CFI — John R. Evans Leaders Fund

The John R. Evans Leaders Fund grant is a strategic financial instrument designed to bolster innovative research in Canadian institutions by equipping researchers with vital infrastructure. It aims to position Canada's research community competitively on the global stage.

The John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) is an initiative by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) aimed at making strategic investments in research infrastructure to promote excellence in research endeavors across Canadian institutions. Named in honor of John R. Evans, the first Chair of CFI's Board of Directors, the fund is pivotal in enabling Canadian universities and affiliated research hospitals to attract and retain top-tier researchers amidst fierce international competition. The fund underscores a commitment to support innovative research and technology development, thereby maintaining Canada's competitive edge globally.

The JELF facilitates a critical infrastructure foundation for exceptional researchers at eligible Canadian institutions. This infrastructure is crucial to conducting pioneering research that can elevate researchers to or sustain them as leaders in their fields. The fund application guidelines highlight several key criteria necessary for proposal assessment, which include the quality and innovativeness of research, the credentials and potential of participating researchers, appropriateness and necessity of the proposed infrastructure, sustainability of the project post-implementation, and the projected benefits to Canadians.

Eligibility is structured to ensure that both large research universities and smaller institutions have access to the fund, with designated allocations based on their research funding history from Canada’s major federal research agencies. For institutions with lesser funding allocations, the Small Institution Fund provides additional support, ensuring equitable access to the necessary research infrastructure.

The application process, conducted through the CFI Awards Management System (CAMS), involves detailed project structuring, budget planning, and a clear articulation of the anticipated socio-economic benefits stemming from the research activities. In particular, applicants need to provide a comprehensive plain language summary that communicates the significance and impact of their project beyond the academic sphere, thereby dovetailing with CFI's broader communication goals and outreach efforts if the project secures funding.

Successful proposals must address core assessment criteria, encompassing the need for infrastructure, the innovativeness of research, sustainability plans, and detailed management of operational and maintenance costs. This ensures infrastructure is fully optimized and serves its intended purpose effectively over its useful life. Furthermore, projects must include advanced computing infrastructure considerations, where applicable, in consultation with the Digital Research Alliance of Canada to ensure integration into national efforts for advancing research capabilities.

Proposals are also required to suggest potential reviewers with appropriate qualifications and without conflict of interest to ensure an objective evaluation process. This reflects CFI's transparent and rigorous merit review process, which is crucial in funding decisions and the eventual notification of successful applicants. Through these structured mechanisms, the JELF continues to be a cornerstone for fostering an environment where Canadian research can thrive, thus driving innovation and contributing significantly to the socio-economic fabric of the nation.