cfi 2019 innovation fund (if): internal call for notices of intent to apply - deadline: may 31, 2019

internal planning process for upcoming cfi if call for proposals

  • notices of intent (nois) to apply are due to the ors by may 31, 2019 
  • to access the draft cfi call (which includes the cfi's timelines), click here.

the canada foundation for innovation (cfi) has issued a call for large research infrastructure projects under the 2019 innovation fund.  the objectives of the 2019 innovation fund (if) are to:

 

  • enable global leadership by supporting world–class research or technology development. 
  • enhance and optimize the capacity of institutions and research communities to conduct the proposed research or technology development program(s).   
  • lead to social, health, environmental and/or economic benefits for canadians.

the office of research services would like to invite all full-time tenured and tenure-track faculty members and research centres to submit cfi if nois with infrastructure project proposals that would be competitive under the if.  

 

the cfi’s challenge to institutions

it is important to note that for this competition (to access the draft cfi call, click here), the cfi has stated that the proposed research infrastructure projects should:

•be of appropriate maturity and offer the best potential for transformative impact.

•allow teams and institutions to build on established capacity to accelerate current research and technology development or to enhance emerging strategic priority areas

.•enable teams to fully exploit research infrastructure and drive world–class research.

for purposes of the 2019 if competition, the cfi has placed a limit on the total value of funding that an eligible institution can request from this fund.  阿根廷vs墨西哥竞猜 ’s institutional envelope is $3,100,000 (representing cfi’s 40% of project costs). no application that exceeds lakehead’s cfi institutional envelope will be considered.
 
eligible infrastructure projects 
  • an eligible project involves acquiring or developing research infrastructure to both increase research capacity and support world–class research. 
  • construction costs to build new space or to renovate existing space (including fitting out existing space) are eligible but a plan to secure the 20% matching funds must be presented. 
the cfi will provide up to 40% of the total project cost.  we also anticipate that the ministry of economic development, job creation and trade’s ontario research fund (orf) will fund an additional 40% with the remaining 20% of the funding to be provided by eligible funding partners (for example, in-kind contributions in the form of special discounts from equipment suppliers on infrastructure items beyond the best educational price).
 

it is important to note that for this competition, the cfi will only consider proposals whose total project costs are greater than $1 million.

 

submission requirements

the noi forms are not yet available in the cfi awards management system (cams).  however, for purposes of this internal call, researchers are asked to still compile and submit the information required to complete their nois following the instructions/requirements found for the noi in the draft call.   for more information, please click here (and see "part 2 how to apply").

researchers should create free form nois covering the following content (again, please see the draft if call for the required content/space limits for each of these sections):

*project information (project title, lead applicant, total project costs, amount requested from the cfi).

*project summary

*collaborating institutions

*team

*project description

*suggested reviewers

in addition, researchers are required to attach the following to their nois:

  1. equipment quotations from vendors (showing, list, educational and cfi discounts and prices ) plus copies of the cfi request for quotations form
  2. cfi internal budget worksheet and one quotation in cfi format for all equipment/renovation items
  3.  letter from the relevant dean confirming support for application and confirming space. space must be confirmed by the internal application deadline.  projects requiring renovations must include a cost estimate prior to the internal application deadline, as well as the required cash contributions to offset the 20% matching fund requirements.
  4.  completed internal research proposal approval form

 

researchers are reminded that the proposed cfi if project should meet the following cfi criteria:    

• research or technology development — the research or technology development program(s) are innovative, feasible and internationally competitive.

• team — the diverse team comprises the breadth of expertise needed to conduct the proposed program(s).

• research capacity — the institutions and their partners have the necessary research capacity on which this proposal will build.

• infrastructure — the requested infrastructure is necessary and appropriate to conduct the proposed program(s).  •sustainability — the infrastructure will be optimally used, operated and sustained over its useful life through tangible commitments.

• benefits — the team and its partners have a well–defined plan to transfer the results of the research or technology development program(s). the results are likely to lead to social, health, environmental, and/or economic benefits for canadians.

 

should you have any questions regarding the cfi if competition or internal cfi planning process, please contact  anne klymenko at ext. 8223 or via email:  anne.klymenko@lakeheadu.ca.