will:

• address a societal challenge that will result in new natural sciences and engineering knowledge and societal impact;
• bring together academic, partner organization and societal perspectives and skill sets throughout the collaboration;
• demonstrate how all interested individuals will learn about and use the products, services or policies that stem from this research;
• generate new knowledge and/or technology to address complex challenges;
• create economic, social and/or environmental benefits;
• contribute to Canada’s long-term competitiveness;
• support public policy;
• train new researchers in areas that are important to Canada and the partner organizations;
• draw on diverse perspectives and skill sets to accelerate the translation and application of research results.

Who can apply?

Canadian university researchers who are eligible to receive NSERC funds can apply on their own or as a team with co-applicants who are also eligible academic researchers. Researchers must have at least one partner organization (in the private, public or not-for-profit sector) whose cash contributions will be recognized for cost-sharing (see Alliance Society: Partner organizations and Alliance Advantage: Partner organizations) but may include other partner organizations who play an important role in the research project whether or not the cash contributions are recognized for cost sharing.

Funding the Research Project

The researchers and the co-applicants may receive funds from multiple sources to cover the costs of the research project.

Please see Alliance Advantage - Funding your research project and Alliance Society - Funding your research project to learn about the eligible funds from multiple sources that can be used cover the costs of the research project.

The funds from NSERC and from the partner organization must be paid to eligible universities and cannot be used to buy equipment, products or services from any partner organization, or to cover any part of the travel and travel-related subsistence expenditures for partner organization personnel.

Alliance Society Funding: Value: over $30,000 to $1 million per year, no limit on number of applications per year, duration: one to five years

Alliance Advantage Funding: Value: $20,000 to $1 million per year, no limit on number of applications per year, duration: one to five years

How to apply

Following the instructions for completing an Alliance grant application, fill out the proposal template and complete the other sections of your application. In the case where your application involves one or more partner organizations from the private sector, including when they participate alongside other partner organizations from the public and/or not-for-profit sectors, also complete the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships’ risk assessment form.

 

You can apply at any time. The number of applications and review mechanism differ for each cost-sharing option (see Funding and Review).

• Submit your completed application and supporting documents, including the personal data form with CCV attachment for the applicant and all co-applicants, through NSERC’s online system. Your partner organization’s contact person will be invited through the online system to provide information about the organization following the partner organization instructions.

NSERC Alliance Advantage - Updates on extensions with additional funds

Alliance Advantage grants support research projects conducted in collaboration with partner organizations to address organizational challenges and accelerate the application of research results.  

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) has observed unprecedented demand for Alliance Advantage grants and is seeking to maximize opportunities to support new applications for partnered research.  

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.   

Requests received before 8:00 p.m. (ET) on February 27, 2025, will be processed, and decisions will be subject to the availability of funds.  

To request an extension with additional funding by this date, please contact your NSERC File Manager.  

The Alliance Advantage literature has been updated to reflect this change. Other extension opportunities with no additional funding remain available. 

NSERC Alliance Society: Strategies for Success - May 20, 2025

The Innovations & Partnerships Office (IPO), in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts & Science and the Centre for Research & Innovation Support (CRIS), is pleased to host an NSERC Alliance Grants workshop series with the NSERC Regional Office to share best practices, tips, and strategies for developing a competitive Alliance proposal.

The NSERC Alliance Grants program is one of the most flexible and popular avenues for government funding support for externally sponsored research, offering up to $1M/year for up to 5 years for individual research projects with partners drawn from industry, not-for-profit, or public sectors. The Alliance program has three streams: Advantage, Society, and International. This first session will focus on the Alliance Society (formerly option 2) grants that fund projects with societal impact as the main driver.

U of T faculty and staff are invited to bring their questions directly to NSERC during the session.

Date/Time - Tue May 20, 2025 at 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Registration is open:  Registration

Moderators:

• Glaucia Lima, Business Development Officer, Industry Partnerships, Innovations & Partnerships Office (IPO)
• Sloane Evariste, Funded Research Officer, Faculty of Arts & Science

Panelists:

• Marianne Touchie, Professor, Civil and Mineral Engineering, Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering
• Don Jackson, Professor, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, Faculty of Arts & Science
• Alison Janidlo, Manager, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)

Additional Information

For more information on the updates to the NSERC Alliance, please visit the NSERC Webpage.

NSERC Discovery Horizons 2026: Upcoming Webinars

We would like to inform you of the upcoming webinar, as presented by NSERC, for the fifth edition of the NSERC Discovery Horizons pilot program.  

French session: May 20th, 10:00 - 11:30 am (ET) 

English session: May 20th, 12:00 - 1:30 pm (ET) 

To join the meeting, click on the hyperlink above. A short presentation of the program will precede a Q&A session.  

