CIHR Research Excellence, Diversity, and Independence Early Career Transition Award (2025): Frequently Asked Questions

Building on the success of the 2022 launch of the REDI program, which supported career transitions for racialized women and Black scholars (who are among the most underrepresented populations in Canadian faculties), the 2025 launch of the program (REDI 2025) expands its focus to include racialized gender-diverse people and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. REDI 2025 also reaffirms CIHR and its partners' commitments to advancing scientific excellence by fostering a research environment that values and supports diversity, representation, equity, inclusion and Indigenous rights.

This list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) has been developed to provide additional information to support the application process.

Note: In case of a discrepancy between the information in this FAQ and the Funding Opportunity, defer to the Funding Opportunity and notify CIHR Contact Centre at support-soutien@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

Background

Research Areas

  • How and where do I indicate whether I am applying under Stream A or Stream B?

    You will not be required to manually select a stream during the application process. Stream designation is determined by CIHR staff based on your responses to the Tri-Agency Self-Identification Questionnaire.

  • Can I apply to more than one pool?

    If you want to apply to multiple funding pools, you may select up to two (2) funding pools for your application. You must complete a relevance form. In this form, you must clearly:

    1. indicate which of the selected funding pools should be considered as your first choice and;
    2. clearly describe how your application directly aligns with each of the funding pool (s) selected (half-page for each pool). You must include your Specific Aims or Objectives and other relevant details, if not already included in your Summary, to support the relevancy review process.
    3. For applicants with intersecting identities that would make them eligible in both Stream A and Stream B, they must clearly specify whether they are selecting Stream A (provides funding for Black [any gender], racialized women or racialized gender-diverse trainees) or Stream B (provides funding for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis trainees).

    While CIHR recognizes and respects intersecting identities, applicants that would be eligible for both Stream A and Stream B (based on their response to the Tri-Agency Self-Identification Questionnaire) must clearly specify whether they would like to be considered for Stream A (provides funding for Black [any gender], racialized women or racialized gender-diverse trainees) or Stream B (provides funding for First Nations, Inuit, Métis trainees). Each stream has a dedicated funding pool and a separate peer review process that reflects the identities and contexts of that stream's applicant pool. Selecting one stream ensures your application is assessed appropriately and consistently by the relevant review panel.

    Note: It is not necessary to make a selection to be considered to the General Pool, as all applications will be considered for this pool.

    Funding partners will review your Summary and Relevance Form to determine whether your proposed research is relevant to their funding pool. Applicants are responsible for ensuring sufficient details are provided to determine relevance. If insufficient details are provided, funding partners can deem your application as not relevant to their funding pool.

    Funding pools offer additional sources of funding for highly rated applications that are relevant to specific CIHR research priority areas or mandates. Contact CIHR Contact Centre at support-soutien@cihr-irsc.gc.ca with any questions.

  • If I am in Stream B, can I apply to any funding pool?

    Yes. Funding pool eligibility is tied to stream assignment. To determine which funding pools are available to your stream, refer to the Funds available and number of REDI awards by funding pool table in the Funds Available section of the Funding Opportunity.

    If you wish to apply to a specific research area, select the appropriate funding pool from the "Priority Announcement/Funding Pool Title" drop-down menu, then choose the relevant research area from the "List of Relevant Research Areas" menu. You may select up to two (2) funding pools. No selection is required to be considered for the General Pool.

  • How will the funding pools work in Phase 2?

    There are no funding pools in Phase 2. To transition to Phase 2, you will need to submit a Transition Package to CIHR, which will include a summary of outcomes during Phase 1, a description of how the research allowance and Community Engagement and Knowledge Mobilization Supplement (if applicable) have been used to date, a joint assessment by you and your Primary Mentor, and an updated project summary, research plan and budget to reflect updated plans for Phase 2. Your research plans for Phase 2 should align with your expertise and be relevant to the mandates of the partners funding your REDI award. Additional information for Phase 2 and Transition Package requirements can be found on the REDI Phase 2 Transition Process Guidelines (2022 and 2025 Funding Opportunities).

Funds Available

  • What happens if I can transition to Phase 2 after 2 years?

