Institutional Programs are large-scale and complex research programs of strategic importance to Queen's. These federally funded programs support cutting-edge research infrastructure and facilities, and enable institutions to attract top talent, foster innovation, and support world-class research with real-world impact. Related funding opportunities are typically limited, with a maximum amount of funding the institution can apply for in a given competition cycle. If you have any questions, contact the Institutional Programs team.
The Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program is a national initiative that invests over $311 million annually to attract and retain world-class researchers in engineering, natural sciences, health, humanities, and social sciences. With 2,285 research professorships across Canada, CRCs strengthen research excellence, foster international competitiveness, and train the next generation of highly skilled talent. The program is a tri-agency partnership (SSHRC, NSERC, CIHR) administered by the Tri-agency Institutional Programs Secretariat.
The Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program provides $4 million or $8 million over eight years to support world-renowned researchers in launching high-impact programs aligned with Canada’s science, technology, and innovation priorities. CERCs are among the most prestigious research positions globally, driving innovation, knowledge mobilization, and global impact. Queen’s nominates top researchers in strategic areas to build ambitious research programs that strengthen Canada’s leadership in research and discovery.
In 2026, Canada is making an unprecedented investment in global research leadership through the Canada Impact+ Research Chairs program, one of the country’s most ambitious academic talent initiatives to date. This federal program is designed to attract exceptional researchers whose work has the potential to create transformative societal, economic, and scientific impact. For scholars seeking an environment that empowers bold ideas, Canada offers a uniquely strong platform for research excellence and global influence.
The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) funds research infrastructure that enables innovation, attracts top talent, and supports world-class research in Canada.
Before submitting an external CFI application, principal investigators must first obtain a CFI allocation from Queen’s University’s institutional envelope for either the Innovation Fund (IF) or the John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF). Once an allocation is secured, University Research Services facilitates the application process. CFI funds up to 40% of total project costs, with matching support of up to 40% from Ontario’s Research Infrastructure Fund. The remaining 20% typically comes from institutional sources or in-kind contributions.
See Application resources for Queen's Researchers (Queen's NetID is required to access).
The Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) supports Canadian institutions in building globally competitive research programs in areas of established strength. The program aims to position Canada as a world leader by attracting top talent, fostering international partnerships, driving breakthrough discoveries, and generating economic benefits.
Join our team of internationally-recognized researchers
Queen's is recruiting Canada Impact+ Research Chairs and Canada Excellence Research Chairs. Join our team of field leading scholars and lead transformative research at Queen's.