Canadian Institutes of Health Research 2025-26 Departmental Plan: Details on transfer payment programs

• Canada Excellence Research Chairs (voted)
• Canada First Research Excellence Fund (voted)
• Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)
• Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support (voted)
• Institute Support Grants (voted)
• Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)
• Canada 150 Research Chairs (voted)
• College and Community Innovation (voted)
• Canada Research Training Award Suite (voted)

Canada Excellence Research Chairs (voted)

Start date: 2008

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-2022

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canada's health research is internationally competitive
• Canada's health research capacity is strengthened
• Canada's health research is used

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Investigator-Initiated Research

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program is a Tri-Agency initiative that supports Canadian universities in their efforts to build on Canada's growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation. The program awards world-renowned researchers and their teams to establish ambitious research programs at Canadian universities. This program is administered by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

Expected results:

• Strengthen Canada's ability to attract the world's top researchers;
• Build a critical mass of expertise in priority areas identified by the government at Canadian institutions;
• Create a competitive environment to help Canadian institutions attract a cadre of world-leading researchers, collaborators, partners, and research users from diverse sectors, nationally and internationally; and
• Contribute to the branding of Canada as a location of choice for world-leading research, science and technology development.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2020-21

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2025-26

General targeted recipient groups: Academia and public institutions and individual or sole proprietorships.

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

Canada First Research Excellence Fund (voted)

Start date: 2014

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014-2015

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canada's health research is internationally competitive
• Canada's health research capacity is strengthened
• Canada's health research is used

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Investigator-Initiated Research

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) supports Canada's postsecondary institutions in their efforts to become global research leaders. CFREF helps competitively selected Canadian postsecondary institutions turn their key strengths into world-leading capabilities. This program is administered by SSHRC on behalf of CIHR, the NSERC, and SSHRC.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

Expected results:

• Institutions develop ambitious and focused strategies
• Canadian postsecondary institutions excel globally in research areas of strategic relevance to Canada
• Institutions contribute to creating long-term economic advantages for Canada

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2020-21

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2025-26

General targeted recipient groups: Academia and public institutions

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)

Start date: 2003-04

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009-10

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canada's health research is internationally competitive
• Canada's health research capacity is strengthened
• Canada's health research is used

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Training and Career Support

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: CIHR's portion of the Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) program provides financial support to high-calibre scholars who are engaged in master's or doctoral programs in health. This is a Tri-Agency program and is administered by each respective agency (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC).

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

Expected results:

• Increased enrolment in graduate studies in Canada.
• Improved time to completion of degrees for CGS scholarship holders, relative to national statistics for time to completion in their discipline.
• Enhanced capacity of Canadian universities to attract the best and brightest young people who will become the next generation of researchers.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2023-24

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2028-29

General targeted recipient groups: Academia and public institutions

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Applicants and recipients are engaged through communication with academic institutions and Tri-Agency or agency specific electronic communication.

Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support (voted)

Start date: 2000-01

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canada's health research is internationally competitive
• Canada's health research capacity is strengthened
• Canada's health research is used

Link to the department's Program Inventory:

• Investigator-Initiated Research
• Training and Career Support
• Research in Priority Areas

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: CIHR provides a wide array of funding programs under this transfer payment program. This includes grants that provide support for the direct costs of research projects, for the training of researchers, or for activities that support the translation of research findings. Other funding includes direct salary and stipend support to individual researchers/scientists and research trainees.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

Expected results:

• Health research advances knowledge;
• A strong and talented health research community with the capacity to undertake health research;
• Commercial activity-products patents and intellectual property, companies and employment generated; and
• Translation and use of health research takes place as a result of effective funding programs, which can lead to benefits to Canadians.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2023-24

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2028-29

General targeted recipient groups: Academia and public institutions

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: CIHR engages applicants and recipients on an ongoing basis through various forms of social media, electronic newsletters, presentations, discussion forums and consultation processes.

Institute Support Grants (voted)

Start date: 2000-01

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2008-09

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canada's health research is internationally competitive
• Canada's health research capacity is strengthened
• Canada's health research is used

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Research in Priority Areas

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Institute Support Grant program provides funding to select Canadian academic institutions, including universities and teaching hospitals, to assist them in hosting the 13 Institutes of CIHR. The Institutes help CIHR maintain strong ties to Canada's research communities and to understand their needs. Each CIHR-appointed Scientific Director is among the top scientists in his/her field. Institutes help CIHR define its strategic health research priorities and develop research partnerships with other interested parties in health research. Institutes also organize conferences, seminars and workshops, all with the goal of developing and disseminating health-related knowledge and best practices.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

Expected results: Effective domestic and international health research agendas as well as alliances and partnerships in areas related to the mandate of each Institute.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2021-22

