How much funding can be received?

The 2024 NordForsk-led International Joint Initiative on Sustainable Development of the Arctic provides funding up to C$1,000,000 per year, supporting research projects that are co-developed and co-led with Indigenous communities in Canada. The program aims to address sustainable development challenges in the Arctic through projects that integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion in their research design.

grant_single_labels|terms_and_conditions

This grant provides a structured financing framework aimed at fostering innovative research in Canada's Arctic regions. The modalities are structured to ensure comprehensive support for both direct and indirect research costs.

The maximum budget for the direct costs of the research project is C$800,000 per year, over a four-year period.
Applicants may request up to 25% of the value of the direct costs of research to cover eligible indirect costs, included within the total funding cap of C$1,000,000 per year.
All funds for indirect costs must adhere to the guidelines outlined on the Research Support Fund website.
Eligible salary expenses are limited to those affiliated with an eligible Canadian college and further restricted based on part-time faculty status and technical support roles.
Compensation-related expenses include limited costs towards course load reduction to support faculty involvement, up to specified limits.
Funding must strictly support research activities related to the project, excluding use within the mandate of an individual's organization of employment.

grant_single_labels|projects

This grant supports research projects aimed at achieving the sustainable development of the Arctic through international collaboration. Eligible projects require a strong emphasis on indigenous partnership, knowledge mobilization, and equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Projects co-developed and co-led with Indigenous communities.
Research initiatives that involve partners from a minimum of three Nordic countries.
Projects that integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion in their research design.
Collaborative efforts focusing on knowledge mobilization and community uptake.
Initiatives supporting early career researchers within five years of their first research-related appointment.

grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample

$ 670,000

Evaluation of socio-economic changes in Arctic communities

$ 880,000

Investigation into the impact of climate change on Arctic marine ecosystems

$ 940,000

Interdisciplinary study on the sustainable exploitation of Arctic natural resources

$ 980,000

Creation of a database on Arctic biodiversity trends

$ 730,000

Development of Arctic-specific renewable energy solutions

$ 850,000

Research project on adaptation strategies for Indigenous communities

grant_single_labels|admissibility

Eligibility for this grant requires specific conditions to be met by research teams and their members.

Proposals must meet the requirements as set out in the NordForsk call document.
A minimum of three Nordic countries must be represented on the research team.
The research team must include at least one member who is eligible to apply to the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF).
Research teams must submit an application through the NordForsk Application Portal.
Research teams seeking NFRF funding must also complete a registration and application in the Convergence Portal.
The Canada-based team must have a minimum of two co-principal investigators (co-PIs), including a nominated principal investigator (NPI) and a co-PI who is a representative of the community where the research will take place.
The NPI's primary affiliation must be with a Canadian institution holding full institutional eligibility with one of the federal research funding agencies (CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC).
The NPI must be considered an independent researcher at their primary affiliation.

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply

This grant targets research teams focused on the sustainable development of the Arctic and mandates collaboration with Indigenous communities. The evaluation and selection criteria focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion in research practice, as well as the project's impact and feasibility.

Equity, diversity, and inclusion in research practice and support of early career researchers (Pass/Fail)
High reward potential, specifically regarding the benefits to Canada’s Arctic communities (Pass/Fail)
Feasibility of co-production with Indigenous communities and appropriate integration of equity, diversity, and inclusion in the research design, along with justified budget allocation (Pass/Fail)

grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply

Certain companies and organizations are ineligible to participate in the 2024 NordForsk-led International Joint Initiative on Sustainable Development of the Arctic due to their status or primary activities. These restrictions ensure alignment with the objectives of the grant and compliance with federal funding guidelines.

For-profit organizations are not eligible to participate in any role in a proposal.
Organizations affiliated with federal, provincial, territorial, or municipal government departments are restricted from applying as co-PIs or co-applicants.
Individuals affiliated with for-profit entities cannot be part of the research team, including collaborators.

grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses

This grant supports collaborative research initiatives focusing on the sustainable development of the Arctic region. Projects are expected to be co-developed and co-led with Indigenous communities and should integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion in their approach.

