2024-25 Departmental Results Report: Details on transfer payment programs (TPPs)
- Canada Excellence Research Chairs (voted)
- Canada First Research Excellence Fund (voted)
- Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)
- Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support (voted)
- Institute Support Grants (voted)
- Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)
- Canada 150 Research Chairs (voted)
- College and Community Innovation (voted)
Canada Excellence Research Chairs (voted)
Start date: 2008
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2021-22
Link to departmental result(s):
- Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
- Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
- Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s program inventory: Investigator-Initiated Research
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program is a Tri-Agency initiative that supports Canadian universities in their efforts to build on Canada's growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation. The program awards world-renowned researchers and their teams to establish ambitious research programs at Canadian universities. This program is administered by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC).
There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved: In 2024-25, the program supported 42 Canada Excellence Research Chairs with a total annual budget of $42.8 M, including 13 (31%) that align with CIHR’s mandate, 23 (55%) that align with NSERC’s mandate and 6 (14%) that align with SSHRC’s mandate.
The fourth CERC competition awarded a total of $248 M over eight years in support of 34 new CERCs at 18 Canadian postsecondary institutions. Of these, 14 chairholders began their positions in 2024-25 at 10 institutions. This past year, all chairs developed and submitted a governance plan, a data management plan, a research proposal and an equity, diversity and inclusion action plan.
Of 34 grants awarded in the fourth competition, 53% of the funded chairs were women and 29% were racialized individuals. The number of nominated principal investigators who identify as belonging to the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) or persons with disabilities collectively represent 26% of awarded chairholders.
The 2024 CERC-Canada C150 Research Chairs (C150) symposium - hosted by the Université de Sherbrooke - enabled chairholders and administrators to build connections, share knowledge and experience, and cultivate synergies that will enhance the success of both programs and ultimately maximize their benefits for Canadians. Preparation for the 2025 CERC-C150 symposium, to be hosted at Memorial University of Newfoundland, began in 2024-25.
This past year, the 2026 CERC competition was launched, with an allocated budget of approximately $157 M intended to support chairholders over a period of eight years.
The program contributes to the branding of Canada as a location of choice for world-renowned researchers, emerging talent and partners from various sectors, nationally and internationally, helping build a critical mass of expertise in strategic areas that will improve Canadians’ health and enrich Canada’s society and economy.
Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: No Audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: The next evaluation of the Canada Excellence Research Chairs is currently ongoing and planned to be completed by March 2026. There are no evaluation findings to report during this reporting period.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 actual spending | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 planned spending | 2024-25 total authorities available for use | 2024-25 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 4,200,000 | 11,593,991 | 13,137,901 | 13,137,901 | 13,137,901 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total programs | 4,200,000 | 11,593,991 | 13,137,901 | 13,137,901 | 13,137,901 | 0 |
Explanation of variances
N/A
Canada First Research Excellence Fund (voted)
Start date: 2014
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014-15
Link to departmental result(s):
- Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
- Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
- Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s program inventory: Investigator-Initiated Research
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program:The Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) supports Canada’s postsecondary institutions in their efforts to become global research leaders. CFREF helps competitively selected Canadian postsecondary institutions turn their key strengths into world-leading capabilities. This program is administered by SSHRC on behalf of the CIHR, the NSERC, and SSHRC.
There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved: Eleven recipients from the third CFREF competition (awarded in 2022-23) continued to receive support in 2024-25, representing a tri-agency investment of $196.8 M, with 30% of these funds falling under CIHR, 40% under NSERC, and 30% under SSHRC. The award recipients are implementing new governance and research strategies and have developed EDI action plans.
The 2024 CFREF symposium—hosted by the University of Calgary—brought together all CFREF cohorts, enabling researchers and their teams, as well as research administrators to share strategies and best practices, develop solutions to mutual challenges, forge new connections and collaborative networks, and foster other synergies that will maximize CFREF success and its benefits for Canadians. Preparation for the 2025 CFREF symposium, to be hosted at the University of Toronto in May 2025, was undertaken in 2024-25.
