Tri-Council
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) support and promote high-quality research in a wide variety of disciplines and areas. Together, they make up the Tri-Council funding agencies, the primary mechanism through which the Government of Canada supports research and training at post-secondary institutions.
Tri-Council Ongoing Eligibility
Contact: tlier@ucalgary.ca Tiago Lier, Director - Grants, Awards, and Ethics
FOR TRI COUNCIL GRANT HOLDERS
To apply for and hold Tri Council funding the applicant’s / grant holder’s ongoing eligibility is of paramount importance.
It is important to be aware that the eligibility requirements for each Council are substantially different. They can even differ by program within each Council.
Researchers must be aware of and meet the eligibility criteria, as stated by each Council, at the time of application AND must maintain eligibility throughout the duration of the award. Please note there must be no gap in the term of appointment.
If eligibility is not maintained, the grant is at risk of suspension and/or termination.
It is the researcher’s responsibility to immediately inform the Department Head/Dean and Research Services of any change to eligibility status throughout the tenure of the grant. Such changes include:
- Changes to position
- Changes from full-time to part-time
- Changes to the term of a position
- Resignations, retirements, terminations
- Relocations (in Canada or abroad)
- Leaves
As outlined in the Agreement on the Administration of Agency Grants and Awards by Research Institutions, each of the three Councils funds only those applicants who fulfill the ongoing eligibility requirements established by the respective Council.
The Institution must:
- confirm the potential Grant Holder’s eligibility, at the time of application, in accordance with the Agency’s established eligibility requirements
- monitor the ongoing eligibility of Grant Holders throughout the term of their award
- advise the relevant Agency, in a timely manner, of any change in the eligibility status of Grant Holders throughout the tenure of the grant
Ongoing eligibility is verified through an annual coordinated exercise during which the UofC informs the Councils of any changes in status and leaves for each Grant Holder. In addition to this annual coordinated exercise, Grant Holders are responsible for informing, without delay, the relevant Institution and Agency of any change in their eligibility status.
Research Services needs the cooperation of researchers, Department Heads and Deans to communicate any status changes to ensure the UofC meets its obligation to the funding agencies.
When a Researcher is no Longer Eligible
- The Agency will suspend current funding and future installments pending confirmation that the researcher has obtained an eligible status
- Confirmation must be received by the Agency within three (3) months of thegrantee losing their eligible status (i.e. grace period) or the grant will be cancelled
- The researcher may not use their grant funds during this three (3) month graceperiod
- If eligible status is not attained during this timeframe the award will be terminated
Related Information
Tri-Agency Financial Administration Guide
For financial questions regarding your awarded grant, contact rtahelp@ucalgary.ca or visit the Integrated Service Centre
For information about how to identify and assess risk associated with research partnerships for funding applications visit UCalgary Safeguarding Your Research.
From the Toolbox
Research Opportunities Database (ROD)
Research Management System (RMS)
Research Data Management (RDM)
Research Security Division (RSD)
Research Overhead Training
Webinars and Workshops Library
SUPPORT - Review Teams
Clinical Trials Research
IRISS
REB Exchange
CIHR
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's agency responsible for funding health research in Canada. CIHR funds research in four key health pillars (research areas):
- Biomedical
- Clinical
- Health systems services
- Social, cultural, environmental and population health
NSERC
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) is responsible for funding research in the natural sciences and engineering. NSERC’s mission is to make investments in people, discovery, and innovation to increase Canada’s scientific and technological capabilities for the benefit of all Canadians. NSERC administers both competitive and non-competitive programs for research-related funding in the three areas mentioned above.
SSHRC
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is the federal agency that promotes and supports university-based research and training in the humanities and social sciences. Through its programs and policies, the Council enables the highest levels of research excellence in Canada, and facilitates knowledge sharing and collaboration across research disciplines, universities and all sectors of society.
Applications to SSHRC as the primary source of research or research training support must meet the following two criteria:
- The proposed research or related activities must be primarily in the social sciences and humanities.
- The intended outcome of the research must primarily be to add to our understanding and knowledge of individuals, groups and societies—what we think, how we live, and how we interact with each other and the world around us.
Subject matter eligibility
The granting agencies were created by Acts of Parliament, which define their individual mandates. In turn, these mandates define the areas of research funded by each agency. To learn more about which funding agency you should apply to with your project please visit the Government of Canada's website.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI)
EDI Plans are required for some Tri-Council funding applications. This presentation provides:
- an understanding of how EDI is tied to research excellence
- initial and essential learning to develop an authentic, high-impact EDI plan in a research program/team, and
- skills to address EDI-related selection criteria and avoid common issues in Tri-council funding applications.
Click the video title to view in another window.
Download the PDF Presentation | Download the presentation audio transcript