    With a maximum term of 6 years across the two phases, we anticipate that Phase 1 will last 2–3 years, and Phase 2 will last 3–4 years. However, to consider the diversity of experiences that Nominated Principal Applicants (NPAs) may have because of different life stages, situations, and disciplines, NPAs will have flexibility in the number of years of support for each Phase. Requests to transfer to Phase 2 either before the 2-year mark or after the 3-year mark of Phase 1, will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    Additional information for Phase 2 and Transition Package requirements can be found in the REDI Phase 2 Transition Process Guidelines (2022 and 2025 Funding Opportunities).

  • What happens if I cannot transition to Phase 2 after 3 years?

    If you are unable to transition to Phase 2 after 3 years, you can request additional time to stay in Phase 1. Requests for additional time in Phase 1 will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Remember, the maximum amount of time to hold a CIHR REDI award is 6 years for a total maximum of $660,000 per award, regardless of how long the NPA spends in each Phase.

  • Can I move to a different institution between phases?

    Yes. You can hold Phase 1 and Phase 2 funding at different institutions. However, requests to change institutions within either Phase must be submitted to CIHR and will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Note: As you are not expected to start seeking an independent research faculty position until you start Phase 1 of REDI, this question is included to assure applicants that they will be able to take their REDI award with them should they secure an independent position at a different institution or in a different province.

  • Where can I find more information about the 1:1 host institution matching funds requirements for Phase 2?

    While the Phase 2 host institutions are expected to provide a minimum cash contribution that matches the total CIHR contribution at a ratio of at least 1:1 during Phase 2, multiple matching funds scenarios are possible. Remember that in Phase 2:

    • The maximum CIHR contribution towards the Nominated Principal Applicant's (NPA's) salary is $60,000 per year (50%) and the minimum CIHR contribution towards the research allowance is $60,000 per year (50%); and
    • Eligible host institution matching contributions include funds for:
      • the NPA's salary and associated benefits;
      • the NPA's research; and/or
      • stipends/salaries for trainees or laboratory/research program personnel dedicated to the NPA's research program.
    • The institution's offer should be in line with institutional policies and comparable to what has been given for other recently hired equivalent faculty positions.
    • Eligible positions for Phase 2 are research-intensive faculty positions.

    Therefore, matching scenarios and the amount of salary and research allowance requested from CIHR may vary depending on the NPA's employment offer, their entry position, and whether the host institution is an academic, health system or research institution. Example scenarios are shown below:

    Example A

      Research Allowance/ Funds for NPA's Research NPA's Salary Stipends/Salaries for Trainees/ Research Personnel Total Amount per Year
    Phase 2 Host Institution Amount in Offer Letter per Year $20,000 $110,000 $0 $130,000
    Amount Requested from CIHR per Year $120,000 $0 Not applicable $120,000
    Total CIHR + Host Institution per Year $140,000 $110,000 $0 $250,000

    Example B

      Research Allowance/ Funds for NPA's Research NPA's Salary Stipends/Salaries for Trainees/ Research Personnel Total Amount per Year
    Phase 2 Host Institution Amount in Offer Letter per Year $50,000 $70,000 $0 $120,000
    Amount Requested from CIHR per Year $60,000 $60,000 Not applicable $120,000
    Total CIHR + Host Institution per Year $110,000 $130,000 $0 $240,000

    Example C

      Research Allowance/ Funds for NPA's Research NPA's Salary Stipends/Salaries for Trainees/ Research Personnel Total Amount per Year
    Phase 2 Host Institution Amount in Offer Letter per Year $0 $97,000 $27,000/year for PhD studentFootnote * $124,000
    Amount Requested from CIHR per Year $120,000 $0 Not applicable $120,000
    Total CIHR + Host Institution per Year $120,000 $97,000 $27,000 $244,000

    Example D

      Research Allowance/ Funds for NPA's Research NPA's Salary Stipends/Salaries for Trainees/ Research Personnel Total Amount per Year
    Phase 2 Host Institution Amount in Offer Letter per Year $0 $164,000 $0 $164,000
    Amount Requested from CIHR per Year $60,000 $60,000 Not applicable $120,000
    Total CIHR + Host Institution per Year $60,000 $224,000 $0 $284,000

    For additional information on Phase 2, see the REDI Phase 2 Transition Process Guidelines (2022 and 2025 Funding Opportunities).

