Modernizing Canada's approach to funding research - Government of Canada launches national consultation on $275-million Tri-Council Research Fund

OTTAWA, June 26, 2018 /CNW/ - Science is that much stronger when diverse ideas are welcomed. When Canada's research community has a say in the development of new programs that support it, our researchers are able to discover and innovate in ways that have a profound impact on our health, environment, economy and communities.

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities, is inviting stakeholders, researchers, community leaders and public policy-makers to help shape a new $275-million Tri-Council Fund focused on international, interdisciplinary and high-risk research activities. Funding for the five-year initiative is a result of the federal government's unprecedented investment of close to $4 billion in science announced in Budget 2018.

Designed by the Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC), the new Tri-Council Fund will strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration between researchers and students across the country to accelerate Canada's transition to a more modern approach to research. It will enable our researchers to undertake important work that can lead to discoveries that positively impact the lives of Canadians.

Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on a draft funding model that the CRCC has developed to ensure we maximize the positive impact on academic research in Canada. Consultations will be held in communities across Canada. Input from this process will inform the development of a call for proposals this fall.

Quotes

"Our government is listening to the research community and making decisions based on the advice we receive so that we can re-energize science and research in Canada. We are working to ensure that this new investment allows our researchers to make discoveries that will change the world and better the lives of Canadians."
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Minister of Sport and Persons with Disabilities

"These consultations will help deliver a road map for a highly coordinated system of federal support for science, social sciences and humanities that is responsive to emerging challenges and opportunities; embraces core values of equity, diversity and inclusion; and fosters global excellence to generate ideas and talent."
– Dr. Ted Hewitt, President, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and Chair, Canada Research Coordinating Committee

Quick facts

• In total, Budget 2018 proposed to invest more than $1.7 billion over five years to support researchers through Canada's granting councils and research institutes. This includes $275-million over five years to support the new Tri-Council Fund.
• This investment, which was informed by the findings and recommendations arising from Canada's Fundamental Science Review, is about more than funding. It is about moving toward a modern research system defined by greater collaboration between disciplines and researchers from across the globe.
• The members of the CRCC include the presidents of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research; the Deputy Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada; and the Deputy Minister of Health Canada. Other participants include the presidents of the Canada Foundation for Innovation and National Research Council Canada, as well as the Chief Science Advisor.

Associated links

• November 2017 Open Letter from Minister of Science and Minister of Health to Canada Research Coordinating Committee
• Budget 2018: Science Investments

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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada