2025-26 Departmental Results Report: Details on transfer payment programs (TPPs)
- 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 Research Training Award Suite (voted)
- Canada 150 Research Chairs (voted)
- College and Community Innovation (voted)
Canada Excellence Research Chairs (voted)
Timeframe of the transfer payment program
- Start date: 2008
- End date: Ongoing
- Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2025-26
Funding Details
- Listing in the Public Accounts: Canada Excellence Research Chairs
- Name of program terms and conditions: Canada Excellence Research Chairs
- Type of transfer payment: Grant
- Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Purpose and objectives
-
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) transfer payment program is a tri-agency program that includes the following initiatives:
- Canada Excellence Research Chairs
- Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada
- Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders
The CERC program supports Canadian universities in their efforts to build Canada’s growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation. The program awards funding to world-renowned researchers and their teams to establish ambitious research programs at Canadian universities.
The Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada and the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders programs are one-time initiatives designed to support Canadian universities in attracting world-leading researchers whose work addresses critical national and global challenges. The Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada will receive long-term funding and institutional support to advance ambitious and transformative projects in Canada’s strategic priority areas, build and maintain exceptional research teams, and collaborate with partners across sectors and borders. Universities may also request additional funding to recruit international early career researchers as part of the Emerging Leaders initiative. The three initiatives are administered by SSHRC on behalf of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and SSHRC.
This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions.
- Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2025-26: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.
Departmental Results Framework
Link to departmental results
- 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
Results achieved: In 2025-26, the program supported a total of 42 CERCs including 13 (31%) that align with CIHR’s mandate, 23 (55%) that align with NSERC’s mandate and six (14%) that align with SSHRC’s mandate.
The 2022 CERC competition awarded a total of $248 million over eight years in support of 34 new CERCs at 18 Canadian postsecondary institutions. Of 34 grants awarded in the fourth competition, 53% of the funded chairs were women and 29% were racialized individuals. The number of nominated principal investigators who identified as belonging to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous or persons with disabilities collectively represent 26% of awarded chairholders.
In fall 2025, the CERC-Canada 150 Research Chairs (C150) symposium, hosted by Memorial University, enabled chairholders and administrators to build connections, share knowledge and experience, and cultivate synergies that will enhance the success of both programs and, ultimately, maximize their benefits for Canadians.
The 2026 CERC competition was launched in January 2025, with a budget of approximately $157 million over eight years. Applications were due in March 2026, and the review process will take place in 2026-27.
The Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada program was announced in Budget 2025 on November 4, 2025, and launched in December the same year. The program provides $1 billion over 12 years to support Canadian institutions in attracting up to 100 world-leading researchers. The inaugural application cohort attracted 192 applications from eligible institutions, demonstrating strong interest in the program, with the second application cohort to be selected in fall 2026. As part of the program, the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders initiative was also introduced, enabling nominating institutions to seek support for the recruitment of international early career researchers.
Evaluations and audits
Findings of audits completed in 2025-26: No audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year, and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2025-26: The evaluation of the Canada Excellence Research Chairs was underway and is planned to be completed by November 2026.
| Type of transfer payment | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 actual spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2025-26 total authorities available for use | 2025-26 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2025-26 actual minus 2025-26 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 11,593,991 | 13,137,901 | 17,177,209 | 17,177,209 | 17,177,209 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 11,593,991 | 13,137,901 | 17,177,209 | 17,177,209 | 17,177,209 | 0 |
Explanation of variances
N/A
Canada First Research Excellence Fund (voted)
Timeframe of the transfer payment program
- Start date: 2014
- End date: Ongoing
- Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2023-24
Funding Details
- Listing in the Public Accounts: Canada First Research Excellence Fund
- Name of program terms and conditions: Canada First Research Excellence Fund
- Type of transfer payment: Grant
- Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Purpose and objectives
-
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, NSERC, and SSHRC.
There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
- Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2025-26: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.
Departmental Results Framework
Link to departmental results
- 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
Results achieved: Eleven recipients from the third CFREF competition (awarded in 2022-23) continued to receive support in 2025-26, representing a tri-agency annual investment of $196.9 million, with 30% of these funds aligning with CIHR’s mandate, 40% with NSERC’s, and 30% with SSHRC’s. The award recipients have implemented new governance and research strategies and have developed equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plans. They began undergoing a midterm evaluation process in 2025-26, which will be completed in early 2027.