Eligibility and Self-identification

  • Why am I asked to complete the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Self-identification Questionnaire to be considered for this competition?

    All applicants to funding opportunities are required to complete the self-identification questionnaire, with the option in each question to select "I prefer not to answer". Your responses to the questionnaire will enable CIHR to confirm your eligibility to apply to this funding opportunity. Given that this funding opportunity is only open to specific populations, selecting "I prefer not to answer" to one or more of the questions relating to these criteria will prevent your candidacy from being considered.

    A reminder that to be eligible to apply to the 2025 competition, applicants must self-identify as:

    • A racialized woman, racialized gender-diverse person, or a Black person (any gender) (also called Stream A), or
    • First Nations, Inuit, Métis (also called Stream B).

    For more information about the self-identification questionnaire, please consult the Frequently Asked Questions about the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Self-identification Questionnaire.

  • Where can I find more information about the Self-identification Questionnaire?

    For more information, please visit the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Self-identification Questionnaire.

  • How is the term "woman" used for eligibility in this funding opportunity?

    This question is addressed in the Frequently Asked Questions about the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Self-identification Questionnaire, see Question 12.

  • How is the term "racialized" used for eligibility in this funding opportunity?

    In this funding opportunity, we use the term "racialized" as an alternative to "visible minorities".Footnote 1 Note that the term "visible minorities" is the term used in the Employment Equity Act and the Self-identification Questionnaire.

  • How is the term "Black" used for eligibility in this funding opportunity?

    For this funding opportunity, the term "Black" refers to people who self-identify as Black in the Self-Identification Questionnaire.

  • How is the term "gender-diverse" used for eligibility in this funding opportunity?

    For this funding opportunity, the term “gender-diverse” includes people who self-identify as Agender, Bigender/Multigender, Gender-fluid, Gender Queer, Nonbinary, Questioning, Transgender, and/or Two-Spirit.

    Note that Two-Spirit is a term used by some North American Indigenous people to indicate a person who embodies both female and male spirits or whose gender identity, sexual orientation or spiritual identity is not limited by the male/female dichotomy.For more information on gender identity, please see Question 12 in the Frequently Asked Questions about Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Self-Identification Questionnaire.

  • If I identify as a racialized woman, how should I respond to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Self-identification Questionnaire?

    Your responses to the Self-identification Questionnaire will enable CIHR to confirm your eligibility for this funding opportunity. When completing the questionnaire, select the response options for gender identity and members of a visible minority that best describes how you self-identify.

  • If I identify as a racialized gender-diverse person, how should I respond to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Self-identification Questionnaire?

    Your responses to the Self-identification Questionnaire will enable CIHR to confirm your eligibility for this funding opportunity. When completing the questionnaire, select the response options for gender identity and members of a visible minority that best describes how you self-identify.

  • If I identify as a Black person, how should I respond to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Self-identification Questionnaire?

    Your responses to the Self-identification Questionnaire will enable CIHR to confirm your eligibility for this funding opportunity. When completing the questionnaire, select the response options for gender identity, members of a visible minority, and population group(s) that best describes how you self-identify.

  • If I identify as First Nations, Inuit, Métis, how should I respond to the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Self-identification Questionnaire?

    This question is addressed in the Frequently Asked Questions about the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Self-identification Questionnaire, see Question 14.

  • Are individuals who self-identify with more than one population group eligible to apply?

    Yes, if individuals self-identify with more than one population group, they are eligible to apply, as long as they meet the eligibility criteria (e.g., they also self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, Métis (any gender), racialized woman/racialized gender-diverse people or Black (any gender).

  • Are the eligibility criteria the same for Stream A and Stream B applicants?

    Yes, the eligibility criteria is the same for both streams, except in cases where the proposed research focuses on Indigenous Health and/or involves Indigenous Peoples. Please consult the eligibility criteria in the Funding Opportunity for more information on these requirements.

  • If I'm not comfortable responding to the self-identification questions, what should I do?

    If you do not want to provide information about one or more aspects of your identity, you can complete the survey by choosing the option "I prefer not to answer". However, if you chose this response option for questions that relate to gender and race, you will not be considered eligible.

  • How will the responses provided in the new the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Self-identification Questionnaire be handled by CIHR?

