Access to Research Centres and Personnel (Tier 2, 4)

Eligible U of G researchers may apply to access OMAFA-supported research centres and technicians via a Tier 2 or Tier 4 research project.

Please note: It is the responsibility of the Lead Applicant to ensure the work is covered by a Ministry-approved, fully awarded Tier 2 or Tier 4 project before research centre usage begins to avoid being charged the unsubsidized rate. The Research Centre Manager will confirm the award status of your project before research centre access is permitted. Approved projects will have an Award Agreement signed by both the Lead Applicant and Department Chair or designate. A PDF of the signed Award Agreement can be located within the RMS project record under the ‘Agreement’ Tab. 

Tier 2: Subsidized access to OMAFA-funded resources

Tier 2 awards provide subsidized access to Alliance-funded resources at the research centres (e.g., land, animals, technical and support staff, data, and equipment). Tier 2 projects must fit within the scope of OMAFA research priorities and focus areas. OMAFA subsidizes 85 percent of the applicable Research Centre Fees for Tier 2 projects. The remaining 15 percent must be covered by external (non-Alliance) partner funding.

The Tier 2 program guide is available.

See Tier 2 projects funded in 2020/21

Tier 4: Non-subsidized access to OMAFA-funded resources

Tier 4 provides non-subsidized access to Alliance-funded resources at the research centres (e.g., land, animals, technical and support staff, data, and equipment) for research projects that do not meet Ministry priorities, or where the Ministry has approved a Tier 4 designation. Please reach out to Research Program Coordinator at rescoord@uoguelph.ca if you wish to apply.

The Alliance research program uses the Research Management System (RMS) for receiving and adjudicating research proposals.  

RMS is available at: https://omafra2.smartsimple.ca 

Please contact rescoord@uoguelph.ca if you experience any difficulties logging in. 

Research Centre Fees

Researchers proposing to use the research centres must include the appropriate research centre fees in their proposal budgets.

Research centre access requests in a proposal grant access to standard services (e.g., land or animals) at specific research centres. If your needs fall outside the scope of these standard services, please contact the Research Centre Manager to discuss alternate services, including availability and potential costs. Program staff can support capturing these requests in the proposal in RMS.

See our Research Centre Fees Price List for more information.