I am very pleased to announce to the University of Alberta community the launch of the Strategic Research Initiatives Fund (SRIF). The SRIF provides support to Faculties, Colleges and the Office of the Vice-President (Research and Innovation) (OVPRI) for initiatives that enhance research performance aligned with the university’s strategic research and innovation plan, Forward with Purpose.
Supporting Our Research Community
The advancement and growth of research and innovation at the University of Alberta are key components of our institutional strategies, SHAPE and Forward with Purpose. This aligns with the recent transition to Budget Model 2.0, which includes establishing activity-based strategic funds to support revenue growth through institution-wide strategic initiatives. The SRIF is a new stream of funding aimed at responding to feedback from our academic community calling for better institutional support for applications to increase successful grant outcomes by leveraging external funds and supporting smaller-scale research activities through seed or bridge funding.
What is the SRIF?
The purpose of the SRIF is to:
- advance institutional research goals articulated in Forward with Purpose towards building multidisciplinary capacity and collaborative communities of research
- support revenue generation from external sources to sustain research activities
- enable researchers and the institution to engage with diverse external partners and communities
We invite University of Alberta researchers to put forward applications to the SRIF Committee by way of their Faculty or College Associate/Vice Dean Research or the OVPRI. Please see the Eligibility to Apply for and Hold Research Funding Policy for more information.
Submissions are welcome as part of two funding streams:
- Pool A is for one-time asks equal to or greater than $500,000 and is conditional on the success of an associated external funding application.
- Pool B is for one-time requests between $50,000 and $499,000 that support smaller scale research activities such as seed and/or bridge funding that may or may not leverage external funding. Ideally, these projects will have the potential to grow into large institutional initiatives aligned with Forward with Purpose.
Wherever possible, we encourage applications to be multidisciplinary and/or cross-sectoral, including institution-wide partnerships; however, single discipline applications will also be considered. All applications must include specific actions to build a diverse team and inclusive research environment (please see the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Research Resource Page and Braiding Past, Present and Future: University of Alberta Indigenous Strategic Plan). Additionally, applications may include research scope specific to EDI and/or Indigenous-led or Indigenous community engaged research.
The funding can be used to support research-related activities, including, but not limited to: highly qualified personnel (HQP), research personnel, infrastructure, materials, fieldwork and travel. Applicants should reach out directly to their faculty to discuss teaching release, which will be considered only on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Dean and, where applicable, in consultation with the Chair. A letter of support is required to verify that appropriate approvals are in place to request use of SRIF funds for teaching release.
SRIF timeline
Intake is continuous with applications due prior to each SRIF Committee meeting. The SRIF Committee will meet at least three times per year (winter, spring and fall) with the option for additional ad hoc meetings as determined by the chair. The first application deadline is Oct. 18, 2024. Please consult the SRIF FAQ page for other upcoming deadlines.
We are very excited about the opportunities the new SRIF will create for advancing research and innovation at the University of Alberta. This funding is expected to significantly enhance our researchers' ability to develop and compete for large-scale research funding opportunities further elevating the institution's research profile as well as smaller scale initiatives aligned with Forward with Purpose.
Please visit the SRIF website for more information and to access the SRIF application form or reach out to the SRIF program manager, Rachel Hirsch at rhirsch@ualberta.ca with any questions. You are also welcome to join one of the upcoming SRIF online information sessions Oct. 8 or 11 at 2 p.m. MDT to learn more (register here).
Aminah Robinson Fayek
Vice-President (Research and Innovation)