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2026-27

General targeted recipient groups: Academia and public institutions

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: CIHR engages applicants and recipients on an ongoing basis through various forms of social media, electronic newsletters, presentations, discussion forums and consultation processes. Scientific Directors are among the top scientists in their fields and maintain strong ties to Canada's research communities.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)

Start date: 2008-09

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014-15

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canada's health research is internationally competitive
• Canada's health research capacity is strengthened
• Canada's health research is used

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Training and Career Support

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program is a Tri-Agency program designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by offering them a significant financial award. This financial award assists students during their studies at Canadian universities. Vanier Scholars demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health-related fields. This program is administered by CIHR on behalf of CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

Expected results:

• Establishment of a Canadian doctoral scholarship that is internationally competitive and internationally recognized.
• Enhanced capacity of Canadian universities to attract the best and brightest students from Canada and the world with the potential to become leaders in the next generation of researchers in Canada.
• Attract to Canada top students from other countries who will bring with them new knowledge and ideas and enrich the Canadian learning environment.
• Retain Canada's top doctoral students in the face of intense international competition for the brightest researchers.
• Promote and brand Canada as a home of research excellence and Canadian Universities as world-class institutions of research and higher learning.
• Establish effective research collaborations and networks between Canada and the recipients' home countries.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2020-21

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2025-26

General targeted recipient groups: Academia and public institutions

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Applicants and recipients are engaged through communication with academic institutions and directed Tri-Agency or agency-specific electronic communication, as well as through the Vanier CGS website.

Canada 150 Research Chairs (voted)

Start date: 2017

End date: 2025-26

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canada's health research is internationally competitive
• Canada's health research capacity is strengthened
• Canada's health research is used

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Investigator-Initiated Research

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada 150 Research Chairs (C150) program provides Canadian universities with a one-time investment to attract top-tier, internationally based scholars and researchers (including Canadian expatriates) to Canada. This program is administered by SSHRC on behalf of CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

Expected results:

• Strengthen Canada's research capacity through the recruitment and retention of top-tier, internationally based scholars and researchers;
• Enhance Canada's reputation as a global centre for science, research and innovation excellence;
• Improve universities' capacity to generate and apply new knowledge; and
• Improve the training and development of highly qualified research personnel.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2020-21

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: Not applicable. The program ends in 2024-25 and has been evaluated within the 5-year period since its establishment.

General targeted recipient groups: Academia and public institutions

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle to offer applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

College and Community Innovation (voted)

Start date: 2007

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25

Link to departmental result(s):

• Canada's health research is internationally competitive
• Canada's health research capacity is strengthened
• Canada's health research is used

Link to the department's Program Inventory: Research in Priority Areas

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program is managed by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) in collaboration with CIHR and SSHRC. The CCI Program increases innovation at the community and/or regional level by enabling Canadian colleges to increase their capacity to work with local companies, particularly small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), in areas of the natural and social sciences, engineering, humanities and/or health. It supports applied research and collaborations that facilitate commercialization, as well as technology transfer, adaptation and adoption of new technologies, in areas of strategic importance to Canada.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

Expected results:

• Increased awareness by local businesses of the capacity of the postsecondary institutions to assist with applied research projects.
• Increased involvement of faculty in applied research.
• Increased applied research capacity at colleges.
• College students acquiring applied research knowledge and experience, and exposure to business work environments.
• New technologies and processes adopted by local businesses and other organizations.
• Increased applied research collaborations between colleges, universities, local businesses and other organizations.
• Increased R&D investment by local businesses and other organizations.
• Increased productivity and competitiveness of local businesses and other organizations.
• Enhanced reputation of colleges as applied research partners for local businesses and other organizations.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: 2018-19

Decision following the results of last evaluation: Continuation

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2025-26

General targeted recipient groups: Academia and public institutions

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle to offer applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

Canada Research Training Award Suite (voted)

Start date: 2026-27

End date: Ongoing

Type of transfer payment: Grant

Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25

Link to departmental result(s)

• Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
• Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
• Canada’s health research is used

Link to the department’s Program Inventory: Research in Priority Areas

Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Research Training Award Suite (CRTAS) will support the next generation of innovators by providing funding and high-quality research training, cultivating research skills, fostering creativity, and empowering awardees to make significant contributions to Canada’s research ecosystem, economy and prosperity. This is a tri-agency program administered (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC).

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

Expected results:

• A range of excellent students and postdoctoral researchers are supported and recognized
• Students and postdoctoral researchers can concentrate more fully on their research and training
• Students and postdoctoral researchers transition to careers where they use their research skills and expertise

Ultimately, Canada’s research capacity is strengthened through a pool of diverse and highly skilled people.

Fiscal year of last completed evaluation: N/A

Decision following the results of last evaluation: N/A

Fiscal year of next planned evaluation: 2030-31

General targeted recipient groups: Individuals or sole proprietorships

Initiatives to engage applicants and recipients: Academic institutions and tri-agency communicate directly with applications and recipients via email.

Date modified:

2025-06-17