Co-development of sustainable practices with Indigenous communities in the Arctic.
Research projects focusing on environmental conservation and climate resilience in Northern regions.
Projects that integrate equity, diversity, and inclusion considerations in their research and activities.
Initiatives that aim to establish inclusive and equitable partnerships in Arctic research.

grant_eligibility_criteria|zone

This grant does not specify eligible geographical areas for companies; instead, eligibility is governed by the composition and eligibility of the research team and their partnerships.

grant_single_labels|criteria

The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives. The selection criteria will be reviewed on a pass/fail basis.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in research practice and support of Early Career Researchers (ECRs): Applicants must demonstrate commitment to EDI, focusing on team composition, recruitment processes, training, development opportunities, and inclusion.
High reward: Evaluates the potential benefits to Canada's Arctic communities in terms of project outcomes.
Feasibility: Considers the approach to co-production with the Indigenous community, integration of EDI in research design, and budget justification limited to research-related expenses in Canada.

grant_single_labels|register

Step 1: Review Eligibility and Guidelines
- Ensure that your research meets the criteria outlined in the NordForsk call document.
- Verify institutional eligibility and the eligibility of team members.
- Confirm that your project partners with an Indigenous community, as required by the NFRF.
Step 2: Attend Informational Webinar
- Participate in the webinar offered by NordForsk to understand the application process.
- Review recorded sessions if unable to attend live.
Step 3: Initiate Registration
- Nominated Principal Investigator (NPI) initiates application in the Convergence Portal.
- Complete and submit the registration form by May 30, 2024, to your Research Grants Office (RGO).
- Ensure to register separately on the NordForsk application portal by their deadline.
Step 4: Prepare Application
- Draft your project proposal, ensuring alignment with NFRF guidelines.
- Develop a budget and supporting documents, incorporating co-creation with Indigenous communities.
- Integrate Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) into your research design.
Step 5: Submit Application
- Complete the application in the Convergence Portal following the submission guide.
- Submit the full application through your RGO before their internal deadlines.
- Provide the NordForsk application number during registration in the Convergence Portal.
Step 6: Application Review and Selection
- Applications reviewed against NFRF's EDI criteria, high reward, and feasibility.
- Only applications approved by the NordForsk-led process eligible for NFRF funding.

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

Explore Funding Options for Arctic Sustainable Development

The 2024 NordForsk-led International Joint Initiative on Sustainable Development of the Arctic is a grant opportunity aimed at fostering research collaborations among Nordic countries and Canada to address sustainable development challenges in the Arctic. It mandates inclusivity in research design with a strong emphasis on Indigenous partnerships and integrating equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) principles in research practices.

In-Depth Exploration of the 2024 NordForsk-led Initiative

The 2024 NordForsk-led International Joint Initiative on Sustainable Development of the Arctic is an expansive and multifaceted grant program. It is designed to support substantial research initiatives that address the unique and pressing challenges faced in the Arctic region, with a particular focus on sustainable development. This initiative seeks collaboration across at least three Nordic countries and requires the Canadian research team to actively participate, emphasizing the necessity of cross-border collaboration in this international effort. The initiative underscores the importance of including Indigenous communities as equal partners in research endeavors, promoting a model of co-development and co-leadership to ensure that research outputs are not only beneficial but also co-owned by these communities.

One of the critical aspects of this funding program is its adherence to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in research practices. These principles are integral to the design and evaluation of the projects, ensuring that a wide array of perspectives are considered, and that research teams are inclusive and diverse. This approach aligns with global standards, acknowledging that diverse teams can offer more innovative and comprehensive solutions to complex problems. The inclusion of early career researchers is also encouraged, providing them with valuable opportunities to contribute to impactful research while developing their professional skills.

The funding provided under this initiative is substantial, with a possibility of receiving up to C$1,000,000 per year, inclusive of indirect costs, which may amount to 25% of the direct costs. This financial support is aimed at facilitating comprehensive and ambitious research agendas over a period of four years. It covers a range of eligible expenses, directly related to the research activities, integrating both technical and professional capabilities required for effective research execution.

Furthermore, the application and review process for this grant is rigorous, structured to ensure that only the most promising and feasible projects receive support. Proposals must clearly demonstrate the potential for high rewards, specifically in terms of tangible benefits to Canadian Arctic communities. The feasibility of project plans will be critically assessed, taking into account the methodologies for co-production with Indigenous communities and the integration of EDI considerations in the research design. This thorough vetting process is intended to optimize the use of public resources, ensuring that funded projects have significant potential for success and impactful outcomes.

The coordinated administration by the Canada Research Coordinating Committee and the NFRF Steering Committee, which includes key figures from Canada’s primary research funding agencies and government, further ensures that the program’s objectives align with national priorities, providing strategic oversight and maintaining high standards in the evaluation process. This multilateral oversight not only reinforces the robustness of the program but also anchors its objectives firmly within the framework of sustainable development goals.

This grant opportunity represents a significant investment in the future of Arctic sustainable development. By fostering interdisciplinary and international collaborations, it aims to drive innovation and generate actionable insights to tackle environmental, social, and economic challenges in the Arctic. Through co-developed research activities, the initiative also seeks to empower Indigenous communities, ensuring that their knowledge and perspectives guide the pursuit of sustainable development solutions. This not only paves the way for more resilient and adaptable strategies but also respects and integrates traditional knowledge systems.