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Research in priority areas

Q: How much funding can be received?

Research in priority areas Funds up to 25% of admissible expenses.

Q: Who is eligible for the Research in priority areas program?

To be eligible for the Research in priority areas program, you must: Must fit a CIHR priority area. Must support health research goals. May fund research, career, or training support.

Q: Who can I contact for more information about the Research in priority areas?

You can contact Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR).

Q: Where is the Research in priority areas available?

The Research in priority areas program is available across Canada.

Q: Is the Research in priority areas a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Research in priority areas is a Grant and Funding

Last Update: March 24, 2026

Canada

Funding for strategic health research priorities

Grant and Funding

Canadian Institutes of Health Research

Overview

CIHR funds priority-driven health research in strategic areas to improve health systems and health outcomes. Support is available for research projects, career development, and training in a range of health-related fields.

At a glance

Funding available

Financing goals

Develop strategic partnerships

Research and experimental development

Conduct research

Eligible Funding

Up to 25% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Eligible candidates

Eligible Industries

Health care and social assistance

Location

Canada

Legal structures

Public or Parapublic institution

Annual revenue

All revenue ranges

Organisation size

All organization sizes

Audience

All groups

Activities funded

Biomedical and clinical research.
Health services and health systems research.
Research on population, social, cultural, and environmental health factors.
Career development and training support.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 128,500

Digital tool for early cancer symptom detection in rural clinics

$ 90,000

Chronic pain self-management app trial for older adults

$ 105,000

Training nurse navigators to improve cancer care system navigation

$ 124,500

Pilot telehealth platform for Indigenous youth mental health support

$ 110,000

Community-based research on diabetes prevention in South Asian women

$ 180,000

Mobile outreach HIV testing van for underserved neighbourhoods

Eligibility

Projects must address a CIHR priority area.
Applications must align with health research goals.
Research, career, or training support may be eligible.

Who is eligible?

Researchers and research teams.
Applicants seeking career or training support.

Eligible geographic areas

Canada

Selection criteria

Alignment with a strategic health priority.
Expected contribution to the improvement of health systems.
Potential to improve health outcomes.

How to apply

Review priority research areas

Review the priority-driven research information provided by CIHR.
Identify the research area, initiative, and related funding context.
Check whether your project aligns with the health priorities described.

Check initiative details

Consult the relevant CIHR initiative or institute website for the specific call details.
Verify the funding purpose, eligible support, and any initiative-specific guidance.
Note that some initiatives fund research, career support, or training support.

Prepare application

Prepare your research proposal according to the selected initiative requirements.
Align your project with the health outcomes, systems, or knowledge goals described by CIHR.
Gather any supporting material needed for the application process.

Submit application

Submit the application through the appropriate CIHR process once it is complete.
Ensure the proposal reflects the initiative’s research priorities and funding objectives.

Await decision

Wait for the CIHR review and funding decision after submission.
Monitor for updates related to the outcome of the application.

Additional information

Includes initiatives specific to CIHR Institutes.
May fund research, career, or training.
Covers health priorities defined with partners.

Apply to this program

Frequently Asked Questions about the Research in priority areas Program

Here are answers to the most common questions about the Research in priority areas. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.