New Frontiers in Research Fund — International Stream
Canada
The 2024 NordForsk-Led International Joint Initiative on Sustainable Development in the Arctic aims to support interdisciplinary research on Arctic sustainability.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
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- grant_single|timelineUnspecified
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
- Public administration
grant_single|grantors
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
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grant_card_status|open
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The 2024 NordForsk-Led International Joint Initiative supports interdisciplinary research projects focusing on sustainable development in the Arctic. It leverages expertise from multiple Arctic countries to address challenges related to security, natural resources, and societal changes, including Indigenous perspectives. Eligible activities include collaborative research and the development of strategies to mitigate the impact of rapid climatic and socio-economic changes in the region.
grant_single_labels|projects
Several international collaborative research projects and activities are eligible for this grant, particularly those focused on sustainable development in the Arctic as well as climate change adaptation and mitigation.
- Joint funding calls with international agencies on topics of international relevance
- Participation of Canadian researchers within international teams in projects seeking funding from major global platforms
- Interdisciplinary research projects including Indigenous perspectives on sustainable development in the Arctic
- Design and implementation of co-produced adaptation and mitigation strategies for vulnerable groups affected by climate change
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$850,000
Iqaluit
Research project on adaptation strategies for Indigenous communities.
$940,000
Yellowknife
Interdisciplinary study on the sustainable exploitation of Arctic natural resources.
$980,000
Toronto
Creation of a database on Arctic biodiversity trends.
$730,000
Whitehorse
Development of Arctic-specific renewable energy solutions.
$880,000
Resolute Bay
Investigation into the impact of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems.
$670,000
Inuvik
Evaluation of socio-economic changes in Arctic communities.
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility criteria for this grant must be met for applications to be considered by the New Frontiers in Research Fund program.
- Researchers must be part of Canadian research teams.
- Projects must include interdisciplinary research that takes Indigenous perspectives into account.
- Projects must focus on sustainable development in the Arctic, considering aspects such as security, natural resources, and societal changes.
- Canadian researchers must collaborate with international counterparts from Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and the United States.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
Only individuals whose primary affiliation is with a Canadian postsecondary institution, a Canadian institution or organization without full institutional eligibility, or Indigenous governments are eligible to be co-PIs or co-applicants. For-profit organizations and government departments are not eligible.
- Canadian postsecondary institutions
- Canadian institutions or organizations without full institutional eligibility
- Indigenous governments
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Entities affiliated with for-profit organizations and certain government departments are not eligible for this grant.
- For-profit organizations
- Federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal government departments
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Eligible expenses for this grant include direct costs that are necessary for the execution of the proposed research project.
- Salaries and benefits for research personnel
- Travel expenses for fieldwork or research collaboration
- Materials and supplies
- Costs associated with data collection and analysis
- Costs for publication and dissemination of research findings
- Equipment and infrastructure necessary for the project
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant include multiple countries collaborating on Arctic research and climate change adaptation and mitigation.
- Canada
- Denmark
- Faroe Islands
- Finland
- Greenland
- Iceland
- Norway
- Sweden
- United States
- Brazil
- Germany
- South Africa
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
grant_single_labels|criteria
The grant has evaluation and selection criteria that are used to assess applications submitted by Canadian research teams. These criteria are applied by a multidisciplinary and multisectoral review panel to ensure that the best projects receive funding and support.
- Relevance to the grant's objectives
- Scientific and technical merit
- Impact and potential benefits of the research
- Quality of the research team and their track record
- Feasibility and appropriateness of the research plan
- Inclusion of Indigenous perspectives (for specific grants)
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations
- Collaboration with international partners
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Registration for Canadian research teams by May 30, 2024.
- Step 2: Application submission for Canadian research teams by Fall 2024.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
Various details about the 2024 NordForsk-led International Joint Initiative on Sustainable Development of the Arctic call have been given, pertinent to eligibility, application process, and relevant policies.
- Termination of a grant occurs if the grantee no longer holds an eligible position, unless transferred to an eligible co-PI or co-applicant.
- The Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC) provides strategic direction and oversight for the NFRF, with the NFRF Steering Committee including the presidents of CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC, and deputy ministers.
- All applicants and grant holders must comply with the Regulations Governing Grant Applications and Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration.
- Recipients must adhere to the Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications and are encouraged to manage their research data per community standards and best practices.
- Applicants will be informed of competition results via NordForsk, with associated NFRF grant information communicated through the Convergence Portal.
grant_single_labels|contact
613-995-4273
Apply to this program
2024 NordForsk-led International Joint Initiative on Sustainable Development of the Arctic
The 2024 NordForsk-led International Joint Initiative on Sustainable Development of the Arctic is a collaborative funding opportunity designed to support research that addresses the unique challenges of development in the Arctic region. This initiative emphasizes international collaboration, the co-creation and co-leadership with Indigenous communities, and the integration of equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.
Understanding the 2024 NordForsk-led International Joint Initiative on Sustainable Development of the Arctic
The 2024 NordForsk-led International Joint Initiative on Sustainable Development of the Arctic is an ambitious funding program that aims to tackle the critical issues facing the Arctic region. This initiative is not just about studying the Arctic but also about creating sustainable solutions through international collaboration and community engagement. NordForsk, an organization under the Nordic Council of Ministers that facilitates cooperation on research and research infrastructure between the Nordic countries, leads this initiative.
