Canada's tri-agencies are the largest source of investigator-led research funding in the nation, and the majority of investigator-led research at Dalhousie is funded through them.
Year-round, there are are recurring funding opportunities for researchers in all fields, and funding from the tri-agencies influences long-term research priorities at Dal.
There are many disciplines, especially health, where research can overlap the mandates of the three agencies. In these cases, it is very important for you to speak with both ORS staff and the funding agency to determine the best strategy.
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) aims to make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians. The agency promotes and supports discovery research and fosters innovation by encouraging Canadian companies to participate and invest in postsecondary research projects. The intended objectives of the research must be, primarily, to advance knowledge in one of the natural sciences or in engineering.
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) is the federal research funding agency that promotes and supports postsecondary-based research and training in the humanities and social sciences. The program of research must be primarily in the social sciences and humanities (i.e., aligned with the SSHRC-legislated mandate). The intended outcome of the research must primarily be to add to our understanding and knowledge of individuals, groups, and societies—what we think, how we live and how we interact with each other and the world around us.
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is Canada’s federal funding agency for health research. Composed of 13 institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 14,100 health researchers and trainees across Canada. The intended outcomes of the research must, as stated in CIHR’s mandate:
- primarily improve or have an impact on health and/or
- produce more effective health services and products and/or
- strengthen the Canadian health care system
Tri-Agency Financial Administration Guide
This guide is very helpful in explaining faculty eligibility, eligible expenses and other administrative matters across the three agencies.
