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 SRIF funding toward a new external grant application that requires a cash commitment from another source or where a cash commitment would make the external application more competitive (for example, Horizon Europe, NFRF Transformation, CFREF, SSHRC Partnership Grants 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.
  • There is no minimum SRIF ask for matching funds. 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 $100,000 must meet either of the following criteria:
  • Seed funding: Provide seed funding for projects that have the potential to grow into larger externally funded institutional initiatives (for example, NFRF Exploration, NSERC Alliance International, etc). Recipients are expected to seek external funding within two years.
  • Bridge funding: Provide bridge funding for nearly successful Tri-Agency grant applications (for example, CIHR Project Grants, SSHRC Insight Grants, NSERC Discovery Grants) that will be strengthened and resubmitted in the next funding round. Applicants must include a copy of external funding results and reviewer feedback as evidence of “near success”.

Application Process

The next application deadline is April 28, 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