Where the money will actually go remains to be seen.
Canada’s scientists and researchers are working to solve some of the world’s greatest challenges for the benefit of us all. Their innovations and discoveries contribute to Canadian economic growth and prosperity, as well as the health and well-being of people in Canada. But, government funding has steadily declining while the politicization of science has continued.
The Canadian Institute for Advanced Research and the Centre for Aging + Brain Health Innovation, were also in attendance as recipients of the SSF. The funding will support 24 organizations, as announced in December 2023, and was awarded through a new process that claimed to be competitive, merit-based and transparent and informed by the advice of an independent expert review panel but the money will still go to the usual suspects.
These organizations span Canada’s science and research landscape and are making contributions in a range of crucial areas, including researching and developing health care solutions, encouraging innovations in aging and brain health, supporting Indigenous inclusion and research, addressing climate change, supporting Arctic science and research, making advancements in emerging technologies such as quantum computing and artificial intelligence, promoting STEM education among young people, and facilitating learning and training opportunities for post-secondary students.
Quick facts
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· The creation of the Strategic Science Fund (SSF) was announced in Budget 2019 as a way to make federal investments in third-party science and research more effective by assessing applicants using a framework of principles for allocating federal funding.
· Since 2016, the government has provided more than $16 billion to support science and research.
· In addition, Budget 2024 provides $825 million to increase support for master’s, doctoral and post-doctoral students, as well as $1.8 billion to the federal granting councils to increase core research grant funding and support Canadian researchers.
· Budget 2024 also includes investments in modern, high-quality research facilities and infrastructure to help solve real-world problems, create economic opportunities, and attract and train the next generation of scientific talent.
· The next call for applications to the SSF is scheduled to take place in 2026–2027. Funding from the current competition will be disbursed from April 2024 to March 2029, pending finalization of contribution agreements.