Research in priority areas

Q: How much funding can be received?

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

Q: What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline to apply is not specified.

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

Research in priority areas is a Grant and Funding

Q: Who are the financial supporters of the Research in priority areas?

Research in priority areas is funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

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

Eligibility criteria are not specified.

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: Are women eligible for the Research in priority areas program?

Yes, women are eligible to apply for the Research in priority areas program.

Q: Are youth (under 40) eligible for the Research in priority areas program?

Yes, youth under 40 are eligible to apply for the Research in priority areas program.

Last Update: August 1, 2025

Canada

Funding priority-driven research advancing health knowledge and outcomes

At a glance

Eligible Funding

Up to 25% of project cost

Timeline

Unspecified

Financing Type

Grant and Funding

Eligible Industries

Professional, scientific and technical services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance

Funds Providers

Unspecified

Program status

Open

Overview

The Research in Priority Areas program, funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), allocates approximately $250 million annually to support research initiatives that address critical health priorities across Canada. The grant supports projects in biomedical and clinical research, health systems and services, population health, societal and cultural health transformations, and provides career or training support for advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes in strategic areas.

Activities funded

Research projects addressing priority health areas identified by the Government of Canada, such as population health, disease prevention, and health systems.
Initiatives focused on improving healthcare delivery and health outcomes through innovation and strategic partnership.
Projects supporting clinical trials, data-driven research, and development of new health care standards or policies.
Programs advancing health equity for underrepresented groups, including Indigenous, women, and youth health initiatives.
Collaborative research initiatives aimed at understanding and addressing rare diseases, chronic conditions, and emerging health threats.

Examples of admissible projects:

$ 180,000

Mobile outreach HIV testing van for underserved neighbourhoods

$ 110,000

Community-based research on diabetes prevention in South Asian women

$ 124,500

Pilot telehealth platform for Indigenous youth mental health support

$ 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

Eligibility

The applicant must conduct research addressing one of the strategic health priority areas defined by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and its partners.
The project must contribute to advancing knowledge and improving health outcomes or health systems in Canada.
The applicant must be eligible to access CIHR funding, such as being affiliated with a recognized Canadian research institution or organization.

Who is eligible?

Research organizations
Academic institutions
Health research institutes
Indigenous health research organizations

Eligible geographic areas

Canada

How to apply

Identify relevant research initiative

Review the list of priority-driven research initiatives managed by CIHR
Identify an initiative aligned with your research area or institution
Confirm eligibility for the selected initiative

Review funding opportunity details

Access the specific funding opportunity details on the CIHR or relevant institute website
Carefully read the call for proposals, eligibility criteria, and required documentation
Gather preliminary information about deadlines and funding amounts

Prepare application materials

Assemble all required documentation (e.g., research proposal, CV, partnership agreements)
Complete application forms as per requirements of the selected initiative
Consult guidelines for budget preparation and supporting documents

Submit the application

Submit the completed application through the online portal specified by CIHR or the relevant institute
Ensure all application materials are uploaded by the deadline

Await results notification

Wait for the review and evaluation process by CIHR or the relevant committee
Monitor for updates or requests for additional information

Additional information

Approximately one-quarter of CIHR's $1 billion budget is allocated to support priority-driven research initiatives.
Grants may be used to support both research projects and career or training development within designated priority areas.
Initiatives are created in consultation with other government departments, partners, and stakeholders.
The list of current active initiatives and additional information can be found via the CIHR Institutes websites.

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.