See below for some information and deadlines for this year's competition: 

Duration: Up to 5 years 

Value: From $50,000 to $100,000 per year 

Letter of Intent Deadline: June 16, 2025; submitted to sponsor via Convergence Portal; MRA is not required at this stage.  

MRA Deadline: TBD (at least a week before the full application deadline—more details to follow).

Full Application Deadline: October 20, 2025; a limited number of applicants will be invited to submit a full application based on a relevance review of their LOI. 

NSERC FAQs about this year's program: here.  

For more information, contact horizons@nserc-crsng.gc.ca. 

Ontario Centre of Innovation: Collaborate 2 Commercialize - Call for Applications

The Ontario Centre for Innovation’s Collaborate 2 Commercialize program (C2C, formerly VIP) supports Industry/Academia collaboration solving an industry-based problem and driving the commercialization of Intellectual Property [IP]. The institution leverages the unique skills and specialized infrastructure instrumental in streamlining internal innovations and commercialization needs. Benefits include targeted training of individuals and direct engagement with Industry to work on commercially viable solutions.

Grant Program: Collaborate 2 Commercialize (C2C, formerly VIP)

C2C has two variants/options:

1:  C2C R&D Standalone Grant

• OCI cash contribution $20K-$150K  (Industry Direct Cash $10K-$75K + in-kind, cash matched 2:1 by OCI) Project duration 6-24 months
• companies of any size, but with a demonstrated receptor capacity
• More info: https://www.oc-innovation.ca/programs/collaborate-2-commercialize/

2:  C2C grant combined with NSERC Alliance Grant

• OCI cash contribution $20K-$30K (Industry Direct Cash $10K-$15K + in-kind, cash matched 2:1 by OCI, and also matched 2:1 by NSERC for an additional $20K-$30K Project duration 6-12 months
• Companies must be Ontario SMEs (global headcount <500 employees)
• More info: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Innovate-Innover/VIP-BIP_eng.asp  (NSERC website may still refer to VIP rather than C2C)

For full application information and guidelines, please visit: https://research.utoronto.ca/funding-opportunities/db/ontario-centre-innovation-collaborate-2-commercializ.e

Please note: the applicant must upload and submit the application through the university's My Research Application (MRA) System.  MRA is the internal University approval system that confirms support for your application from your department/faculty.

OICR: Cancer Therapeutics Innovation Pipeline (CTIP) Program

The Cancer Therapeutics Innovation Pipeline (CTIP) Program was established to capitalize on Ontario’s expertise in cancer biology and drug discovery. It aims to create a pipeline of validated cancer targets and First-in-Class (FiC) or Best-in-Class (BiC), novel, selective lead molecules (small molecules or biologics) that will attract partnerships and/or investment for further preclinical and clinical development. To generate a sustainable pipeline, CTIP will support projects that aim to provide increasing evidence of target validation and disease association using data from knowledge bases, functional assays, and drug screening in relevant in vitro and in vivo models of the cancer type of interest.

CTIP funds projects in four stages of preclinical drug discovery and is currently inviting applications for the following three funding streams:

1. Early Validation (EV) projects:

Deliver robust translational evidence that a Target-of-Interest (TOI) is associated with a specific cancer type(s) based on data from knowledge bases and from studies demonstrating that perturbation of the TOI in relevant cell-based models produces anti-cancer effects sufficient to trigger a drug discovery campaign. At the end of the EV stage, a strategy and approach to interrogate the target must be available.  

Funding available: Up to $150,000 per year for a maximum of two years.

2. Early Accelerator (EA) projects:

Deliver a validated primary assay to enable the initial screening of molecules against a defined target. Preliminary evidence of linearity of results between the primary assay and supporting secondary assays under development is also required. At the end of the EA stage, teams must demonstrate the capability and capacity to scale up production of reagents, recombinant proteins, and/or cell systems needed to support the medium-high throughput screening campaigns of the Late Accelerator stage.

Funding available: Up to $150,000 for a maximum of one year.

3. Late Accelerator (LA) projects:

Focus on screening, using validated primary, secondary, and orthogonal assays and deliver confirmed Hit¹ molecules against a defined target supported by evidence of disease association. A confirmed Hit molecule should possess features that support its potential to become a Lead² molecule.

Funding available: Up to $500,000 per year for a maximum of two years.

  ¹A minimal definition of a Hit is a molecule series with an understood Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) and selectivity profile in relevant in vitro models.
  ²A minimal definition of a Lead is a molecule series with an understood SAR and selectivity profile in pharmacologically relevant in vivo models.

OICR invites applications from investigators at Ontario academic centres, hospital research institutes, or other government research institutions. CTIP funding is only tenable in Ontario. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply.  