    This question is addressed in the Frequently Asked Questions about the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Self-identification Questionnaire, see Questions 21 and 22.

  • Will responses from the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Self-identification Questionnaire be used to determine if my application is relevant to this funding opportunity?

    No. Your responses to the Self-identification Questionnaire will only be used to determine your eligibility for this funding opportunity. CIHR and partners determine the relevance of your application, which relates to whether an application aligns with the strategic objectives, the general pool, and any specific funding pools selected by the applicant, using the Summary and Relevance Form submitted as part of your application.

  • Will my responses to the Self-identification Questionnaire be shared with the peer review committee or partners?

    No. Access to these data is strictly limited to a small number of CIHR staff with the appropriate training and security clearance and on a need-to-know basis. Self-identification information is not part of your application and will be neither accessible to, nor shared with, peer reviewers or partners.

  • Will my responses to the Self-identification Questionnaire be tied to the funding decisions?

    Responses to the Self-identification Questionnaire will be used to determine eligibility, but once an applicant is deemed eligible, the responses won't be tied to funding decisions.

  • Can you clarify what is meant by "a faculty position denoting independence in clinical responsibilities but not in research"?

    We know some clinicians hold faculty positions in hospitals due to their clinical and teaching responsibilities but are not independent researchers. To help you determine if you are eligible for REDI based on your employment status, please see here for the definition of an independent researcher.

    If you are uncertain of your eligibility as it relates to your employment or appointment, we strongly encourage you to email CIHR Contact Centre at support-soutien@cihr-irsc.gc.ca to confirm your eligibility as a trainee prior to preparing your application.

    As REDI is intended to facilitate the transition of clinicians into independent research positions, only clinicians who aim to secure independent research positions and therefore transition to Phase 2, should apply.

  • Can you clarify what is meant by "research associate or equivalent who is a PhD-holding researcher"?

    As stated in the Eligibility section, research associates or equivalent position who is a PhD-holding researcher employed at a CIHR eligible academic institution, health system or research institution are eligible to apply to this funding opportunity. For REDI, research associates and equivalent positions are considered trainees and will be researchers in full-time positions who:

    • have completed formal training in research in a discipline relevant to health research, usually a Masters or PhD;
    • is employed by an institution;
    • work under the supervision of a Principal Applicant, i.e., they are not independent researchers;
    • may contribute substantially to the intellectual content of the research;
    • may contribute to, but is not ultimately responsible for, the supervision of staff, including other research associates and trainees, at the discretion of the Principal Applicant.
  • Are there restrictions on the number of years since the applicant has completed their PhD?

    There are no restrictions on the number of years that an applicant is out of their Ph.D., as long as applicants are trainees by the funding start date and meet all the eligibility criteria described in the funding opportunity. Applicants must maintain the trainee status throughout the duration of the Phase 1 award.

  • What are the requirements to be a Primary Mentor?

    The Primary Mentor must hold an independent research appointment with a status that permits the supervision of trainees (Masters, PhD, Postdoc) in areas of investigation related to the applicant's proposed Phase 1 research in their REDI application. The role of the Primary Mentor is described in the Information letter on the role of the Primary Mentor (REDI 2025). The Primary Mentor could, for example, be the applicant's current post-doctoral supervisor, the principal investigator to whom a research associate reports, or a clinician with an academic research appointment who will function as a clinical fellow's Primary Mentor for their research in Phase 1.

  • Are applicants expected to stay in the same research environment or laboratory they were in at the time of application, or can they propose to start Phase 1 of the award in a different environment/laboratory?

    We anticipate applicants will start Phase 1 in the same research environment they are in at the time of application and will be ready to transition to Phase 2 within 2-3 years.

    However, if you are proposing to start Phase 1 with a different supervisor/principal investigator or in a new research laboratory/program, or if you are a clinician not currently conducting research, we encourage you to contact the CIHR Contact Centre at support-soutien@cihr-irsc.gc.ca prior to preparing your application to confirm your eligibility.

  • Can I apply to this funding opportunity if I'm not a Canadian citizen or a Permanent resident?

    Yes, but you must hold both Phases 1 and 2 in Canada. Proof of an appropriate entry visa (e.g., study, work, etc.) into Canada is required.

