Transformation
The Transformation stream is designed to support large-scale, Canadian-led interdisciplinary research projects that address a major challenge with the potential to realize real and lasting change (high-reward). The challenge may be fundamental, leading to a scientific breakthrough, or applied, with a social, economic, environmental or health impact. Projects are expected to be world-leading, drawing on global research expertise where relevant.
Visit the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) website for more information on the Transformation grants.
Value and Duration
Transformation grants are valued at between $2,000,000 and $4,000,000 per year (including indirect costs) for six years. The minimum budget for the direct costs of the research project is $1,600,000 per year, and the maximum budget is $3,200,000.
Eligibility
The nominated Principal Investigator (PI) must have a primary affiliation at a Canadian institution holding full institutional eligibility with one of the Tri-Agencies. More information regarding eligibility can be found in the program description.
Deadlines
- Internal Expression of Interest (EOI) to the Carleton Office for Research Initiatives and Services (CORIS):
March 31, 2025 - Scoping meetings with CORIS, Faculty Research Facilitators (FRF) and (co)PIs: March 26 to April 10, 2025
- Draft of Notice of Intent (NOI) to CORIS (mandatory): April 10, 2025
- Final NOI submitted to CORIS through online portal: April 14, 2025 at 9 a.m.
- NOI submission to NFRF: April 15, 2025
- cuResearch Approval Form: June 10, 2025
- Letter of Intent (LOI) submission to NFRF: June 17, 2025
- LOI results released by NFRF: October 28, 2025
- Full proposal submission to NFRF (by invitation only): March 3, 2026
- Award results released: August 2026
Information Sessions
NFRF hosts information sessions for each stage of the competition. A Carleton information session, featuring panelists who previously served as committee members, was held in March. Please visit the NFRF website and/or reach out to Kate Swan (kate.swan@carleton.ca) to request access to the slides or recordings from these sessions.
How to Apply
NFRF Transformation is a multi-stage application process. There is a mandatory NOI and LOI stage. All LOIs submitted to NFRF are reviewed by an international, multidisciplinary committee and only those who are highly ranked will be invited to submit a full proposal. CORIS strongly encourages teams to participate in our internal process which includes an EOI, scoping meetings and an internal evaluation; however, the only mandatory step is submission of the draft NOI to CORIS.
Please review the deadlines listed above.
Internal Evaluation
Teams will be encouraged to submit a draft of their LOI to an internal review committee in early May. This committee will be established to advise teams on strengths and weaknesses of the LOI.
External Submission Requirements
- Submit an internal Carleton Approval Form through our central awards management database cuResearch.
- Submit an external application to the New Frontiers in Research Fund.
Contact Us
Kate Swan: kate.swan@carleton.ca