91·ðÒ¯ the Research Support Fund
Sustaining research discovery and application at 91·ðÒ¯ requires financial investment in both obvious project-related expenses (i.e. the direct costs of research), as well as the scaffold of services that support the research enterprise.
These indirect costs of research are borne by the University, permitting faculty and student researchers to focus on implementing the research plans proposed in funding applications. Indirect costs include include:
- maintaining modern labs and equipment
- providing researchers with access to up-to-date knowledge resources
- managing and administering research
- meeting regulatory and ethical requirements
The is an investment by Canadian taxpayers to support some of the indirect costs of research associated with managing the research funded by the three federal granting agencies:
- (SSHRC)
- (NSERC)
- (CIHR)
The Fund helps institutions support the on-going day-to-day administrative expenses required to maintain an active and vibrant research environment.
Formerly known as the Indirect Costs Program (established in 2003), the Research Support Fund is disbursed to post-secondary institutions via an annual grant program. The value of the grant received is calculated based on the value of Tri-agency research funds awarded to 91·ðÒ¯ researchers and administered by the University.
Institutions have flexibility in deciding how to use their grant, provided that the funds are used for the payment of current expenditures attributed to federally-sponsored research that falls within the following five categories:
- Research facilities
- Research resources
- Management and administration of an institution's research enterprise
- Regulatory requirements and accreditation
- Intellectual property
For more information, see
Putting the RSF to use and communicating our plan
91·ðÒ¯ intends to use the Research Support Fund to support expenses across all five investment areas: Learn more about the planned allocation of our 2024-25 grant and ourperformance objectives for the coming year.
Details on 91·ðү’s previous RSF grants and how they have been allocated, as well as performance objectives and outcomes for previous fiscal years can be found on the Reports and accountability page.
91·ðÒ¯ is committed to effectively communicating the value and use of the RSF to our researchers and the broader community. Read our RSF Communication Plan.
91·ðÒ¯ gratefully acknowledges the contribution of the federal government and Canadian taxpayers to our research enterprise through various grant programs and through the Research Support Fund.