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.
grant_single_labels|summary
grant_single|eligibleFinancing
- grant_single|maxCount
- grant_single|projectCostPercent
grant_single|deadlines
- grant_single|openingDateFebruary 15, 2022
- grant_single|closingDateApril 26, 2022
- grant_single|grantStatusClosed
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
grant_single_labels|preview
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
This grant is specifically targeted at Canadian research institutions. Other geographic locations away from this specific regional criterion were not directly mentioned as eligible for applications.
- Canadian research institutions holding full institutional eligibility with one of the federal research funding agencies (CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC).
grant_single|admissibleProjectsExample
$250,000
Interdisciplinary research on housing stability for low-income families post-COVID-19
$250,000
Interdisciplinary research on educational inequalities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic
$250,000
Study on data-driven approaches to improve healthcare delivery post-COVID-19
$250,000
Study on the impact of remote work on productivity and well-being
$250,000
Research on economic recovery strategies for small businesses post-pandemic
$250,000
Interdisciplinary study addressing mental health disparities among youth post-COVID-19
grant_single_labels|admissibility
Eligibility for this grant is primarily focused on the composition and scope of the research team rather than companies. However, there are specific criteria that project teams must meet.
- Project proposals must be submitted by research teams composed of at least two individuals, including a nominated principal investigator and a co-principal investigator or a co-applicant.
- All project teams must include at least one expert in social, economic, or socio-economic research and/or implementation science among the principal investigators to reflect the socio-economic framework and goals of the UN Roadmap.
- International team members are encouraged, especially from lower-middle or lower-income countries, unless the project addresses a unique Canadian context.
- Each individual can only participate in one application as an NPI, co-PI, or co-applicant, but collaborators are exempt from this restriction.
- Projects must demonstrate community engagement and partnership, with encouraged collaborations across national, international, and cross-sector domains that reflect best practices in equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Funds can be used to support research activities of team members in Canada or internationally, excluding those affiliated with for-profit companies or government entities.
- Grant funds must cover costs related to the project activities that are not within the mandate of the individual’s organization of employment unless specifically outlined for non-academic researchers and students affiliated with a Canadian college.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_can_apply
This grant supports projects that align with the UN Research Roadmap priorities and address socio-economic recovery post-pandemic through justice and equity. Projects must exhibit interdisciplinarity and innovation, whilst integrating principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Pass/Fail - Commitment to EDI in project teams, particularly through removing barriers and fostering inclusive environments.
- Interdisciplinarity/Fit to Program: Pass/Fail - Demonstrating response to UN Roadmap priorities with elements from at least two different disciplines.
- High Risk: 30% - Assessment of novelty and innovation in addressing UN Roadmap priorities.
- High Reward: 40% - Evaluating potential impact and significance in terms of socio-economic benefits or advancements towards Sustainable Development Goals.
- Feasibility: 30% - Evaluation of research challenge, team expertise, work plan, and inclusive approaches such as GBA+.
grant_eligibility_criteria|who_cannot_apply
This grant excludes certain types of companies, particularly those affiliated with government departments or for-profit organizations, from applying. These restrictions are in place to ensure that the funded projects align with the objectives of the UN Roadmap and are carried out by independent research teams.
- Federal, provincial, or municipal government departments.
- For-profit organizations.
grant_eligibility_criteria|eligible_expenses
This grant supports projects that directly address one or more of the research priorities outlined in the UN Roadmap. The eligible activities focus on interdisciplinary research aimed at building a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient post-pandemic future.
- Research initiatives focusing on socio-economic recovery to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Projects addressing UN priorities such as "quick-win", "best-buy", and "game-changer" initiatives.
- Interdisciplinary solutions encompassing elements from at least two different disciplines.
- Projects must have demonstrable results or impacts by the end of the grant period.
- Research frameworks integrating gender equity and environmental sustainability into recovery efforts.
- Community engagement and partnership-driven projects to ensure tangible research outcomes.
grant_eligibility_criteria|zone
The grant covers specific expenses related to project activities that are aligned with the goals of the UN Roadmap and the socio-economic framework.
- Salary for research activities of a part-time faculty member holding a contract of less than three years with the institution, ensuring total salary support does not exceed that for a full-time faculty member.
