Transformation
Table of Contents
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
| Deadline | Date |
|---|---|
| Internal Expression of Interest (EOI) | March 31, 2025 |
| Scoping meeting with the Office of the Vice-President (Research, Innovation and International) (OVPRII), Faculty Research Facilitators and (co)PIs | March 26 to April 10, 2025 |
| Submission of a draft of the Notice of Intent (NOI) to OVPRII (mandatory) | April 10, 2025 |
| Submission of the final NOI to OVPRII through the online portal | April 14, 2025 by 9 a.m. |
| Submission of the NOI to the NFRF | April 15, 2025 |
| Internal cuResearch Approval Form deadline | June 10, 2025 |
| External Letter of Intent (LOI) | June 17, 2025 |
| LOI results released by NFRF | October 28, 2025 |
| Submission of full proposal 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