Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) a significant investment in university research

Prime Minister Stephen Harper has announced the creation of the Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF)—a $1.5 billion investment in university research over 10 years starting in the 2015‒2016 academic year.

The Fund will be available to post-secondary institutions on a competitive, peer-reviewed basis and will enable Canada to excel globally in research areas that create long-term economic advantages for Canada. Grants will be awarded on the basis of scientific merit, strategic relevance to Canada and quality of the implementation plan.

The Fund’s first two competitions are being held in 2015 and 2016. The third competition is expected to be launched in 2021‒2022.