Canada Invests $1.3 Billion to Support Over 9,700 Researchers and Projects Nationwide (2025)
The Government of Canada has announced a historic investment of over $1.3 billion to support more than 9,700 researchers and innovative projects across the country. This initiative reinforces Canada’s position as a global leader in science, technology, health, and social research innovation.
Overview of the Funding
The funding will be delivered through Canada’s three primary research agencies:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC)
The investment aims to:
Empower researchers across all disciplines
Enhance graduate and postdoctoral training opportunities
Drive innovation in health, AI, clean energy, environment, and social sciences
Funding will cover:
Scholarships & Fellowships
Research Grants
Interdisciplinary and High-Risk Innovation Programs
Scholarships and Fellowships: Investing in Canada’s Future Leaders
A total of $365.6 million is allocated to fund 4,761 scholars and fellows, supporting Canada’s brightest minds in critical research. Key programs include:
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships: $24.9M for 166 exceptional doctoral students
Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships: $9.8M for 70 leading postdoctoral researchers
These awards provide financial support, national recognition, and access to professional training, nurturing the next generation of global research leaders.
Research Grants: Fueling Discovery and Innovation
The largest portion of the funding, $589 million, is directed to NSERC’s Discovery Research Program, supporting over 3,400 researchers in natural sciences and engineering. Highlights include:
NSERC Discovery Grants: Advancing transformative STEM research
NSERC CREATE Program: $26.4M for training highly qualified personnel through collaborative research
NSERC College and Community Innovation Program: $29.8M for applied research in colleges and communities
These grants not only drive innovation but also promote inclusive, sustainable solutions to global challenges.
SSHRC Funding: Building Inclusive and Informed Societies
SSHRC will receive significant investment to support groundbreaking research in humanities and social sciences:
Insight Grants: $127M for 693 research projects
Insight Development Grants: $55M for 897 early-stage researchers
Partnership Grants: $42M for large-scale collaborative initiatives
Partnership Development Grants: $18M to foster research-community connections
SSHRC-funded projects explore culture, policy, equity, mental health, reconciliation, and more, shaping a more inclusive future for Canada and the world.
New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF): Encouraging Bold Ideas
The NFRF 2024 Exploration Stream awards $25.1 million to 586 researchers, including 101 interdisciplinary, high-risk projects. This fund encourages bold, forward-thinking research that spans multiple disciplines and addresses global challenges.
Why This Funding Matters
Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry, Mélanie Joly, emphasizes:
“These researchers aren’t just imagining the future—they’re building it. From clean technologies to mental health care, Canadian researchers are tackling the biggest issues of our time.”
The funding aligns with Canada’s priorities in:
Health innovation and public well-being
Artificial intelligence and digital trust
Environmental sustainability
Inclusive education and social development
Who Can Benefit
PhD students and postdoctoral researchers seeking scholarships or fellowships
University and college professors or researchers
Research institutions and collaborative, community-based projects
Researchers working in health, AI, climate, education, or humanities can leverage this funding to maximize research impact.
Global Collaboration and Leadership
Canada’s science strategy promotes international collaboration and the attraction of global talent. Researchers benefit from:
Participation in international networks
Institutional partnerships
Representing Canada on the global research stage
Previous Investments
This new funding builds on prior commitments:
Over $22 billion invested in science and research since 2016
$825 million in Budget 2024 for graduate student support
$1.8 billion in Budget 2024 for core research agency funding
Timeline and Application
Many scholarships and grants are open for applications now. Interested researchers, students, and institutions should consult the respective agency websites for deadlines and application instructions.
FAQs
Q1: Who is eligible for this funding?
A: PhD students, postdocs, professors, researchers, and research institutions across Canada.
Q2: Which areas of research are supported?
A: Health, AI, environment, clean energy, social sciences, humanities, and interdisciplinary innovation.
Q3: How can I apply?
A: Visit the respective agency websites (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) for specific deadlines and application guidance.
Q4: Are international researchers eligible?
A: Yes, Canada encourages international collaboration through these programs, depending on the specific grant or fellowship requirements.
Official Source & Application Links
To explore the full announcement, funding breakdowns, and program details, visit the official Government of Canada press release:
🔗 Official Announcement on Canada.ca