Deadlines:

Open for applications (via ReportNet): Starting on April 7, 2025

RFA information session*: April 23, 2025, 2-3 p.m. ET (Register here)
*This session will be recorded and posted on OICR’s funding opportunities website.

Notice of Intent submission: No later than May 13, 2025, by 5 p.m. ET

Letter of Intent deadline: May 13, 2025, by 5 p.m. ET

Full application deadline: July 31, 202,5 by 5 p.m. ET

Notification of decision: October 2025

Funding start date: December 1, 2025

Questions?

Please visit the FAQ page before contacting the OICR Scientific Secretariat office at ScientificSecretariat@oicr.on.ca.

Call for Proposals: 2025–26 Schwartz Reisman Institute Research Leads

The University of Toronto’s Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society (SRI) invites faculty members from all disciplines to apply for a one-year appointment as an SRI research lead.

 

OVERVIEW

Purpose: Research leads are vital members of the SRI community, shaping SRI’s research direction and leading projects with real-world impact. We invite proposals from faculty ready to engage with our existing vibrant, interdisciplinary research lead community, design and execute a project that reflects their own interests and expertise, and advance SRI’s mission of promoting the socially responsible development and use of emerging technologies. We seek applicants that bring a diversity of perspectives, which is essential to advancing our academic mission.

Value: The SRI research leads program will provide up to $30,000 in project support plus an administrative stipend and in-kind support for up to two appointed faculty members at the University of Toronto. Successful candidates will receive a one-year appointment (renewable up to two years). 

Eligibility and Requirements:

Proposals must be submitted by tenure-stream University of Toronto faculty. Status-only appointees are not eligible.

For more information on eligibility, evaluation and requirements, visit our website.

Deadline: Application forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. ET on June 8, 2025. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

How to apply:

To be considered, applicants must fill out the online application form, which requests the following attachments:

• An application statement (PDF, 3 pages maximum) which contains the following sections:
  1. Applicant engagement: Describe how you intend to engage with SRI's community, including the expertise you bring and your potential contributions to SRI initiatives. If applicable, articulate previous experiences you have had with interdisciplinary research, as well as communicating with non-academic audiences.
  2. Project motivation: Outline the key issues your proposed project addresses, the objectives driving it, and interdisciplinary gaps it seeks to fill. Explain why your project has the potential to yield societal benefits, and what critical needs it seeks to fulfill.
  3. Project audience: Identify the target audience and explain how engaging these stakeholders could enable societal benefits and impact.
  4. Methodology: Describe your proposed project and engagement activities as a research lead, how they align with your background and skills, and how they will support SRI's mission of promoting better understanding of advanced technologies and their impacts and benefits to society.
  5. Project budget: Summarize required resources and itemize eligible expenses for the project.
  6. Timeline: List key milestones, including proposed start and end dates. Projects may run up to two years, with clear goals set at the one-year mark.
• A current curriculum vitae (PDF).
• Up to three representative samples of your research, e.g., publications, presentations (PDF).
• A letter of support from your faculty or department dean or chair (PDF).

Please contact sri.research@utoronto.ca if you have any questions or require additional information. 

About the Schwartz Reisman Institute

The Schwartz Reisman Institute for Technology and Society supports and integrates world-class research across sectors and disciplines to deepen our understanding of advanced technologies, law, institutions, regulatory structures, and social values. We foster interdisciplinary ideas, insights, and understandings of how technology affects society and individuals, with a goal of rethinking technology’s role in society, the contemporary needs of human communities, and the systems that govern them.  

Our mission is to deepen our knowledge of advanced technologies, societies, and what it means to be human by actively integrating research across traditional boundaries and fostering human-centered solutions that really make a difference—for everyone. 

SSHRC’s Aid to Scholarly Journals grants

The following message has been sent out by SSHRC in relation to their Aid to Scholarly Journal grant program (with the next competition scheduled to be launched in June 2025, though updated guidelines and deadlines are not yet available on SSHRC's ASJ website). For the full update, please go to SSHRC's website here.

"The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is communicating important program updates to the Aid to Scholarly Journals (ASJ) funding opportunity. As announced in December 2023, the ASJ is transitioning to support journals that will offer free and immediate open access (OA). This change aligns with the current review of the Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications. The updated policy will require that any peer-reviewed journal publications arising from agency-supported research be freely available at the time of publication. The transition of the ASJ will help support free and fast access to digitally published Canadian social sciences and humanities research results for readers throughout Canada and around the world.

Over the last two years, SSHRC engaged with the research community—including journal editors, librarians, scholarly publishing experts and other stakeholders—to ensure an effective, sustainable and equitable transition of the ASJ funding opportunity to immediate OA.  We thank you again for your valuable contributions to these engagements.