The 2025 CFREF symposium - hosted by the University of Toronto - brought together all CFREF cohorts, enabling researchers and their teams, as well as research administrators to share strategies and best practices, develop solutions to mutual challenges, forge new connections, collaborative networks, and foster other synergies that will maximize CFREF success and its benefits for Canadians.
Evaluations and audits
Findings of audits completed in 2025-26: No audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2025-26: The evaluation of the Canada First Excellence Research Fund was underway and is planned to be completed by December 2026.
| Type of transfer payment | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 actual spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2025-26 total authorities available for use | 2025-26 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2025-26 actual minus 2025-26 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 47,227,128 | 58,407,137 | 58,438,027 | 58,438,027 | 58,438,027 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 47,227,128 | 58,407,137 | 58,438,027 | 58,438,027 | 58,438,027 | 0 |
Explanation of variances
N/A
Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)
Timeframe of the transfer payment program
- Start date: 2003-04
- End date: 2028-29
- Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2020-21
Funding Details
- Listing in the Public Accounts: Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Name of program terms and conditions: Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Type of transfer payment: Grant
- Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Purpose and objectives
-
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.
- Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2025-26: Applicants and recipients are engaged through communication with academic institutions and tri-agency or agency specific electronic communication.
Departmental Results Framework
Link to departmental results
- 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
Results achieved: The CGS program supported research training and development by providing scholarships to master’s and doctoral students across the three federal granting agencies. The program helped develop highly skilled researchers, strengthen Canada’s research capacity, increase future employment opportunities and contribute to social, economic and cultural benefits for Canadians.
In 2025–26, the CGS program continued to support existing award recipients through the remainder of their funding periods as the program transitioned to the CRTAS. No new CGS competition was launched during the year.
Evaluations and audits
Findings of audits completed in 2025-26: No audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2025-26: Canada Graduate Scholarships were streamlined into the new harmonized Canada Research Training Award Suite. This program was evaluated in 2024; no further evaluation is planned.
| Type of transfer payment | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 actual spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2025-26 total authorities available for use | 2025-26 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2025-26 actual minus 2025-26 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 39,031,334 | 52,574,942 | 53,484,821 | 53,484,821 | 53,473,305 | (11,516) |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 39,031,334 | 52,574,942 | 53,484,821 | 53,484,821 | 53,473,305 | (11,516) |
Explanation of variances
The variance is immaterial.
Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support (voted)
Timeframe of the transfer payment program
- Start date: 2000-01
- End date: Ongoing
- Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12
Funding Details
- Listing in the Public Accounts: Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support
- Name of program terms and conditions: Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support
- Type of transfer payment: Grant
- Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Purpose and objectives
-
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.
- Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2025-26: CIHR engages applicants and recipients on an ongoing basis through various forms of social media, electronic newsletters, presentations, discussion forums and consultation processes.
Departmental Results Framework
Link to departmental results
- 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
Results achieved: CIHR invested funding in this program to support a wide range of health research areas. CIHR grants and awards helped maintain a strong and diverse health research base, which is detailed in the 2025-26 Departmental Results Report.
Evaluations and audits
Findings of audits completed in 2025-26: No audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2025-26: The evaluation of the HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative was completed in May 2025 and found that the Initiative continues to address a clear and ongoing need for HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI) research in Canada. The Initiative remains well aligned with federal priorities, government responsibilities, and CIHR’s mandate.
The evaluation found the Initiative has contributed to advancing knowledge, building research capacity, and increasing awareness and use of research findings to inform policy, guidelines, clinical practice, and service delivery. Notable contributions included support for self-testing, treatment guidelines, and hepatitis C elimination strategies.
While the Initiative's funding model has adapted to evolving research needs and is being delivered efficiently, opportunities remain to strengthen support for early career researchers and disproportionately affected communities, enhance community and stakeholder engagement, improve knowledge mobilization, and strengthen performance measurement and reporting.
Overall, the evaluation concluded that Initiative-funded research is contributing to the prevention of HIV and other STBBI, improving quality of life for affected populations, and supporting broader public health efforts in Canada and internationally.
| Type of transfer payment | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 actual spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2025-26 total authorities available for use | 2025-26 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2025-26 actual minus 2025-26 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 1,131,599,604 | 1,182,762,488 | 1,131,907,205 | 1,133,758,308 | 1,133,242,622 | 1,335,417 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 1,131,599,604 | 1,182,762,488 | 1,131,907,205 | 1,133,758,308 | 1,133,242,622 | 1,335,417 |
Explanation of variances
Variance is immaterial on a proportionate basis.