The primary goal of this initiative is to fund research that addresses the complex and multifaceted challenges of sustainable development in the Arctic. These challenges are often exacerbated by climate change, environmental degradation, and socio-economic issues facing Indigenous and local communities. This initiative seeks to bring together researchers from at least three Nordic countries to collaborate with Canadian researchers and Indigenous communities to generate impactful research outcomes.
Eligibility and Team Composition
To be eligible for this funding, research teams must include members from at least three Nordic countries and at least one eligible member from Canada who can apply to the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF). The Canadian contingent must also meet stringent criteria, including the involvement of a nominated principal investigator (NPI) affiliated with a Canadian institution that holds full institutional eligibility with one of the federal research funding agencies—CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC.
Furthermore, the Canadian team must exhibit a strong partnership with Indigenous communities. This partnership is not merely tokenistic but must involve co-creation, co-leadership, and the sharing of research outcomes. This requirement ensures that the research is rooted in the needs and perspectives of the communities it aims to benefit. Each team must have a minimum of two co-principal investigators (co-PIs), one being the NPI and another representing the community where the research will take place.
Application and Review Process
The application process for the 2024 NordForsk-led International Joint Initiative on Sustainable Development of the Arctic involves multiple steps. Firstly, research teams must submit a registration form through the Convergence Portal by May 30, 2024. This step is crucial for assessing the eligibility of the Canadian research team for NFRF funding. The full application, due June 4, 2024, must also be submitted through the NordForsk Application Portal.
The review process is rigorous and involves assessments against multiple criteria, including equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in research practice, support for early career researchers (ECRs), the potential for high reward in terms of project outcomes, and feasibility. Applications must pass all these criteria to be deemed eligible for funding. This dual-layered review process ensures that the funded projects are of high quality, innovative, and have practical benefits for the Arctic communities.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
Equity, diversity, and inclusion are core elements of this initiative. Applicants must demonstrate a strong commitment to EDI in their research practices. This includes detailed plans and actions to ensure diverse team composition, inclusive recruitment processes, and equal opportunities for training and development. The initiative also encourages the meaningful integration of early career researchers, providing them with ample opportunities to contribute significantly to the research project.
Applicants are expected to address various diversity and identity factors such as age, culture, disability, education, ethnicity, gender identity, and socio-economic status. This approach is designed to promote rigorous and inclusive research sensitive to multiple identity factors, ensuring that the research outcomes are comprehensive and relevant to diverse populations.
Indigenous Research and Community Engagement
The initiative places a strong emphasis on Indigenous research and community engagement. In line with SSHRC’s Indigenous Research Statement of Principles and Guidelines for the Merit Review of Indigenous Research, projects must be co-developed and co-led with Indigenous communities. This requirement ensures that the research is not only relevant and beneficial to the communities involved but also respects and incorporates Indigenous knowledge systems and perspectives.
The involvement of Indigenous communities in the research process promotes better understanding and more effective solutions to the unique challenges faced by these communities in the Arctic. It also ensures that the research outcomes have practical implications and can be directly utilized by the communities to improve their living conditions and preserve their cultural heritage.
Funding and Budget
The initiative provides a generous budget of up to CAD 800,000 per year for direct research costs, with an additional 25% (up to CAD 200,000) available for indirect costs. This brings the total possible funding to CAD 1,000,000 per year for four years. The indirect costs funding is intended to cover expenses related to institutional support, such as administrative and facility costs required to conduct the research.
The budget must be justified and aligned with the research activities proposed. Eligible expenses include salaries for research personnel, travel costs for fieldwork, and costs related to community engagement and knowledge mobilization. The funding is designed to cover all essential aspects of the research process, ensuring that the research team has the necessary resources to achieve their project goals.
Key Considerations for Successful Applications
Successful applications must clearly outline their commitment to EDI in research practice, including the integration of early career researchers. They must provide a detailed plan for community engagement, highlighting how they will co-create and co-lead the research with Indigenous communities. The proposed research should demonstrate innovative approaches to addressing the challenges of sustainable development in the Arctic, with a clear pathway to impacting the communities involved.
Moreover, the feasibility of the project must be well-documented, including a robust budget justification and a comprehensive plan for implementing and managing the research activities. The application should also consider ethical implications and provide strategies for mitigating potential risks associated with the research.
Conclusion
The 2024 NordForsk-led International Joint Initiative on Sustainable Development of the Arctic represents a significant opportunity to address the pressing issues of the Arctic region through collaborative, inclusive, and innovative research. By fostering international cooperation and involving Indigenous communities in every step of the research process, this initiative aims to create sustainable and impactful solutions that will benefit the Arctic and its inhabitants for generations to come.
Researchers and institutions interested in this initiative should carefully review the eligibility criteria, application requirements, and evaluation guidelines to prepare a competitive proposal. With a strong emphasis on EDI, community engagement, and high-reward outcomes, this funding opportunity is poised to support groundbreaking research that can make a real difference in the Arctic region.
