Historic federal spending on research

Budget 2018 has the largest investment in science and university research in Canadian history to support researchers and their facilities.

“This budget’s major investments in fundamental research demonstrate the central role universities have in shaping Canada’s future,” says UVic President Jamie Cassels.

Reflecting the core recommendations of the 2017 Fundamental Science Review, which called for significant investments in research, Budget 2018 provides $925 million in new funding for investigator-led research through Canada’s three federal research councils over the next five years.

An additional $231.3 million over five years is targeted for the Research Support Fund, a critical program that assists universities with the institutional costs of research, such as facility costs and technology transfer supports. Budget 2018 provides the Canada Foundation for Innovation with $763 million over five years, starting in 2018/19, to provide the tools researchers need.

Budget 2018 will also establish a tri-council fund to support research that is international, interdisciplinary, fast-breaking and higher-risk, with $275 million over five years to be administered by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

As well, granting councils will be required to increase tri-council collaboration, and support for interdisciplinary research and diversity among funding recipients—including women, early-career researchers and other under-represented groups.

The federal budget was delivered as The Ring newspaper was going to press. Details and more information.