Institute Support Grants (voted)
Timeframe of the transfer payment program
- Start date: 2000-01
- End date: Ongoing
- Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2008-09
Funding Details
- Listing in the Public Accounts: Institute Support Grants
- Name of program terms and conditions: Institute Support Grants
- Type of transfer payment: Grant
- Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Purpose and objectives
-
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.
- Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2025-26: 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 maintain strong ties to Canada's research communities.
Departmental Results Framework
Link to departmental results
- 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
Results achieved: In 2025-26, CIHR provided grants to each of the 13 host institutions to support Institute operations and strategic development so they can create effective domestic and international health research agendas, as well as alliances and partnerships, in the areas of health research assigned to them.
Evaluations and audits
Findings of audits completed in 2025-26: No audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2025-26: The next evaluation of the Institute Support Grants will be completed as part of the Evaluation of the CIHR Institutes with expected completion March 2028. There are no evaluation findings to report during this reporting period.
| Type of transfer payment | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 actual spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2025-26 total authorities available for use | 2025-26 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2025-26 actual minus 2025-26 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 16,267,241 | 16,674,514 | 16,290,715 | 16,619,048 | 16,619,048 | 328,333 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 16,267,241 | 16,674,514 | 16,290,715 | 16,619,048 | 16,619,048 | 328,333 |
Explanation of variances
CIHR's actual spending was $0.3M greater than planned due to funding provided related to the oversight of strategic initiatives.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)
Timeframe of the transfer payment program
- Start date: 2008-09
- End date: 2028-29
- Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014-15
Funding Details
- Listing in the Public Accounts: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Name of program terms and conditions: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships
- Type of transfer payment: Grant
- Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Purpose and objectives
-
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.
- Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2025-26: 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.
Departmental Results Framework
Link to departmental results
- 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
Results achieved: The Vanier CGS program awarded up to 166 scholarships annually to Canadian and international doctoral students studying at Canadian universities who demonstrated leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering, or health. While the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship program has achieved notable successes and met some objectives, a recurring theme across both the Tri-Agency Research Training Strategy and the tri-agency Talent Evaluation was the need to streamline and simplify programming and processes. In response, and building on Budget 2024 commitments, the three agencies consolidated their scholarship and fellowship programs, including the Vanier CGS, into the harmonized CRTAS, launched in March 2025.
Evaluations and audits
Findings of audits completed in 2025-26: No audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2025-26: The evaluation of the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program, completed in February 2026, found that the program had a positive but modest impact on recipients' career outcomes, recognition, and research contributions, with career trajectories generally similar to those of unsuccessful applicants.
The evaluation also identified program design features, such as institutional quotas and nomination processes, limited inclusivity and international recruitment, affecting the program's reach and impact. Findings highlighted the continued need for doctoral research support and for long-term tracking of recipient and applicant outcomes to inform implementation and monitoring of the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS).
| Type of transfer payment | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 actual spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2025-26 total authorities available for use | 2025-26 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2025-26 actual minus 2025-26 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 8,320,834 | 8,309,545 | 8,350,000 | 8,350,000 | 8,341,666 | (8,334) |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 8,320,834 | 8,309,545 | 8,350,000 | 8,350,000 | 8,341,666 | (8,334) |
Explanation of variances
The variance is immaterial.
Canada Research Training Award Suite (voted)
Timeframe of the transfer payment program
- Start date: 2026-27
- End date: Ongoing
- Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25
Funding Details
- Listing in the Public Accounts: Canada Research Training Awards Suite
- Name of program terms and conditions: Canada Research Training Awards Suite
- Type of transfer payment: Grant
- Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Purpose and objectives
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Research Training Award Suite (CRTAS) is a Tri-Agency program which supports the next generation of innovators (specifically health research leaders for CIHR) 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. Three types of funding opportunities are offered through the suite:
- Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Master’s program
- Canada Graduate Research Scholarship - Doctoral program
- Canada Postdoctoral Research Award program
Under CRTAS, the Eddie Goldenberg Research Chairs of Canada program is a one-time initiative that will support the recruitment of international doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in strategic priority areas, established by the Government of Canada to address pressing global and domestic challenges, strengthen Canada’s contribution to international research and innovation, and generate lasting social and economic benefits.
This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions.
- Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2025-26: Academic institutions and the agencies communicate directly with applicants and recipients via email.
