CFI — John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)

Who is eligible?

The John R. Evans Leaders Fund is designed to assist eligible Canadian institutions in attracting and retaining excellent researchers by providing foundational research infrastructure.

• Eligible Canadian universities recognized by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).
• Research hospitals and research institutes must apply through their affiliated eligible universities.
• Institutions are encouraged to create multi-institutional projects and collaborations.
• Up to three researchers per proposal, who may work collaboratively or independently while sharing the infrastructure.
• Researchers should be recognized as innovative leaders or show potential for excellence and must hold full-time academic appointments or be in the process of being recruited for such positions.
• Researchers who have previously received CFI support are eligible to apply again.

Who is not eligible

This grant documentation does not provide specific information about the ineligible types of companies or industries. Therefore, there are no defined restrictions on specific company statuses or main activities stated within this context.

Eligible expenses

This grant supports projects aimed at enhancing institutional research capacity and infrastructure. The eligible projects focus on the acquisition or development of research infrastructure to enable innovative research activities.

• Acquisition or development of foundational research infrastructure.
• Upgrading or replacing aging research infrastructure.
• Construction or renovation of facilities to house new research infrastructure.
• Collaborative multi-institutional research and technology development projects.
• Advanced research computing infrastructure projects integrated with the Digital Research Alliance of Canada.

Eligible geographic areas

This grant is available to eligible Canadian universities. Proposals must be submitted through these institutions.

• Canadian universities recognized by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

Researchers must use the CFI Awards Management System (CAMS) for proposal submission. The use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in proposal preparation requires proper disclosure and adherence to draft guidelines.

• The proposal consists of four modules within CAMS: Project, Finance, Suggested reviewers, and Research security.
• Proposals must comply with specific page formatting guidelines to ensure legibility.
• Eligible researchers can include up to three researchers who either collaborate or work independently while sharing the requested infrastructure.
• The infrastructure must be necessary and appropriate for the research activities and justified if not available within the institution or region.
• The CFI will contribute to operation and maintenance costs through its Infrastructure Operating Fund (IOF), equivalent to 30% of the CFI's contribution to capital costs.
• Researchers must demonstrate excellence and leadership in their field and the capability to conduct innovative, high-quality research.
• Advanced research computing infrastructure requests over $100,000 will require consultation with the Digital Research Alliance of Canada.
• Institutions must provide contributions from eligible partners, including cash and in-kind, and outline plans for securing any expected but not yet confirmed funds.