CFREF funding is helping Canada’s postsecondary institutions compete with the world’s best research establishments in attracting top talent and partnership opportunities to excel in research areas of economic and social advantage to Canada, as well as lead the world in developing solutions to critical global challenges, such as climate change, health crises, economic and social inequality, food sustainability and enabling technologies.
Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: No Audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year, and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: The next evaluation of the Canada First Research Excellence Fund is currently ongoing and planned to be completed by March 2026. There are no evaluation findings to report during this reporting period.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 actual spending | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 planned spending | 2024-25 total authorities available for use | 2024-25 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 38,748,944 | 47,227,128 | 58,407,137 | 58,407,137 | 58,407,137 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total programs | 38,748,944 | 47,227,128 | 58,407,137 | 58,407,137 | 58,407,137 | 0 |
Explanation of variances
N/A
Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)
Start date: 2003-04
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2009-10
Link to departmental result(s):
- Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
- Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
- Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s program inventory: Training and Career Support
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: CIHR's portion of the Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) program provides financial support to high-calibre scholars who are engaged in master's or doctoral programs in health. This is a Tri-Agency program and is administered by each respective agency (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC).
There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved: The CGS program strives to make Canada one of the world's top countries for research training and development to build an innovative and competitive economy, increase future job opportunities and, ultimately, generate social, economic, and cultural benefits for Canadians. In 2024-25, 815 Masters and 260 Doctoral awards were offered to applicants.
Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: No Audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: The next evaluation of the CGS is planned as part of the Evaluation of the Canada Research Training Award Suite and is planned to be completed in 2028-29. There are no evaluation findings to report during this reporting period
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: Applicants and recipients are engaged through communication with academic institutions and Tri-Agency or agency specific electronic communication.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 actual spending | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 planned spending | 2024-25 total authorities available for use | 2024-25 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 36,226,076 | 39,031,334 | 41,847,500 | 52,619,643 | 52,574,942 | 10,727,442 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total programs | 36,226,076 | 39,031,334 | 41,847,500 | 52,619,643 | 52,574,942 | 10,727,442 |
Explanation of variances
CIHR’s actual spending was $10.7M more than planned due to new funding to support for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers (Budget 2024).
Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support (voted)
Start date: 2000-01
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12
Link to departmental result(s):
- Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
- Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
- Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s program inventory:
- Investigator-Initiated Research
- Training and Career Support
- Research in Priority Areas
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: CIHR provides a wide array of funding programs under this transfer payment program. This includes grants that provide support for the direct costs of research projects, for the training of researchers, or for activities that support the translation of research findings. Other funding includes direct salary and stipend support to individual researchers/scientists and research trainees.
There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved: CIHR invested the funding in this program to fund a wide range of health research areas. CIHR grants and awards helped maintain a strong and diverse health research base, which is detailed in the 2024-25 Departmental Results Report.
Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: No Audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: In 2024-25, CIHR completed the Evaluation of the Antimicrobial Resistance Research Initiative (AMRI) and Tri-Agency Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships program in Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support. The AMRI evaluation found that funded research has informed policy and decision-making and led to patents and spin-offs. CIHR agrees with the evaluation’s recommendations and is using them to collaborate with federal partners on a national OneHealth research strategy. The results and recommendations of the Banting Evaluation were agreed to by management and used to inform the design, objectives and outcomes of the Canadian Research Training Awards Suite (CTRAS). The next key evaluations for Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support are: the Evaluation of CIHR Training and Career Support (TCS) Program, planned for completion in 2027-28; Evaluation of the CIHR Institutes, planned for completion in 2027-28; the Evaluation of Project Grant Program, planned for completion in 2028-29; and Evaluation of the CTRAS, planned for completion in 2028-29.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: CIHR engages applicants and recipients on an ongoing basis through various forms of social media, electronic newsletters, presentations, discussion forums and consultation processes.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 actual spending | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 planned spending | 2024-25 total authorities available for use | 2024-25 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 1,139,511,929 | 1,131,599,604 | 1,142,493,493 | 1,183,306,323 | 1,182,762,488 | 40,268,995 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total programs | 1,139,511,929 | 1,131,599,604 | 1,142,493,493 | 1,183,306,323 | 1,182,762,488 | 40,268,995 |
Explanation of variances
CIHR’s actual spending was $40.3M more than planned due to new funding announced in Budget 2024, including increased support to core research grants, support for graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, and endowment to the Gairdner Foundation.