The transition of the ASJ takes an iterative approach, with changes being implemented gradually over the course of the 2025 and 2028 cycles. Key updates to the ASJ funding opportunity include an increase to available funding, moving from delayed to immediate OA, promoting digital publishing best practices, enhancing flexibility for distribution platform hosting fees and supporting emerging journals.

If you have questions, please contact scholarlyjournals@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca."

SSHRC Connection Grants – Webinar information

SSHRC will be holding its webinars for the CG competition:

English language version:

Date and time: May 28, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET Webinar link:  Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

Meeting ID: 297 036 583 625 7

Passcode: 5rh7Bk9d

 

For details and the links to the SSHRC webinars, please visit SSHRC's upcoming webinars webpage and UofT SSHRC CG webpage (including internal deadlines an other resources).

French language version:

Date and time: May 29, 2025, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. ET Webinar link:  Microsoft Virtual Events Powered by Teams

Meeting ID: 295 067 894 833 8

Passcode: Ed3B5MK9

Toronto – Melbourne Research Training Group

The University of Toronto (U of T) and the University of Melbourne (Melbourne) are hosting a call for proposals for the Toronto – Melbourne Research Training Group, offering opportunities for research collaboration and engagement.   

Open to all research areas, proposals will establish up to eight (8) pairs of supervisors (PIs), with each supervisory team supporting one (1) joint PhD candidate. 

Eligibility 

• The supervisory team must consist of at least two Principal Investigators (PIs), one from U of T and one from Melbourne.  
• The PIs must have the capacity to serve as principal supervisors for a jointly enrolled PhD candidate.  
• Each PI must meet the supervisor eligibility criteria set by their own institution and each PI is responsible for checking their own eligibility to apply.  
• This call is open to proposals from all research areas and disciplines. 

Important Dates 

• Application deadline – June 6, 2025 
• Outcome notifications – Mid-September 2025 
• PhD candidates commence – September 2026 / January 2027 / September 2027 

Funding Details 

• Each recruited PhD candidate will receive a funding package that includes tuition fee waivers/remission scholarships, a stipend, health insurance and relocation support 

For more information on this call, including detailed instructions on how to submit a proposal, please see the funding opportunities page. 

If you have questions, please be in touch with Rikki Zhao, Director, China Partnership, Office of the Vice-President International at rikki.zhao@utoronto.ca.  

Faculty are encouraged to review U of T’s safeguarding research resources when developing their proposals. 

Do not use MRA to submit this application. 

Tri-Agency and CFI launch new STRAC Policy

As of May 1 2024, the Tri-Agency federal granting agencies (NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC) as well as the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) implemented the Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC) policy which was announced earlier this year.  All applications to these agencies and programs must adhere to the STRAC Policy, as outlined on the Tri-Agency Guidance on the STRAC Policy webpage.   

 To be eligible to receive new research funding in any Sensitive Technology Research Area (STRA) from the CIHR, SSHRC, NSERC and the CFI, each investigator named in the application must provide an individual Attestation that they do not have any affiliation nor are in receipt of funding or in-kind support from any entity on the Named Research Organizations.  

?Additionally, the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (NSGRP) currently implemented in the NSERC Alliance program will be expanded to multiple Tri-Agency and CFI applications that have a corporate partner. 

As always, applicants are strongly encouraged to consult the federal Safeguarding Your Research portal as requirements and information may be updated. 

Questions or comments directed to NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC and the CFI may be addressed to researchsecurity@nserc-crsng.gc.ca. 

The CFI has launched a new webpage on research security for its programs. 

For U of T specific resources and questions, please consult the internal Research Security website?and email address: 

https://research.utoronto.ca/safeguarding-research/safeguarding-research 

researchsecurity@utoronto.ca. 

The Manchester-Melbourne-Toronto (MMT) Research Fund 2025

The University of Manchester, the University of Melbourne, and the University of Toronto (U of T) are hosting a joint call for applications for the Manchester-Melbourne-Toronto (MMT) Research Fund, which supports collaborative bilateral and trilateral research initiatives. 

The call is open to applications from all research areas and up to 15 proposals will be selected for funding. 

Eligibility: 

• Proposals must include at least two academics from each partner institution in the application and at least one of the project team must be an Early Career Researcher (ECR). 
• U of T faculty members who meet the University’s definition of a Principal Investigator (PI) are eligible to apply. 

Important Dates: 

• Deadline for submission – June 2, 2025  
• Communication of results – Mid-August 2025 
• Start date of awards – Early September 2025 

Value & Duration:

• Funding will be provided to support up to 15 proposals for a funding period of 18 months. 
• Recipients will be awarded up to $15,000 AUD to support Melbourne applicants; £9,000 GBP to support Manchester applicants; and $14,000 CAD to support Toronto applicants. 
• U of T will provide supplemental funding up to $3,000 CAD for projects which involve a collaborator from other Global Humanities Alliance (GHA) partner institutions. 

