FCI — Fonds des leaders John-R.-Evans

The John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) is an essential initiative by the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) aimed at helping Canadian institutions attract, retain, and support leading researchers by providing critical research infrastructure necessary for cutting-edge research and technology development.

The John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) is a vital instrument in Canada’s arsenal to remain competitive in the global research and technology landscape. Named after the inaugural Chair of the CFI’s Board of Directors, John R. Evans, this fund is strategically designed to support Canadian institutions in their pursuit to draw and retain top-tier researchers who are leaders in their respective fields. Let’s delve into the specifics of this program, its eligibility criteria, submission guidelines, and the benefits it offers to Canadian research and society at large.

In an era characterized by intense international competition in the realms of research and technology, the John R. Evans Leaders Fund stands as a beacon of support for Canadian academic institutions. The primary objective of JELF is to provide substantial research infrastructure to select researchers, enabling them to embark on innovative research endeavors. This, in turn, helps institutions maintain an edge in areas aligned with their strategic priorities and contributes to their international competitiveness.

Eligible Institutions: To be eligible for JELF, institutions must be recognized by the CFI. Canadian universities receive allocations based on the funds they have garnered from the three federal research funding agencies—Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)—over the past three years. Notably, the Small Institution Fund (SIF), integrated into the JELF, caters to institutions with allocations less than $800,000. Research hospitals and institutes must apply through their affiliated universities, and multi-institutional collaborations are encouraged to optimize resources. Eligible Researchers: The proposal can feature up to three researchers who will either collaborate or independently share the requested infrastructure. Candidates must be recognized as innovative leaders or show potential for excellence in their research fields, engage in high-quality research or technology development, and hold full-time academic positions or be in the process of recruitment. Eligible Infrastructure Projects: Proposals can request up to $800,000 from the CFI, with a maximum total eligible cost of $2 million. For proposals requesting $75,000 or less, especially in the social sciences, humanities, and arts, smaller institutions have access to the SIF. The infrastructure must enhance research capacity through the acquisition of new equipment, upgrading aging infrastructure, or developing essential research technology.

Submissions to the JELF are managed via the CFI Awards Management System (CAMS). The proposal consists of multiple modules including project information, financial details, suggested reviewers, and research security. The deadlines for submissions are February 15, June 15, and October 15 each year, with decisions anticipated in June, November, and March, respectively. Project Information: The project module demands details such as the project title, a plain language summary, and specifics about the researchers involved. The summary must concisely describe the research, methodologies, and its significance, particularly its impact and benefits to Canada. Assessment Criteria: Proposals are scrutinized based on several criteria:

The structure and content of the proposal must adhere to strict formatting and length guidelines to ensure clarity and fairness.

The financial module provides a detailed breakdown of the costs involved, funding sources, contributions from eligible partners, and infrastructure utilization details. Institutions must justify the need for each infrastructure item and ensure that costs align with fair market values. Cost of Individual Items: The section requires a detailed list of all eligible expenses, including taxes, shipping, and installation costs. For construction or renovation projects, additional documents like timelines, floor plans, and cost breakdowns must be submitted. Contributions from Eligible Partners: This part documents all expected financial inputs from partners, differentiating between confirmed and anticipated contributions. Prorating of costs for items used beyond research purposes must be clarified.

The merit review process for JELF is highly structured, ensuring that all proposals meet CFI’s stringent criteria. Proposals requesting up to $400,000 are reviewed by at least two experts, with possible teleconferences or additional reviews in case of complex cases. Projects requesting more than $400,000 undergo examination by an Expert Committee. Proposals from Québec, due to a partnership with the Government of Québec, follow a specialized review process. Funding Decisions: Funding recommendations are presented to the CFI Board of Directors, and institutions are notified of the decisions through CAMS.

The impact of the John R. Evans Leaders Fund extends beyond providing immediate research infrastructure. It is instrumental in fostering a culture of innovation, helping Canada retain its best minds, and ensuring that Canadian institutions remain at the forefront of global research and technology development. The fund’s emphasis on sustainability, collaboration, and socio-economic benefits ensures that the investments made today yield dividends for the Canadian society in the form of technological advancements, economic growth, and enhanced quality of life. Overall, the JELF is not just a financial aid tool; it is a strategic investment in the future of Canadian research and development, aligning with national priorities and addressing global challenges through innovative solutions.