New Frontiers in Research Fund — Exploration Stream
Canada
"New Frontiers in Research Fund 2024 Exploration competition aims to support high-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary research projects."
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateNovember 06, 2024
- grant_single|closingDateNovember 26, 2024
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- grant_single|allIndustries
grant_single|grantors
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
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grant_card_status|open
grant_card_status|closingSoon
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The NFRF 2024 Exploration competition seeks to support high-risk, high-reward, interdisciplinary research that challenges current paradigms and explores new areas. Eligible activities include innovative projects that bring together diverse disciplines in novel ways to achieve groundbreaking impacts. Researchers from any discipline within social sciences, humanities, health, natural sciences, and engineering are encouraged to apply.
grant_single_labels|projects
Projects and activities eligible for the NFRF 2024 Exploration competition are designed to push boundaries through high-risk, high-reward and interdisciplinary research. These activities should inspire innovative and bold approaches, often involving risk and unprecedented combinations of disciplines.
- Challenging current research perspectives or paradigms
- Using equipment, techniques or approaches proven or assumed to be extraordinarily difficult
- Bringing together an unprecedented combination of disciplines with different perspectives
- Viewing the project from an unfamiliar interdisciplinary perspective to use novel approaches to solve existing problems
- Other innovative high-reward research activities
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$500,000
Montreal
Explore innovative treatments for Alzheimer's using bioengineering and cognitive psychology
$500,000
Calgary
Integrate urban planning and environmental science to create sustainable urban ecosystems
$500,000
Toronto
Develop a new AI model to predict mental health crises using interdisciplinary data analysis
$500,000
Ottawa
Examine the impact of digital currencies on local economies by combining financial and social sciences
$500,000
Vancouver
Investigate the effects of climate change on Arctic ecosystems through an interdisciplinary study
$500,000
Waterloo
Design a community-based renewable energy project combining engineering and social sciences
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility decisions are the responsibility of the NFRF program staff and the criteria can be found in the eligibility section of the competition overview.
- Eligibility decisions are the responsibility of NFRF program staff.
- Review panel members who have doubts about a researcher's eligibility should review the application and alert the NFRF staff to potential eligibility problems.
- The eligibility criteria for applicants can be found in the eligibility section of the competition overview.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant is eligible for projects from researchers based in Canada.
- Researchers must be affiliated with a Canadian institution.
- All provinces and territories in Canada are included.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection criteria for the NFRF 2024 Exploration competition aim to identify high-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary research that incorporates equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in research practice. The criteria include assessments of high risk, high reward, feasibility, interdisciplinarity, and EDI in research practice, along with certain pass/fail indicators.
- High risk: 40% of overall score
- High reward: 40% of overall score
- Feasibility: 20% of overall score
- Interdisciplinarity/fit to program (pass/fail)
- EDI in research practice (pass/fail)
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Complete the Notice of Intent to Apply (NOI)
- Submit the NOI through the Convergence Portal by the specified deadline.
- Step 2: Prepare Full Application
- Follow the instructions for completing the full application, providing all required information and adhering to guidelines.
- Step 3: Submit Full Application
- Submit the full application through the Convergence Portal by the specified deadline.
- Step 4: Review Assignments
- Review panel members receive assignments and assess applications based on the merit indicators provided.
- Step 5: Indicate Conflicts of Interest
- Review panel members check assignments for any conflicts of interest and indicate them in the Convergence Portal.
- Step 6: Record Scores
- Review panel members record their scores for applications by the specified deadline.
- Step 7: Application Discussion
- Top-rated applications are discussed in virtual meetings by the multidisciplinary review panel.
- Step 8: Finalize Comments
- Review panel members finalize comments for discussed applications.
- Step 9: Release Results
- Application results are released to applicants by the specified deadline.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The New Frontiers in Research Fund 2024 Exploration competition aims to support high-risk, high-reward, interdisciplinary research. This fund encourages proposals that push boundaries and may not conform to current paradigms.
- Diversity of perspectives is encouraged, with no restrictions on research led from any discipline.
- The competition includes specific guidelines for Indigenous research and emphasizes equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in research practice.
- Applications are reviewed by a multidisciplinary panel, which considers a mix of criteria including high risk, high reward, and feasibility.
- Confidentiality and conflict of interest policies are strictly enforced throughout the review process.
- Applications that do not meet guidelines or are incomplete may be rejected by NFRF staff.
- Review panel co-chairs are responsible for ensuring objective and fair assessments and moderating discussions.
- Funding recommendations are made by the review panel, but final decisions are subject to approval by the NFRF steering committee.
- Early career researchers (ECR) are given particular consideration, with the program committing to fund a proportion of ECR-led projects.
Apply to this program
2024 New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) Exploration Competition
The 2024 NFRF Exploration grants are designed to encourage high-risk, high-reward interdisciplinary research that challenges existing paradigms and fosters innovative approaches. Open to researchers across various disciplines, these grants promote bold, boundary-pushing research projects that can potentially transform their respective fields.
What you need to know about the 2024 New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) Exploration Competition
The 2024 New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) Exploration competition is an initiative aimed at inspiring groundbreaking research that pushes boundaries and defies conventional paradigms. The goal is to support projects that are high-risk and high-reward, encouraging innovative thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration. This grant is unique because it recognizes that true innovation often carries risks and may sometimes result in unmet objectives. The competition is open to researchers from diverse disciplines, including social sciences, humanities, health, natural sciences, and engineering.
