New Frontiers in Research Fund - Transformation 2026

Lawson Hall

The Transformation stream is designed to support large-scale, Canadian-led interdisciplinary research projects that address a major challenge with the potential to realize real and lasting change (high reward). The challenge may be fundamental, leading to a scientific breakthrough, or applied, with a social, economic, environmental or health impact. Projects are expected to be world-leading, drawing on global research expertise where relevant.

The Transformation stream grants will support projects that:

  • tackle a well-defined problem or challenge;
  • propose a novel world-leading approach that is different from the current state-of-the-art approaches to the issue;
  • are interdisciplinary, bringing different perspectives to the defined problem; and
  • have the potential to be transformative, defined as the potential to create a significant and real change or impact -- a noticeable leap or tangible breakthrough versus an incremental advance.
  • Western Guidelines for NFRF-Transformation 2026 - to follow (Western ID & Password required) 

Value and Duration

Transformation stream grants can request between $1.6M and $3.2M per year in direct research costs (plus 25% indirect costs), for up to six years. Grants will be awarded for three years initially, with a grant for the remaining three years dependent on a successful mid-term review of progress.

Internal Processes

The Transformation stream is extremely competitive with high standards for excellence. Proposals of this scale require significant time, effort and resources from the institution, the Faculty(ies), and the project teams. Please see Western's internal NFRF-Transformation Guidelines for more information.

Merit Indicators

The New Frontiers in Research Fund has posted list of Merit Indicators to be used in evaluation of applications, which we recommend project leaders consult in developing a potential Transformation Project.

Timelines

Key deadlines are listed below:

  • Internal Western Research Deadline to submit NOI drafts for review: April 8, 2025
  • Sponsor deadline: Western Research submits NOIs to NFRF: April 15, 2025
  • Deadline for EDID consultations: TBD
  • Deadline to submit ROLA proposal, external Co-PI/Co-A forms, and complete Letter of Intent: Tuesday June 3, 2025
  • Sponsor deadline to submit Letter of Intent: June 17, 2025
  • Full Applications (by invitation only) due: March 3, 2026

Additional internal timelines may be added.

Guidelines for the NOI, LOI, and full application can be found in the NFRF competition program page. 

Webinars and Events

Applicants are encouraged to attend the following events to learn more about the Transformation stream and the overall application process (see NFRF program page for webinar links). Webinar space is limited so please join ahead of the start time.

Notice of Intent stage webinar

 

Letter of Intent stage webinar 

Support

Given the strategic nature and high value of this program, if you have a potential project/team and are considering applying for a Transformation stream grant, we encourage you to contact Western Research as early as possible. 

Indigenous Research and EDID Support:
Dedicated support and resources for Indigenous research and Equity Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization in research are available through the Inclusive Research Excellence and Impact team. You can complete a request for support form to receive more information or book a consultation. If you are unsure if your project involves Indigenous research it is recommended that you contact the team early for determination and support.

Documents and Resources

Contacts

For more information on the NFRF Transformation stream, contact Kathy Laid, Senior Institutional Research Programs Officer.