For more information on this call, including detailed instructions on how to submit an application, please see the funding opportunities page. 

If you have questions, please be in touch with Rikki Zhao, Director, China Partnership, Office of the Vice-President, International at rikki.zhao@utoronto.ca. 

Faculty are encouraged to review U of T’s safeguarding research resources when developing their proposals. 

 Do not use MRA to submit this application. 

Université Paris Cité - U of T Call for Joint Research Proposals

The University of Toronto (U of T) and University of Paris Cité (UPCité) have announced a joint call for research proposals aimed at fostering collaboration and strengthening research links between the two institutions. This initiative is open to researchers from all disciplines, with a special focus on early career researchers. 

Eligibility: 

All U of T faculty members who meet the University’s definition of a Principal Investigator (PI) are eligible to apply. 

Important Dates: 

• Application deadline – June 2, 2025 
• Communication of results to applicants – July 2025 

Funding Details: 

• Up to $15,000 CAD to approved projects from U of T 
• Up to 10,000€ to approved projects from UPCité 
• Up to five (5) joint projects will be selected 

Questions? For more information on this call, including detailed instructions on how to submit a proposal, please see the funding opportunities page. 

If you have questions, please be in touch with Elina Tulla, Research Officer, Office of the Vice-President International at elina.tulla@utoronto.ca. 

Faculty are encouraged to review U of T’s safeguarding research resources when developing their proposals. 

Do not use MRA to submit this application. 

U of T Public Policy Reports Collection: Call for Submissions

The Division of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (VPRI) and the University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) are calling for submissions to the U of T Public Policy Reports Collection.

This collection assembles public policy-related research reports produced by University of Toronto units. It is a collection of grey literature (research not published through traditional means such as in an academic journal). It is housed in TSpace, a free and secure research repository established by the University of Toronto Libraries to disseminate and preserve the scholarly record of U of T. The collection aims to improve discoverability of U of T contributions in a variety of areas including local, provincial, national, and global public policy.

Eligibility:

We invite submissions to the Public Policy Reports Collection that meet the following criteria:

• At least one report author was a faculty, fellow, student or staff at U of T when the report was issued.
• Authored by U of T academic units with explicit U of T branding and affiliation of the author.
• Not published in an academic journal in an identical form. 

Benefits to Researchers:

The U of T Public Policy Reports Collection provides permanent URLs on a high-traffic repository, enabling timely research to be available sooner than through traditional scholarly publication channels. Many U of T faculty produce public policy reports outside of traditional publishing and dissemination channels. These reports are not easily found through standard bibliometric searches or through search engines and can be lost when department or personal websites are redesigned.

For more information and instructions on submitting public policy reports to the collection, please visit: https://research.utoronto.ca/reports-publications-metrics/public-policy-reports-collection  

U of T and University of Warwick Joint Seed Fund for Developing Collaboration in Research and Education

The University of Toronto (U of T) and the University of Warwick are hosting a call for applications for the U of T-Warwick Seed Fund, which aims to develop collaborative research and education initiatives. This fund is designed to strengthen or initiate connections by enabling researchers to jointly undertake preliminary research or pilot initiatives, and organize meetings, workshops and events. 

Eligibility: 

All U of T faculty members who meet the University’s definition of a Principal Investigator (PI) are eligible to apply. 

Important Dates: 

Application deadline – May 2, 2025  

Value: 

Up to five (5) joint proposals will each receive up to $7,000 CAD from U of T and up to £5,000 GBP from the University of Warwick. 

For more information on this call, including detailed instructions on how to submit a proposal, see the?funding opportunities page. 

If you have questions, please contact Elina Tulla, Research Officer, Office of the Vice-President International at?elina.tulla@utoronto.ca. 

Faculty are encouraged to review U of T’s safeguarding research resources when developing their proposals. 

Do not use MRA to submit this application. 

United States Department of Defense (DOD) - Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs - Funding Opportunities

US Department of Defense (DOD) Office of the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) has released pre-funding announcements for the following programs:

Hearing Restoration Research Program (HRRP)

Focused Research Award

Neurotoxin Exposure Treatment Parkinson’s (NETP)

Early Investigator Research Award
Investigator-Initiated Research Award
Synergistic Idea Award (NEW!)

Prostate Cancer Research Program (PCRP)

Prostate Cancer Pathology Resource Network Award
*Descriptions of each of the funding opportunities, eligibility, key mechanism elements, and funding can be found in the respective Program pre-announcement at http://cdmrp.army.mil

Application Information:
UofT campus based applicants should select Toronto, University of for the institution and indicate the appropriate Research Services Office contact (see below) as the Business Official in their pre-application in the eBRAP System.  

