New Frontiers in Research Fund — Special Calls Stream
Canada
The 2022 Special Call – Research for Postpandemic Recovery offers up to $250,000 per year for two-year interdisciplinary projects addressing socio-economic inequities exacerbated by COVID-19, in alignment with the UN Research Roadmap.
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grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateFebruary 15, 2022
- grant_single|closingDateApril 26, 2022
grant_single|financingType
Grant and Funding
grant_single|eligibleIndustries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Health care and social assistance
grant_single|grantors
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
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grant_card_status|closed
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The 2022 Special Call – Research for Postpandemic Recovery aims to support Canadian-led interdisciplinary projects addressing socio-economic inequities amplified by the COVID-19 pandemic. With a budget of up to $250,000 per year for two years, it funds innovative research directly responding to the UN Roadmap priorities for a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient future. Eligible activities include those that combine elements from at least two different disciplines and demonstrate tangible outcomes by the end of the grant period.
grant_single_labels|projects
Projects addressing one or more of the UN Research Roadmap for COVID-19 Recovery priorities are eligible for this grant. These projects must be interdisciplinary and demonstrate tangible outcomes by the end of the grant period.
- Innovative solutions addressing socio-economic inequalities exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic
- Projects combining elements from at least two different disciplines
- Inclusive research teams with a focus on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI)
- Research mobilizing international collaboration, especially with lower-middle or lower-income countries
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$250,000
Calgary
Interdisciplinary research on housing stability for low-income families post-COVID-19
$250,000
Halifax
Interdisciplinary research on educational inequalities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic
$250,000
Ottawa
Study on data-driven approaches to improve healthcare delivery post-COVID-19
$250,000
Vancouver
Study on the impact of remote work on productivity and well-being
$250,000
Montreal
Research on economic recovery strategies for small businesses post-pandemic
$250,000
Toronto
Interdisciplinary study addressing mental health disparities among youth post-COVID-19
grant_single_labels|admissibility
To be eligible for this grant, applicants must meet specific criteria related to team composition, individual roles, research focus, and institutional affiliation. Below are the detailed eligibility criteria:
- Teams must include at least two individuals, with a nominated principal investigator (NPI) and either a co-principal investigator (co-PI) or a co-applicant.
- At least one team member must be an expert in social, economic, or socio-economic research and/or implementation science among the principal investigators (NPI or co-PI).
- Research teams are expected to include international members, with a strong encouragement to include members from lower-middle or lower-income countries unless the project uniquely addresses a Canadian context.
- Individuals can participate in only one application to this competition as either an NPI, co-PI or co-applicant, but can participate in multiple applications as collaborators.
- Nominated principal investigator (NPI) must be an independent researcher at their primary affiliation, which must be a Canadian institution holding full institutional eligibility with one of the federal research funding agencies (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC).
- Co-principal investigators (co-PIs) and co-applicants must also be independent researchers and can be practitioners, policy-makers, educators, or other professionals but not affiliated with federal, provincial, or municipal government departments or for-profit organizations.
- Individuals whose primary affiliation is with an Indigenous government or who are indirectly employed by a federal, provincial, or municipal government (such as police services, education, or health care) are eligible to be co-PIs or co-applicants.
- Students, postdoctoral fellows, and research associates are not eligible to participate as co-PIs or co-applicants.
- Collaborators contribute to the project execution without accessing grant funds and can be from any organization, including government departments and for-profit organizations.
- Projects must combine elements from at least two different disciplines and address one or more research priorities from the UN Research Roadmap for the COVID-19 Recovery.
- Early career researchers (ECRs) are encouraged to integrate meaningfully into the project team, and specific conditions apply for a proposal to be considered led by an ECR.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
Companies affiliated with for-profit organizations or federal, provincial, or municipal government departments are not eligible for this grant.
- For-profit organizations
- Federal government departments
- Provincial government departments
- Municipal government departments
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
Grant funds must be used to support research activities related to the project. For co-principal investigators (co-PIs) and co-applicants who are not academic researchers, eligible expenses are limited to those related to the project activities that are not within the mandate of the individual's organization of employment.
- Salary for research activities of a part-time faculty member holding a contract of less than three years with the institution.