Institute Support Grants (voted)
Start date: 2000-01
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2008-09
Link to departmental result(s):
- Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
- Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
- Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s program inventory: Research in Priority Areas
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Institute Support Grant program provides funding to select Canadian academic institutions, including universities and teaching hospitals, to assist them in hosting the 13 Institutes of CIHR. The Institutes help CIHR maintain strong ties to Canada's research communities and to understand their needs. Each CIHR-appointed Scientific Director is among the top scientists in his/her field. Institutes help CIHR define its strategic health research priorities and develop research partnerships with other interested parties in health research. Institutes also organize conferences, seminars, and workshops, all with the goal of developing and disseminating health-related knowledge and best practices.
There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved: In 2024-25, CIHR provided each of the host institutions a grant to support institute operations, including the salaries of Scientific Directors, Institute staff and other administrative expenses. Institute Support Grants also support activities that facilitate and develop national research networks linking the Institutes' respective research communities.
Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: No Audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: The next evaluation of the Institute Support Grants will be completed as part of the Evaluation of the CIHR Institutes planned for completion in 2027-28. There are no evaluation findings to report during this reporting period.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: CIHR engages applicants and recipients on an ongoing basis through various forms of social media, electronic newsletters, presentations, discussion forums and consultation processes. Scientific Directors maintain strong ties to Canada's research communities.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 actual spending | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 planned spending | 2024-25 total authorities available for use | 2024-25 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 15,872,158 | 16,267,241 | 15,625,723 | 16,694,028 | 16,674,514 | 1,048,791 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total programs | 15,872,158 | 16,267,241 | 15,625,723 | 16,694,028 | 16,674,514 | 1,048,791 |
Explanation of variances
CIHR's actual spending was $1M greater than planned due to funding provided related to the oversight of strategic initiatives.
Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)
Start date: 2008-09
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014-15
Link to departmental result(s):
- Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
- Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
- Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s program inventory: Training and Career Support
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program is a Tri-Agency program designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by offering them a significant financial award. This financial award assists students during their studies at Canadian universities. Vanier Scholars demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health-related fields. This program is administered by CIHR on behalf of CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC.
There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved: Through the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program, the Government of Canada invests up to $24.9M annually, divided among the budgets of CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC, to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. Up to 166 scholarships are awarded annually to Canadian and international doctoral students studying at Canadian universities who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering, or health.
In the 2024-25 competition, the three federal research funding agencies invested $24.9M over three years to support research training in areas related to the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and/or engineering, or health.
Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: No Audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: The Evaluation of the Vanier CGS is currently ongoing with an expected completion date of February 2026. There are no evaluation findings to report during this reporting period.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: Applicants and recipients are engaged through communication with academic institutions and directed Tri-Agency or agency-specific electronic communication, as well as through the Vanier CGS website.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 actual spending | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 planned spending | 2024-25 total authorities available for use | 2024-25 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 8,320,833 | 8,320,834 | 8,350,000 | 8,350,000 | 8,309,545 | (40,455) |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total programs | 8,320,833 | 8,320,834 | 8,350,000 | 8,350,000 | 8,309,545 | (40,455) |
Explanation of variances
The variance is immaterial.
