NBIF — Research Assistantships Initiative (RAI)
Last Update: July 22, 2025
NB, Canada
Funding for hiring student research assistants in New Brunswick
NBIF — Research Assistantships Initiative (RAI) at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Max. $45,000
Timeline
- Unspecified
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Wage Subsidies And Interns
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
Grant Providers
- New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF)
Program status
Open
Overview of the NBIF — Research Assistantships Initiative (RAI) program
The Research Assistantships Initiative (RAI) is a joint program by NBIF and the New Brunswick Department of Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labor (PETL), offering a maximum of $45,000 per application for applied researchers to hire undergraduate and graduate student research assistants. Eligible activities include student stipends of up to $7,500 for undergraduate or college students, and up to $15,000 for graduate students.
Eligible projects & activities
This grant supports applied researchers in hiring student research assistants to advance their academic projects. The funding helps subsidize the costs directly associated with engaging students in research-related activities.
- Hiring undergraduate students for research assistant roles.
- Employing graduate students for research activities.
Examples of admissible projects:
$ 12,000
Install solar panels to power a community center sustainably
Eligibility criteria of the NBIF — Research Assistantships Initiative (RAI) program
Eligibility for the Research Assistantships Initiative (RAI) grant is determined by the following requirements for principal investigators (PIs):
- Applicants must be principal investigators who currently do not hold an active RAI award.
- PIs intending to apply to the Early Career Researchers (ECR) stream must have held their first independent academic position within the last five years.
- Applicants can extend the five-year eligibility period due to career interruptions such as parental leave, maternity leave, compassionate leave, sick leave, or other interruptions.
- All other eligible principal investigators should apply to the main stream of applications.
Who is eligible?
The Research Assistantships Initiative (RAI) is designed to assist eligible Principal Investigators seeking to engage student research assistants for their projects. Ideal candidates for this grant are individuals who meet particular criteria regarding their academic positions and past RAI awards.
Eligible expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant are related to student stipends.
- Student stipends up to $7,500 per undergraduate or college student.
- Student stipends up to $15,000 per graduate student.
Eligible geographic areas
This initiative is focused on supporting researchers in New Brunswick, Canada. The funding is provided by organizations specific to this province.
- Researchers based in New Brunswick, Canada.
How to apply to the NBIF — Research Assistantships Initiative (RAI) program
1
Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you are an eligible Principal Investigator who does not currently hold an active RAI award.
2
Prepare Application
- Decide whether to apply for the early career stream or the main stream of applications.
- Prepare a project proposal detailing the research, objectives, and need for research assistants.
- Determine the appropriate number and type of student research assistants required (undergraduate, college, or graduate).
- Calculate the funding needed (up to $7,500 per undergraduate and up to $15,000 per graduate student, maximum $45,000).
3
Access NBIF Application Portal
Log into the NBIF Application portal.
4
Complete Online Application
- Fill out the application form with your personal details, project information, and requested budget.
- Upload all necessary documents supporting your proposal.
- Review the application for completeness and accuracy.
5
Submit Application
Submit the completed application via the NBIF Application portal before the deadline.
6
Receive Confirmation
- Receive a confirmation notice from the NBIF application portal.
- Keep a record of the confirmation and any reference numbers provided.
Additional information
Here are additional relevant details for this grant:
- The notice of decision will be communicated both to the institution’s research administration office and the applicant.
- Annual budgeting for the program is subject to change, indicating that funding may fluctuate each year.
- The timeline for funding applications opens from October and typically closes in February.
- The final report for a 1-year grant must be submitted within 3 months of the project end date.
- A 2-year grant requires an interim report after 1 year and a final report within 3 months of the project end date.
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