The fund's emphasis on high-risk, high-reward research empowers researchers to undertake ambitious projects that could potentially lead to game-changing impacts. The NFRF acknowledges that not all projects will achieve their intended goals; however, the potential rewards of successful projects are significant enough to justify this approach. This competition represents a commitment to fostering an environment where innovation and exploration are not only encouraged but also expected.
Key Principles of Merit Review
The 2024 NFRF Exploration competition is grounded in several key principles of merit review:
Fairness
Reviewers must exercise rigorous judgment and consider each application within its specific context. The success of the merit review system relies on the fairness and reasonableness of all involved.
Bias
Reviewers must consistently guard against unconscious bias based on various factors such as school of thought, research subdisciplines, reputation of the institution, or personal characteristics of the applicants. All reviewers are required to complete an Unconscious Bias Training Module before reviewing applications.
Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality
All participants in the review process must adhere to the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Policy of the Federal Research Funding Organizations. This ensures the effective management of conflicts of interest and the confidentiality of application information.
Roles and Responsibilities
The NFRF employs a structured approach involving various committees and panel members:
Strategic and Program Steering Committees
The Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC) provides strategic direction and oversight, ensuring that the evaluation process remains rigorous, objective, and transparent. The NFRF steering committee, comprising presidents from the tri-agency (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC) and deputy ministers from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, and Health Canada, makes the final funding decisions based on the review panel’s recommendations.
Multidisciplinary Review Panel
This panel includes experts from various research disciplines across the tri-agency. Both disciplinary and interdisciplinary perspectives are applied to evaluate proposals to assess their impact beyond specific disciplines. The panel is also inclusive, taking into account language, region, institution size, career stage, and diversity considerations.
NFRF Staff
The NFRF staff, including directors, deputy directors, managers, and program officers, support the review process by ensuring adherence to policy, managing conflicts of interest, providing guidance, recording panel comments, and facilitating the approval of recommendations.
Application and Review Material
Incomplete or Non-Adherent Applications
Applicants must provide complete and accurate information following the guidelines. Applications that fail to adhere to the guidelines may be rejected. Reviewers should report any concerns to NFRF staff as soon as identified.
Eligibility of Applicants
Eligibility is determined by NFRF staff. If reviewers have concerns regarding eligibility, they should still review the application but notify the staff of potential issues.
Indigenous Research
For proposals involving Indigenous research as defined by SSHRC, reviewers must use SSHRC's Indigenous Research Statement of Principles and Guidelines for Merit Review of Indigenous Research for assessments.
Merit Indicators
Applications are evaluated on several merit indicators:
- High Risk: 40% of overall score
- High Reward: 40% of overall score
- Feasibility: 20% of overall score
- Interdisciplinarity/fit to program: pass/fail
- EDI in research practice: pass/fail
The evaluation uses a seven-point scale for high risk, high reward, and feasibility indicators. Reviewers are encouraged to use the full range of ratings to distribute scores genuinely reflecting the quality of applications.
Types of Risk
Reviewers identify the types of risk involved in the proposed research for analytical purposes. While not affecting the merit review, identifying the risks help provide context for program evaluation. Types of risks could include:
- Challenging current research paradigms
- Using difficult techniques or approaches
- Combining disciplines in unprecedented ways
- Adopting novel interdisciplinary perspectives
- Other specified risks
- No risks
Budget
Although the budget is not a selection criterion, reviewers can highlight any ineligible or overestimated expenses to the NFRF staff. Budget aspects may impact the assessment of project feasibility.
Review Process
The review process aims to identify the most meritorious applications for funding. The NFRF follows a structured timeline for this purpose:
- November 5, 2024: Application deadline
- November 15, 2024: Review panel members receive assignments
- November 27, 2024: Deadline for members to indicate conflicts of interest
- January 10, 2025: Deadline for members to record scores
- January 13-15, 2025: Scores analyzed and applications selected for discussion
- February 10-14, 2025: Multidisciplinary review panel virtual meetings
- February 17-26, 2025: Members finalize feedback for discussed applications
- By March 31, 2025: Application results released to applicants
Evaluation and Discussion
Applications are assigned to five multidisciplinary review panel members, who provide both expert and interdisciplinary assessments. The evaluation uses the merit indicator matrices for selection criteria such as high risk, high reward, and feasibility. Reviewers must indicate types of risk, interdisciplinarity, and EDI in research practice, especially if they score these as a fail. Top-rated applications are discussed in virtual panel meetings, moderated by co-chairs, with each application allocated 20 minutes for discussion.
Shipping Feedback and Final Recommendations
Applications not recommended for funding yet discussed in panel meetings receive concise feedback prepared by one of the assigned reviewers. Recommendations for funding are forwarded to the NFRF steering committee, which makes the final decisions.
Confidentiality and Responsible Conduct
Confidentiality of application details and panel discussions is paramount. Review panel members must adhere to the Privacy Act, Access to Information Act, and government security policies. All members must read and agree to the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Agreement and follow the Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research.
The 2024 NFRF Exploration competition represents a significant opportunity for researchers to embark on pioneering projects with the potential for high rewards. The multidisciplinary review process ensures a fair, unbiased, and rigorous assessment, enabling the selection of projects that promise to advance knowledge across various disciplines.