Contact Information:
Krista Montgomery (krista.montgomery@utoronto.ca): for UofT Faculty appointed within Dalla Lana, Applied Sci & Eng, Dentistry, Forestry, Kinesiology & PE, Nursing, Pharmacy, UTM, and Medicine (last names A-M only).

Deadlines: Individual deadlines available at http://cdmrp.army.mil

UTEST 2025 APPLICATIONS OPEN - DUE May 22nd, 2025

University of Toronto Early Stage Technology Program (UTEST) Applications 

The deadline for submission is Thursday, May 22nd, 2025. 

The UTEST Program is announcing its annual call for research-based UofT and affiliated teaching hospital companies. UTEST provides UofT start-up companies with investment funding of up to $150,000, incubation space @ The Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, intense entrepreneurial education provided by MaRS, corporate and intellectual property legal support, mentoring and business strategy support. Our program partner, TIAP, provides sector expertise, an Entrepreneurs-in-Residence (EIR) program and follow-on investment capital of up to $1,000,000.

Since 2012 UTEST companies have raised over $800M+ in investment funding. UTEST is ranked amongst the top 10 accelerators in Canada.

Essential Information and Timelines:

• Full program information and application can be found on the UTEST program page: http://www.utest.to
• Applications are due before 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, May 22nd, 2025: http://utest.to/apply/
• Selected companies will be interviewed the week of June 2nd, 2025.
• The program will begin the week of June 23rd, 2025.

Awards

CAHS Emerging Leaders in Health Sciences: Call for Nominations

The Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (CAHS) is pleased to announce the call for nominations for Emerging Leaders in Health Sciences.

This new distinction will annually recognize emerging health sciences leaders -- within 8 years of their last degree (PhD, MSc, MD, JD, DVM, PharmD, etc.), not including leaves of absence -- for a term of five years, during which they will receive mentorship from senior Academy Fellows.

Candidates must have achieved independence in their activities and recognition from their peers, preferably on a national or international level. They will have demonstrated strong proof / evidence of leadership in their discipline and even beyond, ability to establish collaborations and networking in the scientific community, improving the health of Canadian society and/or community and promoting/advancing inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility (IDEA) in healthcare, research, education, or outreach in Canada. Emerging leaders’ candidates must also make a clear declaration of interest in participating in CAHS activities.

Eligibility

Candidates must be within 8 years of their last degree (PhD, MSc, MD, JD, DVM, PharmD, etc.), not including leaves of absence, and must not hold the rank of Full Professor or a senior position. All emerging leaders must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents unless exceptional circumstances prompt the Board to rule otherwise.

Nomination Process

Self-nominations are welcomed for this opportunity and must be accompanied by three letters of support. Letters do not have to be written by current CAHS fellows and may come from an institutional leader from the nominee's organization or colleagues from a different institution (local, national, or international).

Please visit the CAHS website to access the Emerging Leaders guidelines, nomination form, and rubric.

2026 Dorothy Killam Fellowships 

The Dorothy Killam Fellowships competition (administered by the National Research Council of Canada, NRC) has now released its updated guidelines for the 2026 competition 

The Dorothy Killam Fellowships provide support to scholars of exceptional ability by granting them time to pursue research projects of broad significance and widespread interest within the disciplines of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences, engineering or studies linking any of these disciplines. Between 5 and 8 fellowships will be awarded annually.

The full guidelines and application instructions are available on the Dorothy Killam Fellowship - Details page. 

Amount and Duration of Fellowship

The Dorothy Killam Fellowships are valued at $80,000 CAD per year for a total of up to $160,000 for 2 years. A Dorothy Killam Fellow is relieved of teaching and administrative duties for the period of the fellowship. The funds are intended to assist the institution to cover the costs of replacement of the applicant while still paying regular salary and benefits during the 2-year fellowship period. The funds are not intended to cover the Fellow's research expenses/activities, and Fellows must obtain support for research and laboratory costs from other sources.

Eligibility

As per the sponsor guidelines, Dorothy Killam Fellowships are intended as release time from employment for mid-career scholars who have demonstrated outstanding research ability. Typically, a Fellowship recipient is a professor at a Canadian university with significant teaching and/or administrative responsibilities.