  • Can I hold this award outside of Canada?

    You can only hold Phase 1 outside of Canada if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident except for applicants to the Cerebrovascular and/or Cardiovascular Health funding pools who must hold their Phase 1 awards in Canada.

    Your primary place of employment or primary appointment for Phase 2 must be within Canada.

Review Process and Evaluation

  • Are there any additional resources/guidelines that may be useful to address the evaluation criteria in this funding opportunity?

    Applicants are encouraged to take advantage of the CIHR learning materials that are available at Health Research Training at CIHR: Training Tools, which includes information on mentorship and training, access to learning modules on Sex- and Gender-Based Analysis and Health Research, and other useful links. Additional resources are provided in the "Additional Resources" within the "Additional Information" section of this funding opportunity.

    Applicants are also encouraged to read through the Review guidelines – Priority driven initiatives to learn more about how your application will be assessed.

  • How will funding decisions be made?

    During the application review process, the peer review committee gives applications a score. This rating is then used to generate a rank ordered list of applications which CIHR uses to make funding decisions. Applications relevant to each pool and which receive a score of 3.50 or higher are funded top down in rank order until all available funding is exhausted or there are no more additional fundable applications.

    The names of successfully funded applicants will be published on the CIHR website and via partner's communication channels.

  • What happens if I'm not funded in the first-choice pool? Can I still be considered for the other pools that I selected or for the general pool?

    If your application was scored as fundable (received a score of 3.50 or higher) but was below the threshold for funding based on its rank order number in your first-choice funding pool, your application will be considered for funding for the other chosen funding pool (specific pools and/or for the general pool) within each stream. Relevancy and rank order are used to determine all recommendations for funding.

  • To transition to Phase 2, do I need to submit another application to ResearchNet that will undergo peer review?

    No, there is no external peer review at this stage. As indicated in the funding opportunity, successful Nominated Principal Applicants will submit a Transition Report and additional documentation to CIHR at least two months before the planned Phase 2 start date. CIHR will conduct an internal administrative review on this documentation. For additional information on how the transition to Phase 2 will be adjudicated and which documents need to be submitted to CIHR, please consult the REDI Phase 2 Transition Process Guidelines.

How to Apply

  • What information should be included in the "Experience, Training, and Contributions" section?

    Describing your experience, training and contributions gives peer reviewers the context needed for them to effectively evaluate your career goals, mentorship and research plans. Remember that your proposal must respond to the objectives of the funding opportunity, and right from this first section you should be articulating your potential to transition to an independent research position within the timeline proposed in your application.

    Previous contributions can include those related to research, training, and mentoring, and to the broader research and non-research communities, as appropriate. CIHR has signed the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), a statement that "recognizes the need to improve the ways in which researchers and the outputs of scholarly research are evaluated."

    Within the review process, reviewers will consider a broad range of contributions and impacts as well as the applicant's context and how it may have impacted the applicant's progress. Publication metrics in isolation (e.g., number of publications and citations, size/number of research grants), and journal-based metrics (e.g., Journal Impact Factors; H-index) are not used in isolation.

    Refer to CIHR's Applicant resource: How to highlight your research contributions and impacts for tips and the FAQ on DORA developed for peer reviewers for helpful guidance.

    The contributions you include should demonstrate your potential to successfully transition to an independent research faculty position within your proposed timeline.

  • What information should be included in the “Career Goals and Career Development Plan” section?

    Work with your Primary and Additional Mentors to develop a clear and tailored career goals and career development plan that includes realistic timelines and key milestones. Your plan should align with your current career stage, proposed Mentorship Plan, and support your transition to an independent research position.

    In this section, be sure to:

    • Clearly define your short- and long-term scientific and professional goals.
    • Describe your path to independence, including when you plan to transition to an independent position.
    • Identify specific gaps you have in your research training and professional development or academic experience that support from REDI can help address.
    • Ensure your Career Development Plan aligns with your Proposed Mentorship Plan and Support Letters from your Primary and Additional Mentors, showing how your mentors will help address these gaps and support your career progression.
    • Align your plan with your research area and CIHR pillar, demonstrating how your training will strengthen your future research program and secure a Phase 2 position.

