Feds announce $880 million for research

Federal Health Minister Marjorie Michel and Industry Minister Mélanie Joly today announced $880 million in research funding during an appearance at the University of Toronto.  

The announcement includes $400 million dedicated to investigator-initiated health research projects, and $480 million for master’s, doctoral and post-doctoral researchers in health sciences, natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and the humanities.  

Research “drives discoveries that improve our health and strengthen our health care systems,” said Minister Michel. “Investing in research is an investment in Canada’s future.” 

The $400 million investment will support 439 health projects through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s (CIHR) Project Grant program. The funding will enable researchers to pursue promising avenues of inquiry, advance understanding of health and disease, and lay the foundation for future medical breakthroughs. 

Among the recipients is Golnaz Karoubi, an associate professor in the department of laboratory medicine and pathobiology at the University of Toronto. Dr. Karoubi is working on developing bioengineered lungs as an alternative to conventional transplantation, with the aim of addressing donor organ shortages and improving outcomes for patients with lung disease. 

Other funding recipients include a team at the Université de Montréal working to expand access to breast cancer screening in Quebec and a Vancouver-based research team helping to improve services for young people affected by the overdose crisis. 

“Great research starts with great ideas and the people with the curiosity and determination to pursue them,” remarked CIHR President Paul Hébert.  

The remaining $480 million is being invested into the research talent pipeline through the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS). The program will support 6,485 awards for early to mid-career researchers and will be administered through the three federal granting agencies. 

Award recipients are pursuing research that includes understanding the impacts of health misinformation on public health; exploring how artificial intelligence can be used to solve health challenges; and building capacity for inclusive schools that meet the needs of neurodivergent students. 

“Today, we celebrate some of the brightest research talent in Canada. These outstanding award recipients are advancing new knowledge and innovative solutions that will help shape our future,” said NSERC President Alejandro Adem.  

The CRTAS awards provide $27,000 for one year at the master’s level, $40,000 annually for three years at the doctoral level and $70,000 annually for two years at the postdoctoral level. These are the first recipients of the new suite of scholarships and fellowships first announced in 2024.