To be eligible, applicants:

• demonstrate commitment to building Canada’s future and alignment with Killam attributes;
• are mid-career researchers who usually completed their PhD no more than 15 years prior, though special circumstances may result in applicants being more or less than 15 years post-PhD;
• must be employed by a university or other research institute for the duration of the fellowship (2 years) and will submit a proof of employment;
• may not have already been awarded a fellowship from the Killam Program of the Canada Council for the Arts. Please note that National Killam Program Office employees, members of the National Killam Program Advisory Board, or the Selection Committee may not apply.
• consent to disclose any information that may constitute a significant departure from generally-recognized standards of public behaviour and which is seen to undermine the public reputation of the National Killam Program.
• must submit an approved MRA to indicate that the applicant's academic unit supports the application and approves the applicant's teaching/administrative release that they would receive if the Fellowship is awarded.

Deadlines

Thursday, May 01, 2025, noon: MRA deadline for editorial review submissions (RSO editorial review support is optional)
Thursday, May 15 , 2025, noon: MRA deadline for all applicants not submitting proposals for editorial review
Thursday, May 22, 2025, 11:59pm (applicant's local time): Final sponsor deadline to submit completed applications through the Killam program's application site

***NOTE: For complete information on what needs to be included with the MRA (including how to indicate in the MRA the teaching/administrative release that comes with this Fellowship), please see the VPRI funding opportunity webpage, specifically the "MRA requirement" and "Deadlines" sections.

Sponsor contact information

If you require support in submitting a proposal or for accommodations with regards to the application, please email: KillamProgram-ProgrammeKillam@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca.

Additional Links

Results for 2024 Dorothy Killam Fellowship

National Killam Program help webpage 

2026 Killam NRC Paul Corkum Fellowship

OVERVIEW

The Killam NRC Paul Corkum Fellowship (offered by the National Research Council of Canada, NRC) creates opportunities for mid- to late-career Canadian and international scholars to collaborate with NRC researchers. The Fellowship provides teaching and administrative release time for 12 months for scholars who have demonstrated outstanding research ability, and who are proposing projects that are aligned with one or more NRC Challenge Programs. In this co-Pl model, the Fellow and the NRC researcher collaborate to deliver a specific project. This program will provide opportunities for external scholars to access the NRC's unique infrastructure and resources, and work with an NRC researcher to further Dorothy Killam's vision of building Canada's future through advanced study.

PROGRAM DETAILS

• Value: $100,000 to cover teaching and administrative release time of the Fellow + an additional grant of up to $50,000 for travel and knowledge dissemination costs; the NRC co-Pl could also receive up to $50,000 for travel and knowledge dissemination costs through their NRC research centre.
• Duration: 1 year
• Number of awards: Up to 3 Fellowships are awarded each year
• Submissions portal open: Mar 26, 2025
• Internal MRA deadline for UofT applicants need editorial review: May 1, 2025, noon
• Internal MRA deadline for all UofT applicants: May 22, 2025, noon
• Final Sponsor deadline: June 5, 2025, 23:59 (applicant's local time)

ELIGIBILITY

UofT Applicant:

• be willing and able to travel to an NRC location or locations in Canada to collaborate with an NRC co-PI as required;
• obtain a reliability status personnel security clearance;
• demonstrate commitment to building Canada’s future and alignment with Killam attributes;
• agree to participate in community engagement and knowledge mobilization activities. This may include: participation in the Killam Laureate Network, participation in a Fellows lecture series and invited lectures, and/or participation in dissemination activities with relevant University departments, or with other organizations or appropriate scientific societies.
• demonstrate commitment to knowledge exchange with their NRC co-PI;
• be a mid-to-late career researcher, although researchers at earlier career stages may be considered in some cases;
• receive release time to conduct the proposed research, and will continue to be employed by the same institution for up to 12 months from the start of the Fellowship; and,
• consent to disclose any information that may constitute a significant departure from generally-recognized standards of public behaviour and which is seen to undermine the public reputation of the National Killam Program.
• must submit an approved MRA to indicate that the applicant's academic unit supports the application and approves the applicant's teaching/administrative release that they would receive if the Fellowship is awarded.

Project:

• Proposed projects must align with one or more NRC Challenge Programs. If you do not see an area of research that aligns with your proposed project, please contact KillamProgram-ProgrammeKillam@nrc-cnrc.gc.ca to enquire about eligibility.
• Projects may be technical, based on knowledge exchange, or exploratory.
• Proposals are co-defined by the NRC co-Pl and the Fellow.

RESOURCES

• Please see the VPRI Funding Opportunity webpage for more details concerning internal deadlines and other supporting information/resources here.
• Please see the full sponsor program guidelines and application process here (Note: some forms that are to be included in the final application have not yet been made available by the sponsor).

Education Awards

Access Programs University Fund (APUF) 

The Access Programs University Fund (APUF) – espousing the University’s values of access and equity and the President’s three priorities – is calling for proposals for the 2025-26 academic year. 

