Research Support Fund: Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn how the Research Support Fund helps Canadian post-secondary institutions cover the indirect costs of conducting research.
The Research Support Fund is a program designed to help post-secondary institutions manage the overhead costs associated with conducting research.
Who it's for
This scheme is specifically designed for post-secondary institutions. It is not a program for individual academics or students to apply for directly; instead, the eligibility is tied to the institutions themselves.
What you get
The funding is intended to cover the indirect costs of research funding. These costs represent the various administrative and operational expenses that support a research environment, ensuring that the infrastructure required for academic inquiry remains functional and well-maintained.
What it costs you
While there is no direct monetary fee to access this support, the institution must commit to significant administrative work. This includes managing institutional reporting to ensure that the funds are being used according to the rules set by the issuing body.
The catch to know
The most important thing for researchers to understand is that this is not a direct grant for personal use or specific project expenses. Instead, it is designed to fund the institutional side of research, such as providing and maintaining the necessary lab space and shared resources required to conduct your work.
How to apply
- Consult with your institution's research administration or finance office to confirm their current involvement with the program.
- Review the specific institutional reporting requirements used to track indirect research costs.
- Coordinate with your department to understand how your specific lab space and research environment is supported by these institutional funds.