Canada Backs Over 9,700 Research Projects with $1.3B Investment
In a major push for research funding and innovation, the Government of Canada is investing more than $1.3 billion to support over 9,700 researchers and research projects across the country. This investment aims to future-proof Canada’s scientific leadership and equip the next generation of innovators tackling the world’s toughest challenges—from AI and public health to climate change and social equity.
Announced by Industry Minister Mélanie Joly and Health Minister Marjorie Michel, the move reflects the federal government’s broader commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and forward-looking Canada. At a time when science is more crucial than ever, this funding empowers students, postdocs, and researchers at all levels to explore, discover, and deliver solutions that will shape national and global futures.
A Strategic Investment in Canada’s Future
This historic investment is more than just a number—it represents a national strategy to strengthen the science and innovation ecosystem. From scholarships to multi-million-dollar grants, funding is being distributed across key programs designed to support both individuals and institutions engaged in groundbreaking work.
Among the largest allocations:
$589M through the NSERC Discovery Research Program, backing 2,950 natural sciences and engineering projects
$365.6M in scholarships and fellowships for 4,761 students via CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC
$127M for 693 researchers through SSHRC Insight Grants
$55M to 897 researchers through SSHRC Insight Development Grants
Other funding programs include the NSERC CREATE Grants, Banting Fellowships, Vanier Scholarships, and the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF), all of which support innovation across health, technology, social sciences, and interdisciplinary research.
Driving Innovation Where It Matters Most
Whether it’s enhancing pandemic readiness, accelerating clean tech, or crafting smarter public policy, the projects receiving funding aim to deliver tangible impacts for Canadians.
Minister Joly emphasized that this funding goes to researchers who are “building the future,” tackling key areas like healthcare, emerging technologies, and national resilience. “With this support, we’re empowering the talent that will shape a more globally competitive and inclusive Canada,” she noted.
Health Minister Marjorie Michel added, “Good research supports good health. We’re investing in brilliant minds whose breakthroughs will lead to a healthier future for all.”
Canada’s Growing Track Record in Research Investment
Since 2016, Canada has invested over $22 billion in research and science infrastructure. In Budget 2024 alone, the government pledged:
$825 million over five years (plus $199.8M/year ongoing) for graduate and postdoctoral support
$1.8 billion over five years (plus $748.3M/year ongoing) to expand federal granting councils’ core research capacity
This new $1.3 billion package builds on that momentum and expands support through agencies like CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. Their coordinated efforts ensure a balance across life sciences, engineering, technology, and humanities—boosting Canada’s holistic innovation potential.
Nurturing Talent and Building Partnerships
Beyond individual researchers, the funding strengthens Canada’s research networks. Programs like the SSHRC Partnership Grants and NSERC’s College and Community Innovation (CCI) program are forging collaborations between academia, industry, and community partners.
These partnerships don’t just create academic outputs—they drive real-world benefits. The CCI program, for example, supports applied research at colleges and polytechnics in collaboration with private and nonprofit sectors, ensuring innovations reach businesses, healthcare providers, and municipalities that need them most.
Meanwhile, the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) continues to push boundaries with its high-risk, high-reward focus, investing in projects that blend disciplines and stretch the limits of what’s possible in Canada’s knowledge economy.
What This Means for Canadians
At a national level, this investment will generate new opportunities, create jobs, and strengthen Canada’s role as a science leader. At the individual level, it offers young researchers the support they need to stay in Canada, contribute to the local economy, and lead globally competitive projects.
From PhD candidates and postdoctoral fellows to top-tier faculty and research institutions, over 9,700 recipients now have the resources to advance innovation for the greater good.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for more updates on Canada’s growing innovation ecosystem and funding announcements.