- Salaries and nondiscretionary benefits for technical and professional staff carrying out research and technology.
- Limited costs towards course load reduction, up to $9,000 per course load reduction per semester per faculty.
- College student salaries, including nondiscretionary benefits or stipends, to support students' involvement in the research project.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The eligible geographic zones for this grant include Canada and international regions, with a strong encouragement for the inclusion of team members from lower-middle or lower-income countries. Exceptions can be considered for projects addressing a uniquely Canadian context.
- Canada
- International regions
- Lower-middle or lower-income countries (strongly encouraged)
- Exceptions for uniquely Canadian context (with appropriate justification)
grant_single_labels|criteria
Yes, there are evaluation and selection criteria for this grant. The proposals will be evaluated based on considerations such as interdisciplinarity, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), as well as the high-risk and high-reward nature of the project.
- Interdisciplinarity/Fit to program: Applications must clearly demonstrate response to one or more priorities of the UN Roadmap.
- Equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI): Focus on EDI in research teams, including actions to remove barriers and provide opportunities for diverse groups.
- High risk: Novelty of the proposed approach, including innovative methodologies and perspectives.
- High reward: Potential impact and significance, such as economic, scientific, or social outcomes, and contribution to UN’s sustainable development goals.
- Feasibility: Project plan, team’s ability, timeline, research uptake plan, GBA+ considerations, and research environment suitability.
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Notice of Intent (NOI)
- Applicants must submit a notice of intent to apply by April 26, 2022, 8 p.m. (eastern).
- NOI must be completed using the Convergence Portal and submitted through the research administrator at the NPI’s primary affiliation.
- Step 2: Full Application Submission
- Research team must submit a full application by August 9, 2022, 8 p.m. (eastern).
- Full applications must be completed using the Convergence Portal.
- All required documentation and information must be included as per the Full Application Guide.
- Submission must be through the research administrator at the NPI's primary affiliation.
grant_single_labels|otherInfo
The grant guidelines cover detailed information on use of funds, team compositions, and eligibility criteria along with compliance requirements. Here are other miscellaneous details:
- Grant holders must comply with SSHRC’s Intellectual Property and Copyright policy.
- Exceptions to the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration policies are noted for certain types of grants.
- Salary expenses are eligible under specific conditions for NPIs, co-PIs, and co-applicants affiliated with eligible Canadian colleges.
- Grants will be terminated if the grantee no longer holds an eligible position at an eligible institution unless transferred to a co-PI or co-applicant, subject to agency discretion.
- Residual balances of grants must be returned to SSHRC, payable to the Receiver General.
- The agencies reserve the right to determine eligibility, interpret regulations, apply conditions to grants, and alter terms without advance notice.
grant_single_labels|contact
NFRF-FNFR@chairs-chaires.gc.ca
Apply to this program
2022 Special Call – Research for Postpandemic Recovery: Grant Summary
The 2022 Special Call for Research for Postpandemic Recovery aims to mobilize Canadian-led research to create a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient postpandemic world. This grant offers up to $250,000 per year for two years, encouraging interdisciplinary and innovative approaches aligned with the UN Research Roadmap for COVID-19 Recovery.
Comprehensive Overview of the 2022 Special Call – Research for Postpandemic Recovery
The COVID-19 pandemic has left an indelible mark on societies globally, exacerbating existing inequalities and revealing structural vulnerabilities. As the world begins to recover, there is a unique opportunity to "build back better" by addressing these disparities through targeted and innovative research. The 2022 Special Call – Research for Postpandemic Recovery, funded by the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF), represents a key initiative in this effort by offering substantial financial support to Canadian-led research projects that align with the United Nations (UN) Research Roadmap for the COVID-19 Recovery.
Objective and Scope of the Grant
The primary objective of the 2022 Special Call is to mobilize interdisciplinary and Canadian-led research efforts that can inform and guide equitable, sustainable, and resilient recovery strategies. Projects must address one or more of the research priorities identified in the UN Research Roadmap for COVID-19 Recovery. These priorities focus on developing innovative and transformative solutions that account for the interconnected nature of socio-economic and environmental systems.
