The NFRF Transformation stream is designed to support large-scale, Canadian-led interdisciplinary research projects that address a major challenge with potential to realize real and lasting change.
The challenge may be fundamental, leading to a scientific breakthrough, or applied, with a social, economic, environmental or health impact. Projects are expected to be world-leading, drawing on global research expertise, when relevant.
Grants are valued between $2 million and $4 million per year (including indirect costs) for up to six years.
As of May 1st 2024, researchers applying to this competition must comply with Government of Canada and Tri-Agency research security requirements. Please see UBC’s Research Security website for more details or to book a consultation with the Research Security team.
NFRF Transformation Program Page
Application Process
Transformation competitions are typically held every two years with a similar competition budget. The application process involves three key deadlines: notice of intent (NOI), letter of intent (LOI), and the full application deadline, which is by invitation only.
- Please note that as of 2022 NFRF has changed some of their language around EDI. Previous versions of the competition referred to GBA+ but for the 2024 NFRF-T cycle that has been changed to EDI in research design. For more information, please consult the Best practices in equity, diversity and inclusion in research practice and design guide.
Review Process & Selection Criteria
A multidisciplinary/multi-sectoral review panel composed of national and international members with broad expertise evaluates the LOIs. The written content provided at LOI stage is considered fixed and will be made available to reviewers who adjudicate the final application.
At the LOI stage, the five selection criteria are assessed as follows:
- Feasibility: 20%
- High Reward: 60%
- High Risk: 20%
- Interdisciplinarity: pass/fail
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: pass/fail
Full Applications are reviewed by external reviewers and then evaluated by the multidisciplinary review panel. The highest ranked applications will proceed to a jury who recommends the final applications to be funded.
Full applications are assessed by the jury for the five selection criteria as follows:
- Feasibility: 50%
- High Reward: 25%
- High Risk: 25%
- Interdisciplinarity: pass rating is confirmed by jury
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: pass rating is confirmed by jury
Timeline: 2024 Competition
Fall 2023
October 2023
November and December 2023
January 2024
January to September 2024
Late August / Early September 2024
Support & Resources
Contacts
Additional Links & Resources
Past Competition Details