The Insight Research program, administered by SSHRC, supports research excellence in the social sciences and humanities, fostering knowledge creation and addressing societal challenges through individual or team projects. Eligible activities include disciplinary, interdisciplinary, and cross-sectoral research, with funding available via Insight Grants or Insight Development Grants; maximum funding amounts vary depending on the specific grant stream.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Develop strategic partnerships

Research and experimental development

Conduct research

Eligible Funding

No Condition

Timeline

Unspecified

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Arts, entertainment and recreation
Other services (except public administration)
Public administration

Location

Canada

Legal structures

All legal structures

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

All groups

Activities funded

Research initiatives aimed at advancing understanding of individuals, groups, and societies.
Projects addressing complex societal, cultural, economic, technological, or environmental challenges.
Interdisciplinary or cross-sector research collaborations among researchers or teams.
Initiatives focused on mobilizing research knowledge to inform both academic and non-academic audiences.
Programs providing high-quality research training experiences for students.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 60,000

Studying urban green spaces’ effects on community wellbeing

$ 64,500

Evaluating immigrant youth integration programs in local school systems

$ 74,000

Analyzing gender gaps in STEM university enrollment and success

$ 69,500

Developing digital literacy modules for Indigenous adult learners

$ 56,000

Measuring impacts of remote work trends on small businesses

$ 78,000

Exploring policy solutions to food insecurity in northern communities

Eligibility

The applicant may be an individual scholar or a team of researchers.
The project must focus on research in the social sciences and humanities.
The research must aim to build knowledge and understanding about people, societies, or related topics.

Selection criteria

Depth and scope of knowledge advancement from disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or multisectoral perspectives.
Quality and caliber of the researchers involved.
Originality of research approaches, particularly those addressing complex subjects requiring collaboration among multiple disciplines or institutions.
Ability to provide high-quality training to students.
Potential for knowledge mobilization to generate intellectual, cultural, social, and economic impacts.

How to apply

Review eligibility and opportunities

Review the Insight Research program guidelines from SSHRC
Verify your eligibility for funding opportunities
Choose between Insight Development Grants or Insight Grants

Prepare research proposal

Assemble a research team or confirm individual participation
Define the research objectives and approach
Draft a proposal addressing program objectives

Review and validate application

Review all application materials for completeness
Verify compliance with SSHRC rules and criteria
Obtain necessary institutional approvals

Submit application to SSHRC

Submit the completed application via the official SSHRC online system
Ensure all supporting documentation is included

Await funding decision

Monitor the application status through the portal
Wait for SSHRC to review and provide a funding decision

Additional information

Funding opportunities are available for both individual researchers and teams.
The program emphasizes knowledge mobilization to both academic and non-academic audiences.
The grant aims to foster research that addresses complex societal challenges.
The program is managed by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Insight Research Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Insight Research. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.

What is the Insight Research?

Who is eligible for the Insight Research program?

What expenses are eligible under Insight Research?

Research initiatives aimed at advancing understanding of individuals, groups, and societies. Projects addressing complex societal, cultural, economic, technological, or environmental challenges. Interdisciplinary or cross-sector research collaborations among researchers or teams. Initiatives focused on mobilizing research knowledge to inform both academic and non-academic audiences. Programs providing high-quality research training experiences for students.