The scope of this grant encompasses a wide range of research areas including, but not limited to, social, economic, and socio-economic research, as well as implementation science. By promoting a diverse portfolio of projects, the NFRF aims to contribute to a holistic and inclusive postpandemic recovery.
Value and Duration
The maximum funding available for direct costs of research is $200,000 per year, with an additional 25% available to cover indirect costs. This brings the total potential funding to $250,000 per year. Each grant is awarded for a period of two years, with the possibility of an automatic one-year extension, allowing grantees a total of three years to complete their projects and utilize the funds.
Furthermore, projects awarded funding through the 2022 Special Call may be eligible for supplemental funding from partner organizations. This enhances the capacity for impactful research that may extend beyond the initial project scope.
Eligibility and Team Composition
To reflect the interdisciplinary nature required for tackling the complex challenges of postpandemic recovery, proposals must be submitted by research teams comprising at least two individuals. Beyond the nominated principal investigator (NPI), the team must include either a co-principal investigator (co-PI) or a co-applicant. Teams may consist of additional co-PIs, co-applicants, and collaborators as necessary.
Importantly, all project teams must include at least one expert in social, economic, or socio-economic research and/or implementation science among the principal investigators. This ensures that the socio-economic framework and goals of the UN Roadmap are adequately addressed. Additionally, the inclusion of international team members, especially from lower-middle or lower-income countries, is strongly encouraged to ensure global perspectives and equity in recovery efforts.
Early career researchers (ECRs) are also specifically supported through this initiative. A proportion of awards will be reserved for ECR-led projects, and all applications are encouraged to integrate ECRs meaningfully into their research teams.
Application Process
The application process consists of two main stages: the submission of a Notice of Intent (NOI) and the submission of a full application. The NOI, due by April 26, 2022, serves administrative purposes and helps in identifying external reviewers. The full application, due by August 9, 2022, requires detailed information about the proposed project, including how it addresses the research priorities in the UN Roadmap.
Applications must be submitted through the Convergence Portal, following the guidelines provided in the NOI and full application guides. Both NOIs and full applications must be approved and submitted by the research administrator at the NPI's institution.
Selection and Review Process
The review process for the 2022 Special Call is robust and multifaceted to ensure the highest quality of selected projects. It involves several stages including internal review for eligibility, external review by subject matter experts, and evaluation by a multidisciplinary and multisectoral review panel.
Selection criteria include:
- Interdisciplinarity/Fit to Program: Applications must clearly demonstrate how they respond to one or more priorities identified in the UN Roadmap, incorporating interdisciplinary approaches across at least two different disciplines.
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Projects must show a commitment to EDI within research teams, addressing recruitment processes, training, and inclusion strategies to remove barriers and provide opportunities for underrepresented groups.
- High Risk: The novelty of the proposed approach, its alignment with latest methodologies and techniques, and its potential to lead to transformative changes.
- High Reward: The potential for significant impact, whether economic, social, cultural, or technological, and contributions towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
- Feasibility: The project plan, team's expertise, timeline, research uptake plan, and engagement with Indigenous communities, where applicable.
The final funding decisions are made by the NFRF Steering Committee, based on the recommendations of the review panel.
Key Deadlines and Competition Timeline
The timeline for the 2022 Special Call is as follows:
- February 15, 2022: Competition launch and opening of Convergence Portal for NOIs.
- April 26, 2022: NOI submission deadline.
- May 3, 2022: Opening of Convergence Portal for full applications.
- August 9, 2022: Full application submission deadline.
- January 2023: Announcement of award results.
- February 2023: Start date of project funding.
Regulations, Policies, and Reporting
Grant recipients must comply with the regulations set out in the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration and the Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications. Regular reporting on the use of grant funds and project progress is mandatory, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Additionally, grant holders are expected to attend forums at the mid-term and conclusion of the grant period to showcase their findings and highlight lessons learned. These forums facilitate knowledge mobilization, cross-project learning, and potentially lead to new research collaborations.
Conclusion
The 2022 Special Call – Research for Postpandemic Recovery presents a significant opportunity for Canadian researchers to contribute to a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient world post-COVID-19. By aligning with the UN Research Roadmap for COVID-19 Recovery, this grant supports innovative and interdisciplinary research that can inform transformative recovery strategies, ultimately advancing progress towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
