The CIHR Research Excellence, Diversity and Independence (REDI) program supports the professional development, career progression, and mentorship of trainees to establish and sustain strong, independent research programs in academia in order to advance scientific excellence and foster diversity in Canada’s research ecosystem. Specific objectives include:

1. Promote research independence and academic research career readiness of highly qualified trainees, such as post-doctoral researchers, clinicians and PhD-holding research associates, belonging to underrepresented groups.
2. Increase the number of funded researchers from underrepresented groups conducting excellent research who secure their first independent research faculty position in a Canadian academic, health system or research institution; and,
3. Provide funded researchers from underrepresented groups with early career support to enhance their probability of future success in obtaining independent research funding and launching successful research faculty careers position in Canada that that will contribute to the creation and/or use of health-related knowledge to improve the health of people in Canada.

REDI 2025 will support applicants through two distinct streams:

• Stream A for trainees who self-identify as Black (any gender), racialized women, or racialized gender-diverse people, and 
• Stream B for trainees who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, Métis scholars (any gender).

Value & Duration

The REDI award has two-phases across a maximum of 6 years and a maximum amount per award of $660,000 for up to 6 years.

• Phase 1 (mentored): includes a research allowance, stipend, mentorship, and career development.

• • Applicants will propose a Research Plan for Phase 1 and 2 that demonstrates their long-term vision for their independent research program and how their Phase 1 project will build the foundation for their research independence in Phase 2. Applicants must work with a mentor to develop Mentorship and Career Development Plans. 
  • Awardees will begin seeking an independent research faculty position during Phase 1 and are expected to transition to this position – marking the start of Phase 2 – within 3 years of the funding start date. 
  • At Phase 1, the maximum amount per award is $90,000 per year for up to three (3) years, for a total up to $270,000 per award.
    • $20,000 per year for the research allowance; and
    • $70,000 per year for the stipend.
• Phase 2 (independent): includes a research allowance, salary support, faculty mentorship, and 1:1 matching of funds from the host institution.
  • At Phase 2, the maximum amount per award is $120,000 per year for up to three (3) years if NPAs spend three (3) years in Phase 1 or up to four (4) years if NPAs spend two (2) years in Phase 1.
    • Maximum of $60,000 per year (50%) as contribution to salary; and
    • Minimum of $60,000 per year (50%) as research allowance.

To facilitate scientific exchange, networking, and career development, CIHR and partners host a CIHR REDI Forum for awardees every two years.

Dates & Deadlines

Application Support

Knowledge Mobilization, EDID and Indigenous Research

Access tailored and curated resources through the appropriate webpages (EDID, Indigenous resources, knowledge mobilization) or complete a request for support form to request application development support. If you are unsure if your project involves Indigenous research, it is recommended that you contact Western Research early for determination and support.

School of Graduate & Postdoctoral Studies

For administrative and / or immigration-related questions, contact the Postdoctoral Services Coordinator Mihaela Harmos.

Tri-Agency CV (TCV)

Please note this funding opportunity uses the TCV.

For more information about the TCV, visit CIHR's website and/or Western Research's Narrative CV resource.

Research Security

As part of Western University’s internal processes for recruiting postdoctoral scholars, applicants who will engage in international collaboration or who are joining Western from outside Canada may undergo a research security review. Western University’s Research Security team will support applicants and supervisors in navigating research security considerations, including guidance on compliance requirements and best practices for responsible international engagement.

Contact Us

For more information about the CIHR REDI program, email Mariam Hayward, Director, Inclusive Research Excellence & Impact.