    Your Career Development plan should include details on both your research and career development activities. Depending on your goals and training needs, this may involve:

    • Formal coursework in a new research area or methodology
    • Skills in teaching, mentorship, lab management, manuscript writing and other forms of knowledge mobilization, grant writing
    • Training in job interviewing, negotiation, leadership
    • Community engaged or culturally responsive research practices

    Training may be gained through mentorship, formal courses, workshops, conferences, or other learning opportunities.

    Be sure to:

    • Include a timeline that connects your training activities to a specific goal or milestone.
    • Identify which goals and milestones fall within each phase of REDI (i.e., Phase 1 or Phase 2).

    Resources to support the writing of your career development plan are found in the "Additional Resources" section under the "Additional Information" section of the funding opportunity, and include CIHR's Health Research Training at CIHR: Training Tools, Tri-agency Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Resources, National Institutes of Health Resources - Career Guidance, and iBiology Careers – Professional Development Resources.

    Refer to the Evaluation Criteria and How to Apply sections of the funding opportunity for ALL important details on how to address this section.

  • What happens if my contributions have been achieved through collaboration with other researchers or members of the community?

    If your contributions are achieved through collaboration (e.g., with other members of the research community, members of local communities [including Indigenous, Black or racialized communities], research participants or partnering organizations), describe your role in contributing to the work.

  • How much detail should I include for Phases 1 and 2 in the “Proposed Research” section of the Proposal?

    The "Proposed Research" section should be written for a broad scientific audience and not experts in your specific research area. Identify the current knowledge gaps in your field and explain how your research will have an impact and advance your field.

    Your research question must be separate from your Primary Mentor's research program and your research plan must address both Phase 1 and Phase 2 and build on your previous research and expertise. Identify which specific aims you will tackle in each phase of the award. Enough detail must be provided for the research planned for each phase (including experimental details and research approaches) for reviewers to evaluate this part of your application.

    Demonstrate you have a long-term vision for your independent research program and articulate how the research proposed for Phase 1 will build a foundation for this program. We recognize your plans for Phase 2 may change prior to securing your independent research position, so write your Phase 2 plans as you see them at the time of application. You will also need to include a knowledge mobilization plan.

    The research proposed should align with your Career Development and Mentorship Plans. Plans related to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) will be addressed in the EDI section of your Proposal.

    Refer to the Evaluation Criteria and How to Apply sections of the funding opportunity for ALL important details on how to address this section.

  • What should I consider when selecting my Primary Mentor and additional mentors for my REDI application?

    When selecting your Primary Mentor, keep REDI's overarching goal in mind: supporting your transition to an independent research faculty position. Your primary mentor must meet specific eligibility criteria (see the FAQ above "What are the requirements to be a Primary Mentor?" for details. They should be well positioned to help you build the research independence, academic qualifications and career readiness needed to secure a faculty role.

    You can also consider the following when selecting your Primary Mentor:

    • How well their expertise aligns with your research area and long-term goals
    • Their availability and commitment to providing consistent, meaningful mentorship
    • Their ability to support your transition to an independent position, including helping you distinguish your research program from theirs.

    In addition to your Primary Mentor, you are encouraged to list up to five additional mentors to provide guidance on your scientific, professional and career development consistent with your career goals and research area/pillar. These mentors do not need to hold academic appointments.

    Depending on your unique needs, goals, values, and community connections, you may wish to consider including:

    • An Elder or Knowledge Holder
    • Individuals with clinical, policy, or community-based experience
    • Individuals with lived experience that can enhance the relevance, knowledge mobilization, or impact of your research
    • Experts with specialized methodological, technological, research knowledge
    • Cultural or identify-based mentorship, where meaningful

    Other considerations for your Mentorship Team:

    • If your Primary Mentor is earlier in their career or has limited experience mentoring trainees toward independent positions, consider including a more experienced additional mentor.
    • Mentors are expected to support you during the application stage by reviewing your proposal and providing feedback to strengthen your research and mentorship plans, and your overall submission.
    • For additional mentors in non-academic or community roles (e.g., Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community leaders): These individuals are not expected to provide infrastructure, research oversight, or administrative support. Their role focuses on mentorship rooted in cultural, experiential, or community knowledge that supports the applicant's research development, ethical practices, identity, and leadership. REDI recognizes the unique and often reciprocal nature of these relationships and encourages respectful engagement guided by the principles of culturally responsive and Indigenous mentorship. Honorariums for non-academic mentors are allowable costs under the Community Engagement and KM Supplement.
  • What information should be included in the "Mentorship Plan"?