- Salaries and nondiscretionary benefits for technical and professional staff carrying out research and technology.
- Salaries and nondiscretionary benefits for knowledge transfer personnel.
- Costs towards course load reduction to support faculty members' involvement in the research project, limited to $9,000 per course load reduction per semester per faculty.
- College student salaries, including nondiscretionary benefits or stipends, to support their involvement in the research project.
grant_single_labels|criteria
The evaluation and selection of projects for this grant are based on specific criteria with allocated point scores to ensure alignment with the grant’s objectives.
- Interdisciplinarity/Fit to Program (Pass/Fail)
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) (Pass/Fail)
- High Risk (30%)
- High Reward (40%)
- Feasibility (30%)
grant_single_labels|register
- Step 1: Understand the Eligibility
- Ensure the project team meets all eligibility requirements.
- Step 2: Attend Webinars
- Participate in the March 1st webinars to gather more detailed information about the competition and the application process.
- Step 3: Submit Notice of Intent (NOI)
- Complete the NOI by April 26, 2022, via the Convergence Portal.
- Submit the NOI to the research administrator at your institution for them to submit through the portal.
- Step 4: Prepare Full Application
- After submitting the NOI, prepare the full application, ensuring all guidelines are followed.
- Include a project proposal, budget, and evidence of equity, diversity, and inclusion strategies.
- Step 5: Submit Full Application
- Complete and submit the full application by August 9, 2022, via the Convergence Portal.
- Have the research administrator submit it through the portal before the deadline.
- Step 6: Await Results
- Results are announced in January 2023. Check the Convergence Portal for updates and feedback.
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
Supporting Canadian Research for a Resilient Recovery
The 2022 Special Call – Research for Postpandemic Recovery grant aims to mobilize Canadian research to address socio-economic inequalities intensified by the COVID-19 pandemic. Providing up to $250,000 in funding per year, this initiative seeks innovative solutions to foster a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient post-pandemic future.
In-Depth Insight into the 2022 Special Call Grant
The 2022 Special Call for Research on Postpandemic Recovery by the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) is a pivotal funding opportunity for Canadian researchers aiming to address the socio-economic impacts of COVID-19 through interdisciplinary and innovative research projects. Targeting a wide array of research priorities, the grant aligns with the UN Research Roadmap for COVID-19 Recovery, emphasizing the need for transformative changes to "build back better" rather than revert to the prior status quo.
With a total competition budget of $24 million, the NFRF envisions funding at least 48 projects, each eligible for up to $250,000 per year. This funding includes direct and indirect costs over a two-year period, with a potential one-year extension to ensure comprehensive development and completion of the research objectives.
The core aim is to stimulate Canadian-led research that focuses on creating equitable, sustainable, and resilient solutions, which are crucial as societies begin to navigate the complex landscape of post-pandemic recovery. Projects supported by this grant are expected to reflect a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), including the integration of early career researchers and diverse research teams.
A key component of this initiative is its adherence to the guidelines of gender-based analysis plus (GBA+) and Indigenous research principles, underlining a clear focus on the dual objectives of gender equity and environmental sustainability. Applicants must demonstrate how their projects align with the socio-economic framework articulated by the UN while employing a high-risk, high-reward approach that promises significant impact.
The granted projects are expected to showcase their findings at mid-term and conclusion forums that are open to policy-makers and non-government organizations, fostering knowledge mobilization and potential collaborations. This aspect of the NFRF grant underscores the importance of translating research findings into actionable policy and practical solutions, thereby accelerating progress toward the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
The application process, launching on February 15, 2022, involves the submission of a notice of intent and a full application by designated deadlines to facilitate meticulous assessment. Each application is evaluated on criteria such as interdisciplinarity, EDI practices, project feasibility, and the potential for broad and meaningful societal impact. Successful projects are anticipated to bring about substantial contributions, either by introducing novel methodologies and technologies or by impacting large communities or unique subpopulations, thereby providing lessons for other global contexts.
This Special Call represents a significant opportunity for Canadian researchers to lead critical inquiry and innovation in support of a transformative post-pandemic recovery. By participating, researchers contribute not only to national prosperity but also to the global effort in achieving a more just, resilient, and sustainable future.
