CIHR Project Grant Program: Funding the Future of Health Research

The Project Grant program by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is a cornerstone of Canada’s health research ecosystem. It is specifically designed to capture and support ideas with the greatest potential to advance fundamental or applied health knowledge, health systems, and health outcomes. By supporting a diverse portfolio of research, the program facilitates the movement of discovery into practical application and commercialization.

Scope

The program supports projects across the entire spectrum of health research. Key focus areas include global health initiatives, interdisciplinary research, and projects involving randomized controlled trials (RCT). Furthermore, it places a significant emphasis on research involving Indigenous Peoples, ensuring that such inquiries follow the ethical guidelines set forth in the TCPS 2 – Chapter 9.

Eligibility

This funding opportunity is open to individual researchers or groups of researchers at any career stage. Whether you are conducting incremental studies or pursuing high-risk lines of inquiry, the Project Grant program values innovation and health-related knowledge translation. Applications are encouraged from all areas of health, provided they align with the program’s goal of advancing health outcomes.

Partnership

The program promotes relevant collaborations across different disciplines, professions, and sectors. It aims to foster a research environment that contributes to the creation and use of health-related knowledge through international collaborations and specific Priority Announcements that align with national health strategic areas.

Important Deadlines (Fall 2026 Competition):

Registration Deadline: August 12, 2026 – 20:00 ET

Application Deadline: September 9, 2026 – 20:00 ET

Release of Notice of Decision: January 28, 2027

Funding Start Date: April 1, 2027

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CIHR Project Grant Program: Funding the Future of Health Research