MCURES – Early Researcher Awards 2025 (Round 19)

Sponsor

Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities, Research Excellence and Security

Program

Early Researcher Awards

Description

We highly encourage interested applicants to attend the University of Guelph Information Session: Is this the right program for you, right now?

• Wednesday, April 16, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. (EDT)
• Delivery Format: Hybrid
  • Location (In-person): UC Room 332
  • Or join virtually using this Teams Meeting Link

This program has not yet officially launched, but is anticipated. For more program details, refer to last year's ERA program website. The University of Guelph Early Researcher Awards website will be updated soon.

The Early Researcher Awards program gives funding to build a research team. To be competitive, researchers should demonstrate academic independence from previous supervisors and be actively involved in conducting research that has been supported by peer-reviewed funding.

Applicants must have the approval of their Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Studies (ADRGS) to apply to this program. Matching funds are required.  

The Strategic Research Programs team in the Research Services Office will assist with your application which includes: 

• a six-page research proposal (written in accessible language for an interdisciplinary panel)
• an application form (which includes a five-year HQP plan, milestones, training plans, budget, etc.)
• an Early Researcher Award CV (requires unique formatting)
• three reference letters (two from arms-length referees)
• a Mitigating Economic and Geopolitical Risk Checklist that includes a Risk Mitigation Plan
• a signed Application attestation (research security)

Applications are reviewed for the following criteria:

• Excellence of the Researcher (40%)
• Quality of Research (30%)
• Development of Research Talent (20%)
• Strategic Value to Ontario (10%)

Eligibility

You are eligible if you:

• are a full-time faculty member or principal investigator based at an eligible research institution.
• have started your academic career on or after January 1, 2019 (meaning you had the ability to conduct independent research and supervise your own students).
• have completed your first Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, Medical Doctor or terminal degree on or after January 1, 2014.
• have not already held an Early Researcher Award.
• are not a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair.

Eligible leaves (e.g. parental) can extend the window of eligibility (on a 1:1 replacement ratio).  

Maximum Project Value

Each award to a leading researcher is a maximum of $100,000 and must be matched by an additional $50,000 from the researcher’s institution and/or partner organization.

Indirect Costs

The government will provide up to $40,000 to the university for indirect costs.

Project Duration

Five years

Special Notes

Applicants must have the approval of their ADRGS to apply this program.

• To be competitive, researchers are encouraged to be actively involved in conducting research that has been supported by peer-reviewed funding and to demonstrate academic independence from previous supervisors.
• Researchers who are not successful may submit an application, in a later competition, providing they continue to meet all eligibility requirements.
• ERA panels are multi-disciplinary and the application will be reviewed by panel members that are within and outside the applicant’s specific field of research. The content and language of the proposal should be clear and understood by people outside of the applicant’s field.

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

The Ministry has committed to making equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) a priority through the integration of EDI principles into ERA funding opportunities. The Tri-Agency Institutional Programs Secretariat (TIPS), through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), defines equity as the removal of systemic barriers and biases, to enact the practice of inclusion so that all individuals have equal access to, and can benefit from, the program. To achieve this, TIPS states that institutions must embrace diversity, defined as differences in race, colour, place of origin, religion, immigrant and newcomer status, ethnic origin, ability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and age. Recognizing and valuing diversity and equity must be accompanied by concerted efforts to ensure the inclusion of diverse and underrepresented populations. The research project must meaningfully engage members of underrepresented groups within the research team. Underrepresented groups include, but are not limited to, the four designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, members of visible minorities, and persons with disabilities). The institution must strive to put in place the right conditions for each individual to reach their full potential.

Please use the Equity, diversity and inclusion requirements and practices guide provided by TIPS to determine how best to address areas of improvement in your work environment and to develop equity, diversity and inclusion action plans.

How to Apply

Contact your ADRGS (copying your CRM) to express your interest in the program.