    Mentorship is a critical aspect of this award. You must work with your Primary Mentor and Additional Mentors to develop this section.

    Resources to support the development of a mentorship plan that reflects culturally aware mentorship, and, principles and practices are provided in the Additional Resources section of the funding opportunity. These include The Science of Effective Mentorship in STEMM, Dr. Angela Byars-Winston's talk on Effective, Culturally Responsive Mentorship on the Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research (SABER) website, Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) Culturally Aware Mentoring Resources, CIMER's Resources – Including Materials for Mentors and Mentees, iBiology Mentor Training to Improve Diversity in Science and Project Implicit. Applicants are also encouraged to visit CIHR's Health Research Training at CIHR: Training Tools (which includes Individual Development Plans), National Institutes of Health Resources - Career Guidance, and iBiology Careers – Professional Development Resources.

    Ensure your training and development plan described in the Mentorship Plan align with your career development goals.

    Refer to the Information Letter on the Primary Mentor Role (REDI 2025) and the How to Apply section of the funding opportunity for guidance on what mentors need to know to support your application. Note that the requirements for the Letters of Support from the Primary and Additional Mentors differs. Refer to the "Attach Other Application Materials" within the "How to Apply" section of the funding opportunity for details.

    Refer to the Evaluation Criteria and How to Apply sections of the funding opportunity for ALL important details on how to address this section.

  • What information should be included in the "Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion" section?

    In your plan to incorporate equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in your proposed research design, identify what biological (e.g., sex, age) and/or the impacts of inequalities and discrimination based on socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, racism, culture, language, Indigeneity, and/or disability and/or EDI best practices are relevant to your proposed research and explain how they have been integrated into the proposed research design. If you believe there are no relevant biological and/or sociocultural identify factors, provide a rationale for this.

    In your plan to incorporate EDI considerations into your future research team when you become an independent researcher, describe your planned approach and any best practices you will apply as you begin to build a diverse and inclusive research team and environment. Include specific examples where possible.

    In addition to the EDI section of your proposal, reviewers will also evaluate the extent to which culturally responsive mentorship and Indigenous mentorship best practices (refer to Indspire's Decolonizing and Indigenizing Mentorship [ PDF (481 KB) ]), as appropriate, inform your Mentorship Plan, and are reflected within your Primary Mentor's Letter of Support.

    Refer to the "Additional Resources" within the "Additional Information" section of the funding opportunity, including Tri-agency EDI Resources such as CIHR's Gender-based Analysis Plus, Best Practices in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Research and "How to integrate sex and gender in research", "Quantitative intersectional study design and primary data collection" and "Why Sex and Gender Need to be Considered in COVID-19 Research".

    Refer to the Evaluation Criteria and How to Apply sections of the funding opportunity for ALL important details on how to address this section.

Award Administration

  • What constitutes an eligible expense under the research allowance?

    The Research Allowance portion of this award is primarily intended for, but not limited to, the following expenses: 1) Expenses related to travel and accommodation required for the national cohort meeting (if held in person, pending evolution of the COVID-19 context); and 2) Fees associated with professional competency development or equivalent training that aligns with the enriched core competencies. Applicants should review the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration and the Funding Opportunity for a complete listing and description of allowable costs and activities.

    Note that the amount provided as research allowance for a training award is relatively small and insufficient to cover the salary of a research assistant / technician. That said, there is nothing in the TAGFA that prohibits research allowance from being used for these purposes, provided the expense meets the TAGFA "Use of funds principles" and any program specific restrictions stated in the FO.

  • At some institutions, postdoctoral researchers, research associates, clinicians are paid salary and benefits, rather than a stipend. Is the $70K/year inclusive of benefits or would the host partner organization or academic institution need to provide benefits over and above the $70K?

    The $70K/year stipend must be paid in accordance with the institution's policies. Benefits cannot be deducted from the $70K stipend. The stipend is not provided in the context of income compensation for the individual's services, as the individual is not an employee of the Agency. Benefits are not provided by CIHR.

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