Important Updates - December 2nd 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
Call for Nominations – 2026 Distinguished Research Award
Nominations are now open and accepted until December 10th, 2025.
As the highest honour conferred by Trent University for research and scholarly activity, the Distinguished Research Award recognizes the career of a member of the Trent University research community, presented annually at the Celebration of Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research.
Up to two awards may be granted each year to members of the Trent faculty, including Professors Emeriti (within three years of retirement), in recognition of:
Substantive production of scholarly materials appropriate to the scholar’s discipline;
Significant contributions to research and scholarly activity as documented by organizations that advance research, professional technical committees, and/or professional, literary, and artistic associations;
Significant direct contributions towards the training of highly qualified personnel (HQP);
Receipt of research funding at levels appropriate to the scholar’s discipline.
For more information and full components of the Nomination Dossier, please visit the Distinguished Research Award website.
Nominations Open - 2026 Early Career Researcher Award
Nominations are now being accepted for the 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.
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 grants 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
NSERC Alliance Society Updates
The evaluation process for Alliance Society grants changed on December 1, 2025, at 8 pm. As of that date, the new process will be in effect. The maximum value is now $500,000. After the PIVP pass/fail and merit assessment, they will be ranked by the PIVP committee with two chances for funding. Funding decisions will occur 4 times per year.
NSERC Alliance Instalments and Extensions
On the Alliance progress report, the Question 1 threshold for percentage of funds spent has been increased from 50% to 65%, and the following installment will be put on hold until 65% has been spent.
The COVID-19-specific time extension process has been discontinued. In addition to the automatic 1-year extension, a request for extension may now be allowed only for a) extended leaves of absence, or b) uncontrollable delays.
More information is attached.
Funding Opportunities
Northern Contaminants Program Call for Proposals 2026
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.
2nd seminar (November 26, 2025) - preparing submissions to the Community-Based Monitoring and Research and Communications, Capacity, and Outreach subprograms (Join)
3rd and final seminar (December 10, 2025) - preparing submissions to the Human Health and Environmental Monitoring and Research subprograms (Join)
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.
Funding is available to support projects that can take place anywhere in Canada, as well as for projects taking place specifically in 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. including time for Q&A.
Reminders
Reminder: SSHRC Webinar Series Fall 2025
Webinar | Date |
(English) | December 4, 2025 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. |
Reminder: Office of Research & Innovation GROW Sessions Continue This Fall
The Grant Resources, Research Optimization & Writing Support (GROW) sessions continue this Fall! Check out the upcoming sessions here.
- December 3rd – SSHRC Partnership Engage Grant (PEG) Info Session: 10 am – 12 pm
In anticipation of the call for the SSHRC Impact Awards competition for 2026, the ORI has launched our internal call for nominations. The Impact Awards recognize exceptional SSHRC-funded researchers to celebrate their achievements in research and knowledge mobilization. The University can nominate one eligible candidate for each Impact Award.
There are a series of Impact Awards, each with their own nomination requirements and selection criteria:
- Gold Medal ($100,000) – for sustained leadership, dedication and originality of thought;
- Insight Award ($50,000) – for outstanding achievement arising from a research project funded partially or completely by SSHRC;
- Connection Award ($50,000) – for an outstanding SSHRC-funded initiative to facilitate the flow and exchange of research knowledge within and/or beyond the academic community;
- Partnership Award ($50,000) – recognizing a SSHRC-funded formal partnership for its outstanding achievement in advancing research, research training, or knowledge mobilization
If you are interested in nominating yourself or a colleague, please review the evaluation and eligibility details and submit an expression of interest by no later than December 8th by emailing: researchsupport@trentu.ca
The internal deadline for the submission of a complete draft nomination package is January 7th, 2026.
An internal committee will review nominations and select the University’s nominees. The following materials are required by the internal deadline:
- Tri-agency CV (TCV) and/or traditional CV (note – TCV will be required for the final nomination package)
- Rationale for the nomination (see instructions under “Institutional nomination letter and rationale”)
- Supporting documentation listed in the instructions (per the specific page limits for each Award)
- Names and contact details for 4 referees
Complete submissions must be sent to researchsupport@trentu.ca. The ORI will work with selected nominees to refine the nomination package by SSHRC’s deadline of April 1.
For additional information see the website.
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.
- 3rd and final seminar (December 10, 2025) - preparing submissions to the Human Health and Environmental Monitoring and Research subprograms (Join)
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: Breast Cancer Canada, Lobular Carcinoma grant
A reminder that letters of intent are due to Breast Cancer Canada by December 12thfor their Lobular Carcinoma Grant. There are two grant tiers: targeted diagnostics and targeted treatment.
Reminder: CIHR - Catalyst Grant: Digital Health- Register by December 16th!
This opportunity will catalyze discovery in digital health, advance pivotal research, and inform applications or interventions relevant to CIHR-IMHA's broad mandate areas. This funding opportunity also seeks to benefit the continued integration of technology into healthcare in Canada. These grants are reserved for early and mid-career researchers, and Indigenous Health researchers at any career stage.
Value: Up to $100,000 for up to 1 year
Registration is due by December 16, 2025. Applications are due by March 17, 2026.
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: 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 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 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: The Symons Trust for Canadian Studies
A reminder that applications for financial support from the Symons Trust for Canadian Studies for research and projects related to the study of Canada must be submitted by email by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, 19 January, 2026.
All applications should be sent by email in PDF or Word format to symonstrust@trentu.ca and include “Symons Trust 2026 Application” in the subject line.
If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact Kathryn Matheson.
Reminder: 2026 Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) Summer Competition
A reminder that applications for the Summer 2026 Undergraduate Student Research Awards are being accepted until Tuesday, January 20, 2026, at 4.00 PM EST.
NSERC USRAs:
Trent University received 20 allocations for the 2026 NSERC USRA summer competition. Indigenous heritage student applications are accepted above the quota for students who meet all the eligibility criteria.
As per the new policy, Trent University received 2 supplementary NSERC USRA allocations for Black Scholars for the 2026 competition.
CIHR and SSHRC USRAs:
USRAs are currently available only to Black student researchers.
Trent University received 1 CIHR USRA allocation and 2 SSHRC USRA allocations for Black scholars. This competition will run concurrently with the NSERC USRA competition and use the existing NSERC USRA portal.
Please see the website for details and contact Chat Hettiarachchi with any inquiries.
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: Canadian Glycomics Network (GlycoNet)
A reminder that the 2025 GlycoNet funding competitions for Research and Translational Projects are currently open and accepting applications on a rolling, quarterly basis. Internal deadlines are 10 business days in advance of the external funder’s deadline.
Brianne Lisinski
Research Operations Coordinator
Office of Research & Innovation
(705)-748-1011 ext. 7050