Fund Overview

The University of Toronto has a long-standing commitment to outreach and access – currently, there are over 100 access and outreach programs across the institution. The University is committed to ensuring students from underrepresented communities see and experience U of T as a place where they belong and thrive. The purpose of this fund is to provide financial resources to help local units develop new and enhance existing programs dedicated to providing opportunities and support for students who, without intervention, would not access or thrive in post-secondary education.

Application Process

The Access Programs University Fund (APUF) operates through a two-step application process:  

1. Consultation with the Access Strategy & Partnerships Office (ASPO) to discuss your proposal (by April 28, 2025);
2. Submission of a full application package. The deadline is May 26, 2025.

To arrange a proposal consultation with ASPO, please use the APUF Consultation Bookings link for meeting time options. Please provide emails of any colleagues who plan to attend in the ‘Guest emails’ field and your academic unit or department. 

The application process is conducted entirely online using the provided submission forms. No hard copy or email submissions will be accepted.

For further inquiries, please contact: Access Strategy & Partnerships Office (ASPO) - access@utoronto.ca

Learning Education Advancement Fund (LEAF)

The Learning & Education Advancement Fund (LEAF) program aims to support the President’s Three Priorities:

Leverage our urban location(s) more fully, for the mutual benefit of University and City; Strengthen and deepen key international partnerships by means of a well-defined strategic focus; Reimagine and reinvent undergraduate education.

Funding:

A two-tiered system of funding, LEAF provides funding opportunities for teaching and learning projects that explore, implement and scale up promising practices at different stages of their development and implementation. Focused on projects connected to the academic curriculum, LEAF creates a pathway for projects from their initial inception to their full potential. 

Seed grants are intended to encourage experimentation at the local level, either within a course or a set of courses, as a means of fostering small-scale enhancements or pilots with the potential for future scalability. These projects should have the potential for either scalability within their home unit or transferability into other undergraduate learning contexts. Grants in this category range from $5,000 to $10,000 per year for up to 3 years.

Impact grants are designed to support large-scale projects with the potential to significantly enhance core elements of undergraduate education within or across academic units and divisions at the University. This can range from scaling high-impact teaching practices that have already experienced successful experimentation in their local contexts, to the development of new pedagogical or curricular approaches and practices. Grants in this category range from $10,000 to $100,000 per year for up to 3 years.

The next funding cycle is expected in Summer 2024 

Workshops

1. Workshop: Building an Effective LEAF Application: Assessment Strategies for a Meaningful Project 
   This workshop explores how you measure the effectiveness of a LEAF project. In this session, we examined building a meaningful and integrated assessment strategy from thinking about what sort of assessment tools work for your project to when and how you are assessing your project.
   
   Participants in this session gained an introductory overview of different assessment tools and techniques and clear next steps for how to build an assessment strategy in the context of a teaching grant.
   Access the Recording

2. Workshop: Building an Effective LEAF Application: From Idea to Submission 
   This workshop is designed for instructors and staff interested in applying for the LEAF program. Our workshop explored everything from designing a research question for the Expression of Interest to the basics of building an effective, integrated assessment strategy.
   
   Participants gained insights into strategies and suggestions for successful applications, collaborating with peers on proposals and learned from a panel of former LEAF recipients.
   Access the Recording

3. Workshop: Strategies for Writing an Effective Teaching & Learning Grant
   In support of instructors and staff interested in the LEAF program as well as the Graduate Education Innovation Fund, the Instructional Technology and Innovation Fund (ITIF) and other teaching and learning funding opportunities, this workshop was jointly hosted by our office, the Centre for Teaching Support & Innovation and Academic & Collaborative Technologies.
   Access the Recording

Additional Information

Additional information can be found here.

U of T and University of Warwick Joint Seed Fund for Developing Collaboration in Research and Education

The University of Toronto (U of T) and the University of Warwick are hosting a call for applications for the U of T-Warwick Seed Fund, which aims to develop collaborative research and education initiatives. This fund is designed to strengthen or initiate connections by enabling researchers to jointly undertake preliminary research or pilot initiatives, and organize meetings, workshops and events. 

Eligibility: 

All U of T faculty members who meet the University’s definition of a Principal Investigator (PI) are eligible to apply. 

Important Dates: 

Application deadline – May 2, 2025  

Value: 

Up to five (5) joint proposals will each receive up to $7,000 CAD from U of T and up to £5,000 GBP from the University of Warwick. 

 

For more information on this call, including detailed instructions on how to submit a proposal, see the?funding opportunities page. 

If you have questions, please contact Elina Tulla, Research Officer, Office of the Vice-President International at?elina.tulla@utoronto.ca. 

Faculty are encouraged to review U of T’s safeguarding research resources when developing their proposals. 

Do not use MRA to submit this application.