Strategic Research Initiatives Fund (SRIF)

A pan-university funding initiative to support enhanced research performance aligned with the University’s strategic research and innovation plan, Forward with Purpose.

About the Program

The SRIF will provide support to faculties, colleges and the Office of the Vice-President (Research and Innovation) (OVPRI) for projects that enhance research performance aligned with Forward with Purpose. The purpose of the SRIF is to:

  • advance institutional research goals articulated in Forward with Purpose towards building multidisciplinary capacity and collaborative communities of research,
  • support revenue generation from external sources to sustain research activities, and
  • enable researchers and the institution to engage with diverse external partners and communities.

Eligible University of Alberta researchers are invited to apply for two separate pools of funding (Pool A and Pool B). Please see the Eligibility to Apply for and Hold Research Funding Policy for more information. 

  1. Pool A applications must meet all of the following criteria:
  • Align with the University’s strategic research and innovation plan, Forward with Purpose, including fostering new strategic initiatives.
  • Leverage and/or match a new large-scale external grant application (for example, Horizon Europe, NFRF Transformation, CFREF, CBRF etc). Applicants must apply for external funding in the next funding round and it  must be clear how the SRIF will help increase the competitiveness of the external application.
  • Ask for an amount equal to or greater than $500,000. Typically, requests up to a maximum of $1,000,000 will be considered.
  1. Pool B applications asking for an amount between $50,000 and $499,999 must meet at least one of the following criteria:
  • Matching funds: Leverage and/or match a new smaller-scale external grant application (for example, NFRF-Exploration, SSHRC Partnership Grants, NSERC Alliance International Collaboration Grants). Applicants must apply for external funding in the next funding round and it must be clear how SRIF will help increase the competitiveness of the external application.  
  • Seed funding: Provide seed funding for projects that have the potential to grow into large externally funded institutional initiatives. Recipients are expected to seek external funding within two years.  
  • Bridge funding: Provide bridge funding for nearly successful Tri-Agency grant applications that will be strengthened and resubmitted in the next funding round.

Application Process

The next application deadline is January 10, 2025. For the schedule of upcoming committee meetings, deadlines, and a description of the review process please visit the SRIF FAQ page.

To apply, log in using your CCID to submit an application form. Note in the application form you will be asked where to direct your application for review. Please indicate whether your application should be directed to your Faculty (involves a single department or faculty) or College (involves multiple faculties or colleges). An application template is available to work on your responses offline prior to submission.

Have Questions?

Reach out to the program manager:
Dr. Rachel Hirsch
Office of the Vice-President (Research and Innovation)
rhirsch@ualberta.ca