Tri‑Agency Framework

Supporting and promoting a positive research environment

The Tri-Agency Framework is a collaborative document developed by the Canadian Institutes of Health (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). It sets out the responsibilities and any related policies for researchers, institutions and the agencies in order to support and promote—collectively—a positive research environment.

The conduct of research in the context of this framework includes applying for and managing agency funds, performing research, and disseminating results. This framework also sets out the process to be followed by agencies when addressing allegations of breaches of agency policies.

The primary objectives of the framework are to:

• ensure that agency funding decisions are based on accurate and reliable information
• ensure public funds are used responsibly and in accordance with funding agreements
• promote and protect the quality, accuracy and reliability of research funded by the agencies
• promote fairness in the conduct of research and in the process for addressing allegations of policy breaches.

It is important to note that researchers are responsible for adhering to the standards outlined in the framework document for all research activity at Dalhousie, regardless of the funding source.