Canada announces $813 million research boost to back 450-plus researchers

The Canadian government has announced more than $813 million in research funding to support over 450 researchers, strengthen institutional research capacity and provide advanced infrastructure, reinforcing the country’s ambition to remain a global leader in science and innovation.

The investment, announced by Karim Bardeesy, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, on behalf of Industry Minister Mélanie Joly, will support researchers, research teams and institutions across Canada through a series of national funding programmes.

The funding comes as countries compete to attract top research talent, accelerate scientific discoveries and turn innovation into solutions for pressing economic and social challenges.

The Canadian government said the investment would help researchers advance work across natural sciences, engineering, health, social sciences and humanities, with potential applications in clean energy, regenerative medicine, machine learning, healthcare and community services.

Transformative research receives $120 million

Under the 2026 New Frontiers in Research Fund Transformation competition, five research teams will receive $120 million to tackle major challenges through ambitious, interdisciplinary projects designed to deliver lasting change.

The initiative aims to support research that moves beyond conventional boundaries and develops new approaches to complex problems.

More than $498 million to support research institutions

The government has allocated more than $369 million through the 2026-27 Research Support Fund to help 161 institutions cover part of the indirect costs associated with research, such as maintaining facilities and supporting research administration.

A further nearly $104 million will go to 34 institutions through Incremental Project Grants, while nearly $25 million will support research security initiatives at 51 institutions.

The funding is intended to strengthen institutional capacity and help protect research activities as universities and research organisations navigate increasingly complex security challenges.

$187 million to attract and retain research talent

More than $187 million has been allocated to 220 new and renewed Canada Research Chairs under the 2025-2 programme.

The funding is designed to help universities and research institutions recruit and retain accomplished researchers and promising scholars, strengthening Canada's research workforce and international standing.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation's John R Evans Leaders Fund will also provide nearly $8 million for 35 projects across 22 institutions. The money will support state-of-the-art equipment and research infrastructure, giving researchers access to the facilities needed to pursue advanced scientific work.

Separately, the 2025 Robbins-Ollivier Award for Excellence in Equity will provide $300,000 to three researchers whose projects promote equity, diversity and inclusion across the research ecosystem.

Government links research investment to public well-being

Joly said a strong research ecosystem was essential to Canada's long-term prosperity, adding that investment in researchers and critical infrastructure would support discoveries, strengthen communities and improve quality of life.

Health Minister Marjorie Michel said the funding would also contribute to stronger healthcare systems and better health outcomes for future generations.

Bardeesy said researchers across disciplines were working to address major challenges and seize emerging opportunities, with the funding enabling work in areas such as artificial intelligence, precision medicine and public policy.

Normand Labrie, interim president of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, said the investment would strengthen institutional capacity, enhance research security and support interdisciplinary research.

Sylvain Charbonneau, president and chief operating officer of the Canada Foundation for Innovation, said investment in advanced research infrastructure would help institutions develop cutting-edge facilities and respond to national priorities.

Together, the funding measures seek to strengthen Canada's research foundations, support the next generation of discoveries and ensure that scientific expertise translates into practical benefits for society and the economy.