Québec Research Fund - Health Sector (FRQS)

• The amount and duration of funding are specified in the award letter and cannot exceed the amounts indicated in the funding application or program rules.
• For training scholarships, funding may cover up to a maximum of 18 sessions (6 at the master's level and 12 at the doctoral level), including support received from the FRQ, recognized granting agencies, or merit-based foundations.
• Unused funds at the end of the award period may be carried over for a maximum of one additional year, provided justification is given in the financial report; any remaining balance after this period must be returned to the FRQ.
• Co-funding and transfer of funds between Quebec institutions are allowed only in specified cases involving eligible co-investigators; transferred amounts must comply with internal agreements and are subject to financial reporting requirements.

• The applicant must be a recognized managing institution located in Quebec or an eligible institution of higher education, as defined by the Quebec Research Fund (FRQ).
• The applicant or project leader (researcher or clinician researcher) must be employed by the managing institution at the time of application and throughout the funding period.
• The project must contribute to research, knowledge dissemination, or the training of students and postdoctoral trainees in the health sector in Quebec.
• The applicant and the institution must comply with the current guidelines and requirements as specified in the relevant program rules.

Who is eligible?

• Public research institutions located in Quebec
• Universities and eligible higher education institutions in Quebec
• Colleges and college-level technology transfer centers (CCTT) recognized by the FRQ
• Health and social services establishments with an institutional university affiliation recognized by the FRQ
• Governmental research organizations in Quebec recognized by the FRQ

Who is not eligible

• Private research companies are not eligible for direct funding from the FRQ.
• Businesses that do not operate, study, or have activities based in Québec.
• Organizations whose main activity is not related to public research or higher education.

Eligible expenses

• Salaries and benefits for research personnel, such as research professionals, coordinators, clinical research staff, technicians, research secretaries, and assistants, as per institutional standards.
• Salaries, bursaries, or salary supplements for college, undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral students involved in the research.
• Fees for professional services such as artists, consultants, invited speakers, or external experts, according to institutional rates (with specific limits for consultants outside Quebec).
• Honoraria for professional services needed for developing and maintaining a project website, if justified and directly linked to the funded project.
• Training and continuing education costs necessary for research personnel involved in the project.
• Approved compensation (by an ethics committee) for research participants.
• Travel and accommodation costs associated with research activities, including costs for project-related conferences, fieldwork, project meetings, or training, based on institutional guidelines (including travel insurance, seat reservation fees, visa costs, entry compliance fees, and daycare for dependents for eligible researchers).
• Purchase or rental of research equipment and supplies required for the project, including maintenance, repair, and transportation.
• Acquisition or access fees for databases, software, specialized IT, or digital platforms essential for the research and not typically provided by the institution.
• Monthly service fees for devices (such as mobile phones or tablets) solely for research needs or personnel safety, with appropriate justification.
• Costs for Internet, telecommunication, or videoconferencing services necessary for the research where not already covered by the institution.
• Knowledge dissemination and transfer expenses, such as setting up/maintaining a website, organizing research-related events or workshops, translation of research articles and reports, or open-access publishing fees, provided they are compliant with the relevant policies.
• Costs related to the safety of field or laboratory work (protective equipment, essential vaccines, safe disposal of materials).

Eligible geographic areas

• Quebec

• The French version of the program rules takes precedence in case of discrepancies with the English version.
• Applicants must ensure their personal information is kept up-to-date in the FRQnet electronic portfolio system.
• Failure to submit required reports may impact eligibility for future funding until the condition is met.
• All decisions regarding funding are final and without appeal.