Institutional programs

The Institutional Programs unit is responsible for managing UVic’s participation in national and provincial major research infrastructure grants programs. All programs operate in alignment with Aspiration 2030.

In support of these programs, we:

• liaise with funding partners
• help selected researchers prepare their proposals
• manage awarded projects

Programs

Canada Foundation for Innovation

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) is an independent corporation created by the Government of Canada to fund research infrastructure.

Several CFI programs are available to universities. We will assist you with applying.

British Columbia Knowledge Development Fund

The BC Ministry of Advanced Education administers the BC Knowledge Development Fund (BCKDF). It funds CFI-approved projects on a matching basis.

To be considered for BCKDF funding, all applications must demonstrate how the proposed research project will benefit BC through:

• societal benefits
• environmental benefits
• economic benefits, including commercialization, talent development and job creation

All applications must also outline the proposed project’s plan for:

• Research translation (plans to achieve expected benefits of the research)

Key focuses for BC for research and technology development are:

• agrifoods
• clean technology
• digital and screen-based media
• health and life sciences
• information and communication technologies and wireless
• infrastructure and transportation
• natural resources
• social sciences and humanities
• tourism

Pacific Economic Development Canada

Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) is a regional development agency focused on BC’s evolving economy. PacifiCan leads in building a strong, competitive Canadian economy. They support business, innovation and community economic development unique to BC.

Canada Research Chairs

The Canada Research Chairs (CRC) program helps universities attract and retain the best talent from around the world. The program helps universities like UVic achieve research excellence in:

• natural sciences
• engineering
• health sciences
• social sciences
• humanities 

Please contact the Manager Institutional Programs for any information on the process.

John R. Evans Leadership Fund

Call for internal proposals

The internal call for the Canada Foundation for Innovation’s John R. Evans Leaders Fund (CFI-JELF) program is now open. Deans are invited to submit requests for a portion of UVic’s envelope in the program.
This call will consider proposals for submission to CFI in 2024/5.

How do I apply?

Each of the funding programs administered by Institutional Programs has its own application guidelines. If you are interested in applying, reach out to us via our contact list below.

Pre-award

For all of these programs, you must:

• be selected by UVic, including by your chair and dean, to submit a proposal or nomination
• ensure that the proposed research program adheres to all UVic research and regulatory policies
• work closely with the Institutional Programs unit on the development of your proposal

Post-award

For the CFI, BCKDF and PacifiCan programs, you must:

• work closely with the Institutional Programs unit to finalize the award and manage the project
• ensure you use the grant award only for its specified purpose
• work with Institutional Programs to ensure all funding agency conditions and guidelines are met
• be responsible for any over expenditures of the project budget