OTTAWA, Canada – The government of Canada is committed more than ever to supporting Canadian research excellence and a diverse research ecosystem. Through this support, Canadian researchers continue to lead globally in groundbreaking innovations to maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving research landscape.
Mélanie Joly, minister of industry and minister responsible for Canada economic development for Quebec regions, announced that the federal government is investing more than $690 million in science and research funding.
More than $482 million will be distributed through the Research Support Fund (RSF), administered by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council on behalf of the three federal research granting agencies, to ensure researchers and institutions across Canada are equipped to address new demands in the current research environment and to compete on a global scale. These investments will support projects such as upgrading facilities so researchers can conduct their discoveries in the best environments, building and strengthening new and existing research resources, and strengthening cybersecurity to safeguard research innovations.
Over $198 million will support 259 new and renewed Canada Research Chairs. This funding will allow exceptional researchers and their research teams in health, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities disciplines to advance essential knowledge in areas such as artificial intelligence, Indigenous governance, mental health and work-life transitions, obesity and aging across populations, and ocean engineering, among others.
As a Canada Research Chairs Program partner, the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is also committing nearly $11 million to support 43 research infrastructure projects at 27 institutions, through its John R. Evans Leaders Fund.
Finally, $300,000 will be distributed among the three recipients of the 2024 Robbins-Ollivier Award for Excellence in Equity. The recipients will each receive $100,000 to help them advance their bold, game-changing initiatives to spark change and address systemic barriers within and beyond their postsecondary institutions.