Departmental Results Framework
Link to departmental results:
- 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
Results achieved: In 2025–26, the first competitions for the programs in the Canada Research Training Awards Suite were launched. Final award numbers will be reported in 2026–27 following the completion of the award acceptance process.
The Canada Impact+ Research Training Awards were launched as a one-time initiative, with results expected in 2026–27.
Evaluations and audits
Findings of audits completed in 2025-26: No audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2025-26: The evaluation of CRTAS is planned to be completed by June 2029.
| Type of transfer payment | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 actual spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2025-26 total authorities available for use | 2025-26 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2025-26 actual minus 2025-26 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Explanation of variances
N/A
Canada 150 Research Chairs (voted)
Timeframe of the transfer payment program
- Start date: 2017
- End date: 2025-26
- Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18
Funding Details
- Listing in the Public Accounts: Canada 150 Research Chairs
- Name of program terms and conditions: Canada 150 Research Chairs
- Type of transfer payment: Grant
- Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Purpose and objectives
-
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.
- Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2025-26: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.
Departmental Results Framework
Link to departmental results:
- 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
Results achieved: In 2025-26, the Canada 150 Research Chairs program (C150) supported 18 research chairs at 10 Canadian institutions, with four (22%) that align with CIHR’s mandate, nine (50%) that align with NSERC’s, and five (28%) that align with SSHRC’s.
Announced in 2017, the C150 program was implemented as part of the celebrations for Canada’s 150th anniversary and is ending in 2025-26. Key chairholder results and achievements were featured in research stories on the SSHRC website and social media, and in national and international media sources in 2024-25. The program has attracted world-renowned researchers, emerging talent and partners from various sectors, both nationally and internationally, to conduct research in various disciplines, such as chemistry, microbiology, evolutionary genomics, gender and African politics, global governance, neurosciences, epigenetics, public health and psychology.
The 2025 Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC)/Canada 150 Research Chairs (C150) Symposium, hosted by Memorial University, enabled chairholders and administrators to build connections, share knowledge and experience, and cultivate synergies that will enhance the research success of both programs and, ultimately, maximize their benefits for Canadians.
In 2025-26, 66.6% of the funded C150 chairs were women and 27.7% were racialized individuals. The number of chairs who self-identified as Indigenous or persons with disabilities must be withheld in accordance with the Privacy Act, as the numbers are too low to report.
Evaluations and audits
Findings of audits completed in 2025-26: No audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2025-26: Not an ongoing program. Although some individual grants received no cost extensions, the program ended in 2025-26 and has been previously evaluated.
| Type of transfer payment | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 actual spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2025-26 total authorities available for use | 2025-26 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2025-26 actual minus 2025-26 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 2,700,000 | 2,700,000 | 675,000 | 675,000 | 436,175 | (238,825) |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 2,700,000 | 2,700,000 | 675,000 | 675,000 | 436,175 | (238,825) |
Explanation of variances
CIHR's actual spending was $0.2M less than planned due to early termination of one Chair.
College and Community Innovation (voted)
Timeframe of the transfer payment program
- Start date: 2007
- End date: Ongoing
- Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25
Funding Details
- Listing in the Public Accounts: College and Community Innovation
- Name of program terms and conditions: College and Community Innovation
- Type of transfer payment: Grant
- Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Purpose and objectives
-
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.
- Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2025-26: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.
Departmental Results Framework
Link to departmental results
- 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
Results achieved: In 2025-26, the CCI program awarded 614 grants and provided $95 million in funding, enabling increased support for Canadian businesses' access to expertise and research and development facilities.
Evaluations and audits
Findings of audits completed in 2025-26: No audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2025-26: The evaluation of the College and Community Innovation Program (CCIP) was completed in December 2025. The evaluation found that the CCIP continues to play a vital role in supporting Canadian colleges with respect to supporting applied research activities and capacity building, collaboration with community and industry partners, and addressing local and regional challenges.
| Type of transfer payment | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 actual spending | 2025-26 planned spending | 2025-26 total authorities available for use | 2025-26 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2025-26 actual minus 2025-26 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 1,195,126 | 1,656,368 | 2,509,687 | 3,837,181 | 3,837,181 | 1,327,494 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 1,195,126 | 1,656,368 | 2,509,687 | 3,837,181 | 3,837,181 | 1,327,494 |
Explanation of variances
CIHR's actual spending was $1.3M greater due to the awarding of additional grants aligned to CIHR’s mandate.
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