Research in priority areas
Last Update: August 1, 2025
Canada
Funding priority-driven research advancing health knowledge and outcomes
Research in priority areas at a glance
Eligible Funding
- Up to 25% of project cost
Timeline
- Continuous Intakes
Financing Type
Grant and Funding
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
- Health care and social assistance
Grant Providers
- Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Program status
Open
Overview of the Research in priority areas program
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.
Eligible projects & activities
- 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 criteria of the Research in priority areas program
- 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 to the Research in priority areas program
1
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
2
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
3
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
4
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
5
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
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