Important Updates - December 16th 2025
Regular updates outlining research opportunities and special activities emailed to faculty on behalf of the Office of Research & Innovation.
For any questions or concerns, please kindly direct your response to research@trentu.ca, as this will ensure it reaches the appropriate contact.
Funding Opportunities
Reminder: Nominations Open - 2026 Early Career Researcher Award
This annual award is designed to recognize the achievements of up to two promising, early-career researchers at Trent University to help accelerate an exceptional existing and sustainable research program.
Complete applications for the $5,000 research grant awards are due by January 20, 2026.
For full details and eligibility, please visit the Early Career Researcher Award website.
New Website for NSERC
NSERC has launched a new website. Existing bookmarks will continue to work via redirects for now, but updating to the new URLs is recommended. The new website will not affect how forms and applications are submitted.
The new website is available here: https://nserc-crsng.canada.ca/
Funding Opportunities
The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) has launched its 2026-2027 Contributions Program funding cycle with a call for proposals under the theme “Achievement unlocked: protecting privacy while online gaming.”
Gaming is an integral part of the entertainment landscape with nearly half of Canadian adults and 70% of Canadian teens regularly playing games online. To learn more about the privacy implications of gaming on individuals, the OPC is seeking proposals for projects that will advance knowledge related to the collection and use of personal data in the online gaming sphere.
The deadline for submitting proposals is February 20, 2026. The internal deadline is 10 business days in advance.
Applicants are invited to attend a virtual information session to learn more about applying for funding under the Contributions Program:
English session: Monday, January 19, 2026 (1:30 p.m., ET)
French session: Monday, January 19, 2026 (2:30 p.m., ET)
For more information, see the website.
Reminders
Reminder: Northern Contaminants Program Call for Proposals 2026
A reminder that the NCP Secretariat is hosting 1-hour seminars to provide applicants with essential information for developing and submitting their proposals. As part of beginning to develop your proposal, please also contact the Regional Contaminants Committees and Research Advisors.
This program provides funding for up to 3 years, in the areas of Human Health, Environmental Monitoring and Research – Research projects (1-year plastic pollution projects only); and Community-Based Monitoring and Research. Amount varies by area. For more information, contact plcn-ncp@rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca
The deadline to apply is January 20, 2026, at 11:59 PM EST. Internal deadlines are 10 business days in advance of the external funder’s deadline.
Reminder: Environmental Damages Fund
A reminder that funding is available to support projects conducted anywhere in Canada (including the Northwest Territories, British Columbia, and Quebec). The project should fall within 4 funding categories: Restoration, Environmental quality improvement, Research and development, and Education and awareness. It is open to both Natural Sciences and Social Sciences and Humanities researchers.
The deadline to apply is December 18, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. EST.
Reminder: Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) John R. Evans Leaders Fund (JELF)-Internal Competition
We are pleased to announce another internal call for the CFI JELF grant applications. The CFI JELF is an institutional award that provides universities with the opportunity to acquire foundational infrastructure to support cutting-edge research.
Please see the attached file for the eligibility details and how to apply. The application package includes resources to assist you in preparing your application.
Deadline to apply: January 30, 2026
Info Session: January 6, 2026, 1-2 pm Registration link
Reminder: NSERC Alliance Catalyst Quantum Grants
A reminder that applications for the NSERC Alliance Catalyst Quantum Grants are due by 8 pm, January 8, 2026. Internal deadlines are 10 business days in advance of the external funder’s deadline. These grants are for initiating and developing research collaborations internationally.
There are 2 opportunities:
Reminder: SSHRC Leader Drop-In Discussion
Date: Thursday, January 15, 2026
Time: 11:30 am-1:30 pm
Location: CREATE Centre for Entrepreneurship/Leadership & Democracy Lab, Suite 406, 4th Floor, Bata Library
Don’t forget to register for the SSHRC Drop-In Discussion led by Trent's SSHRC Leader, Dr. Cristine de Clercy. Discussion will focus on the general subject of SSHRC-supported research at Trent. Current, former and aspiring grant holders are especially welcome; registration is required. The goal is to meet as a research community and exchange information on a variety of topics (importance of funding, targeted support, feedback, etc.)
Reminder: SSHRC Insight Development Grant
A reminder that SSHRC is accepting applications for the Insight Development Grant (IDG), supporting early career researchers and early-stage research in its initial stages.
Deadline: February 2, 2026. (Internal deadline is January 12, 2026).
It is strongly encouraged that you reach out to breannewhitwell@trentu.ca as early as possible if you are interested in applying for an IDG.
SSHRC is hosting an IDG webinar on November 27th. Registration is required.
For more information, including webinar registration, refer to the website.
Reminder: SSHRC Connection Grant
A reminder that SSHRC is accepting applications for the Connection Grant. There are four in-takes/deadlines per year, with the next upcoming due to SSHRC on February 2nd, 2026. Internal deadlines are 10 business days in advance.
These grants support events and outreach activities geared toward short-term, targeted knowledge mobilization initiatives. Matching funds (cash and/or in-kind contributions) are required.
SSHRC is hosting a Connection Grant webinar on November 25th. Registration is required.
For more information, including webinar registration, refer to the website.
Reminder: Mitacs Funding Opportunities
A reminder that Mitacs is offering the following programs to support post-secondary students, recent graduates, postdoctoral fellows, visiting students and researchers:
- Accelerate – for research-based internships
- Business Strategy Internship – for projects that address one or more business innovation components (i.e., marketing, operations, finance, intellectual property (IP), etc.)
- Globalink Research Award – Trent has a limited number of travel awards available to apply for before March 31st, 2026. Awards will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Brianne Lisinski
Research Operations Coordinator
Office of Research & Innovation
(705)-748-1011 ext. 7050