Knowledge Synthesis Grants: Changing Nature of Security and Conflict

Eligibility

• Stream 1 (domestic): Reserved for applications submitted by an applicant affiliated with an eligible Canadian institution.
• Stream 2 (international): Applications must include an applicant based at an eligible Canadian institution, an applicant based an eligible research-performing organization in a Nordic country, and a co-applicant based in at least one other Nordic country (minimum of two Nordic countries must be represented). If you are looking for a new or additional Canadian or international team member for this funding opportunity, add your research interests and contact information to the networking form.
• An individual can act as primary applicant for a single application only.
• Co-applicants can be affiliated with Canadian organizations or an international post-secondary institution.
• Proposals can involve any disciplines, thematic areas, approaches or subject areas eligible for SSHRC funding. See the guidelines on subject matter eligibility and the guidelines on selecting the appropriate federal granting agency for more information.

Summary

SSHRC, in partnership with NordForsk, has launched a Knowledge Synthesis Grants (KSG) competition to mobilize, examine, and synthesize social sciences and humanities research on The Changing Nature of Security and Conflict. The resulting syntheses will help identify roles the academic, public, private and not-for-profit sectors could play in promoting more inclusive and equitable societies; and could inform development of effective tools and technologies, robust policies, and sustainable practices needed to support the path toward a diverse and inclusive future for all. SSHRC encourages Indigenous-led and Inuit Nunangat-based research approaches that reflect community priorities, land-based knowledge, and Northern sovereignty.

This competition includes two streams:

• Stream 1 (domestic): SSHRC may fund up to 16 grants of $10,000 to $40,000 per project for one year each.
• Stream 2 (international): SSHRC, along with NordForsk, may co-fund up to 15 grants of $10,000 to $78,000 per project for one year each. If you are looking for a new or additional Canadian or international team member for this funding opportunity, add your research interests and contact information to the networking form.

Webinars

June 18, 2026 at 9:00 am (MT) - registration link

October 8, 2026 at 9:00 am (MT) - registration link

Submission Process

This competition uses the tri-agency Convergence Portal and requires the new narrative Tri-agency CV. You are strongly encouraged to invite participants to the application and have them complete their TCVs early in the application process to avoid unnecessary delays.

Full Application (by invitation)

As an optional service, Research Services (RSO) offers detailed application reviews. If you would like a detailed review, the RSO must receive the RMS record (faculty-level approvals complete) and application submission in the Convergence Portal by November 19, 2026 at 4:00 p.m.

Step 1: SSHRC Application Submission

1. Complete your application in the Convergence Portal.
2. Once the application is complete (including all participant info), go to the 'Finalize Application' section and follow the prompts to submit your application. Your application will be sent to Research Services (RSO), and the status will change to Received by Administrator. Please ensure your application is final and complete. The RSO will not review drafts, and, once received, your application may be submitted to NSERC without further notice. The final internal deadline for submission is November 30, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.

Step 2: RMS Record

1. Applications must be submitted to Research Services (RSO) for institutional approval and mandatory administrative review through the Research Management System (RMS) by November 30, 2026 at 12:00 p.m.
2. Complete the Pre-Award/Application record in RMS and 'Submit for academic approvals' (Under Save & Progress) in good time to allow for approvals from your Department Head and/or ADR prior to the RSO internal deadline.
3. Upon review and approval, the RSO will submit the application to NSERC.

NOTE:

• Your application will not be considered submitted and will not be reviewed until the application is submitted in Convergence and the RMS Approvals have been received.
• The final deadline of 12:00 p.m. on November 30 is a hard deadline. The three-day deadline ensures that Research Services is able to complete a basic review of the application and secure institutional signature in a timely fashion.

Overhead

Application deadlines

RSO detailed review deadline

RSO final internal review deadline

Program application deadline

NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.

Principal Investigators: Complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.

Postdocs, students, and trainees: For fellowships and externally-sponsored research training awards or opportunities, you must complete the Research Funding Application Approval (RFAA) Trainee PDF form, and submit it, along with a complete copy of the application, to Research Services at rsotrainee@ucalgary.ca. Trainees should not use RMS at this time.

Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via either RMS or the RFAA Trainee form, in the following order:

• Principal Investigator
• Department Head
• Faculty ADR/Dean
• Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)

Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.

Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.

RESOURCES

Reminder: The sooner the researcher engages with Research Services, the more help we can be!

Contact the following Research Service units for support with:

Projects Involving Indigenous Research:

Support with incorporating wise practices in Indigenous research, community engagement, and Indigenous data management is available through the Indigenous Research Support Team (IRST).

Applicants can reach out by email to IRST at IRST@ucalgary.ca in advance of the RSO internal deadline. For more information about IRST, please visit the IRST webpage.

Knowledge Mobilization, Research Impact Assessment, DORA:

Support for knowledge mobilization/engagement/translation, community partnerships, research impact, responsible research assessment (DORA), and open science, is available through the Knowledge to Impact team.

Applicants can reach out by email to the KI team at knowledge.impact@ucalgary.ca.

For more information and access to resource archives, please visit the KI team webpage.

Research Data Management:

For information on research data management plans, processes, or best practices for your research program, please contact research.data@ucalgary.ca.

EDI in Research:

RSO can provide resources and support to research teams on the integration of equitable and inclusive practices in research design and research practice.

Contact edi.rso@ucalgary.ca for more information.

Research Security:

The Research Security Division is available to ensure researchers adhere to research security guidelines and policies, including the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (NSGRP) and the policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC).

Visit the Research Security website to learn more or contact researchsecurity@ucalgary.ca.

Pre-Award Submissions:

RMS: Creating a Pre-Award LOI
RMS: Creating a Pre-Award Application