Canada 150 Research Chairs (voted)
Start date: 2017
End date: 2025-26
Type of transfer payment: Grant
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2017-18
Link to departmental result(s):
- Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
- Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
- Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s program inventory: Investigator-Initiated Research
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The Canada 150 Research Chairs (C150) program provides Canadian universities with a one-time investment to attract top-tier, internationally based scholars and researchers (including Canadian expatriates) to Canada. This program is administered by SSHRC on behalf of CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC.
There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved: In 2024-25, the Canada 150 Research Chairs program (C150) invested a total of $12.2 M to support 20 C150 at 12 Canadian institutions, with four (20%) that align with CIHR’s mandate, 11 (55%) that align with NSERC, and five (25%) that align with SSHRC.
With the program approaching its sunsetting, key chairholder results and achievements were featured in research stories on the SSHRC website and social media and in national and international media sources in 2024-25.
The 2024 Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC)-C150 symposium—hosted by the Université de Sherbrooke—enabled chairholders to build connections, share knowledge and experience, and foster synergies that will enhance the success of both programs and maximize their benefits for Canadians. Preparation for the 2025 CERC-C150 symposium, to be hosted at Memorial University of Newfoundland, began in 2024-25.
The program has attracted world-renowned researchers, emerging talent and partners from various sectors, both nationally and internationally, to conduct research in various disciplines such as chemistry, microbiology, evolutionary genomics, gender and African politics, global governance, neurosciences, epigenetics, public health and psychology.
In 2024-25, 58.3% of the funded C150 chairs were women and 20.8% were racialized individuals. The number of chairs who self-identified as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit and Métis) or persons with disabilities was too low to report as per tri-agency privacy guidelines.
Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: No Audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: There is no evaluation planned for the C150 Program. The program ended in 2024-25 and was last evaluated in 2020-21 as part of the Canada Excellence Research Chairs Evaluation.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 actual spending | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 planned spending | 2024-25 total authorities available for use | 2024-25 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 2,700,000 | 2,700,000 | 2,700,000 | 2,700,000 | 2,700,000 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total programs | 2,700,000 | 2,700,000 | 2,700,000 | 2,700,000 | 2,700,000 | 0 |
Explanation of variances
N/A
College and Community Innovation (voted)
Start date: 2007
End date: Ongoing
Type of transfer payment: Grant
Type of appropriation: Appropriated annually through the Estimates
Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2024-25
Link to departmental result(s):
- Canada’s health research is internationally competitive
- Canada’s health research capacity is strengthened
- Canada’s health research is used
Link to the department’s program inventory: Research in Priority Areas
Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program: The College and Community Innovation (CCI) Program is managed by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) in collaboration with CIHR and SSHRC. The CCI Program increases innovation at the community and/or regional level by enabling Canadian colleges to increase their capacity to work with local companies, particularly small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), in areas of the natural and social sciences, engineering, humanities and/or health. It supports applied research and collaborations that facilitate commercialization, as well as technology transfer, adaptation and adoption of new technologies, in areas of strategic importance to Canada.
There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.
Results achieved: In 2024-25, CIHR awarded 14 grants as part of the CCI program for a total of 1.7 M$ in funding, enabling increased support for Canadian businesses' access to expertise and R&D facilities.
Findings of audits completed in 2024-25: No Audit was completed on this topic in the reporting year and no audit is planned or underway.
Findings of evaluations completed in 2024-25: The evaluation of the College and Community Innovation program is currently ongoing and planned to be completed by March 2026. There are no evaluation findings to be reported during this reporting period.
Engagement of applicants and recipients in 2024-25: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.
| Type of transfer payment | 2022-23 actual spending | 2023-24 actual spending | 2024-25 planned spending | 2024-25 total authorities available for use | 2024-25 actual spending (authorities used) | Variance (2024-25 actual minus 2024-25 planned) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 1,634,927 | 1,195,126 | 2,083,606 | 1,656,368 | 1,656,368 | (382,238) |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total programs | 1,634,927 | 1,195,126 | 2,083,606 | 1,656,368 | 1,656,368 | (382,238) |
Explanation of variances
The variance is immaterial.
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