Catalyst Funds

Collaborative Research Catalyst Funds
CIFAR aims to facilitate and support interdisciplinary research through Collaborative Research Catalyst Funds . These funds are designed to catalyze innovative, high-risk/high-reward collaborative ideas and projects led by CIFAR program members (minimum 2).

Catalyst Funds aim to spur new collaborations that: provide flexibility for early stage or seed projects that are often difficult to fund; encourage interdisciplinary collaborations that push research boundaries at the vanguard; and/or address emerging and exploratory themes within research programs. Catalyst funds provide seed funding for time-limited activities. The funds are meant to encourage interdisciplinary collaboration and research projects that may not
otherwise be possible.

A possible, but not exhaustive list of eligible catalyst-supported activities are listed below:

  • Pilot projects
  • Interdisciplinary projects involving a shared trainee
  • Extended collaborative visits for fellows or trainees
  • One-time, small-scale research workshops (at least 50% of participants must be CIFAR members)


Proposals
Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis, unless otherwise indicated. Questions should be directed to catalystfunds@cifar.ca or Kate Geddie, Senior Director, Research (kate.geddie@cifar.ca). Proposals will be reviewed and recommended for funding by CIFAR program advisory committee members.

Proposals should include:

  • Names of collaborating CIFAR fellows (and Azrieli Global Scholars, as applicable)
  • Title and brief description of the project or activity (1- 2 pages, approximately 500 words). This should include clear linkages to the research programs involved.
  • As applicable, describe:
    • potential for increased collaboration;
    • potential impact on career development for trainees;
    • potential outputs;
    • further opportunities for interdisciplinary engagement.
  • Estimated budget (up to $50,000 in Canadian Funds)
  • Proposed start and end date of the activity (maximum 2 years)
  • Name(s) of co-supervised trainee(s) (if applicable/known)


Application form

Download: 2-pager description (updated February 2022)