“Psychology Works” Fact Sheet: Research Funding Information as relates to COVID-19

Canada’s COVID-related Research Support

Public health emergencies such as COVID-19 affect the lives of people, families and communities. In early March, the Government of Canada announced an investment of more than $275 million in funding for research on measures to combat COVID-19. Of this investment, $27 million was allocated to research through the three federal research funding agencies―the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) ―the Canada Research Coordinating Committee, through the New Frontiers in Research Fund, the International Development Research Centre and Genome Canada. The international research community, research funders and public health institutions are cooperating to look for novel solutions, from new vaccines to more effective communication about the pandemic. To date, over 95 projects led by Canadian researchers are focussed on developing and implementing measures to rapidly detect, manage, and reduce transmission of COVID-19, as well as assess its impacts.

Information from Canada’s Tri-Funding Agencies

If your research is funded by a federal agency such as CIHR, NSERC or SSHRC, review each agency’s websites for information on how your current and/or future research may or may not be impacted.

CIHR

CIHR is closely monitoring the evolution and impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and is taking action to support its grants, scholarship and awards recipients, as well applicants and peer reviewers. Visit this page regularly for messages from CIHR President, Dr. Michael Strong, and updated information for the research community: https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/51917.html.

SSHRC

As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, SSHRC management is assessing additional measures that may be needed to support SSHRC-funded students, postdoctoral fellows and research personnel and address concerns. Visit this page regularly for updated information on the impacts of COVID-19 on SSHRC’s policies and programs: https://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/news_room-salle_de_presse/covid-19-eng.aspx.

NSERC

NSERC continues to adjust its operations as it monitors the evolution and impact of COVID-19. Visit this page regularly for messages from CIHR President, Dr. Alejandro Adem, and updated NSERC program information in relation to COVID-19: https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Media-Media/NewsRelease-CommuniqueDePresse_eng.asp?ID=1139.

Other Funding Sources

Others may have funding from sources other than the tri-agencies (for example, provincial funding, associations, foundations, private industry, universities); in that case, check in with your funding provider to assess the impacts of COVID on your research funding and deadlines.

Where do I go for more information?

To obtain  important and up to date information about COVID-19, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) website at https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

Provincial, territorial, and some municipal associations of psychology often maintain referral services. For the names and coordinates of provincial and territorial associations of psychology, please visit:  https://cpa.ca/public/whatisapsychologist/PTassociations 

This fact sheet has been prepared for the Canadian Psychological Association by Dr. Lisa Votta-Bleeker, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Canadian Psychological Association.

Date: May 7, 2020

Your opinion matters! Please contact us with any questions or comments about any of the Psychology Works Fact Sheets:  factsheets@cpa.ca

Canadian Psychological Association
141 Laurier Avenue West, Suite 702
Ottawa, Ontario    K1P 5J3
Tel:  613-237-2144
Toll free (in Canada):  1-888-472-0657