Strategic Research Initiatives Fund (SRIF)
About the Program
The Strategic Research Initiatives Fund (SRIF) supports enhanced research performance aligned with the University’s strategic research and innovation plan, Forward with Purpose. The purpose of the SRIF is to:
- advance institutional research goals articulated in Forward with Purpose towards building multidisciplinary capacity and collaborative communities of research,
- support revenue generation from external sources to sustain research activities, and
- enable researchers and the institution to engage with diverse external partners and communities.
Eligible University of Alberta researchers are invited to apply for two separate pools of funding (Pool A and Pool B). Primary applicant eligibility for SRIF funding is typically restricted to tenure/tenure-track faculty. Please see the Eligibility to Apply for and Hold Research Funding Policy for more information.
Wherever possible, applications should be multidisciplinary and/or cross-sectoral (engaging diverse perspectives), including institution-wide partnerships; however, single-discipline applications will also be considered. All applications must include specific actions to build a diverse team and inclusive research environment (see the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Research Resource Page, Changing the Story: An integrated action plan for transforming our vibrant and interconnected university community, and Braiding Past, Present and Future: University of Alberta Indigenous Strategic Plan). Further, applications may include research scope specific to EDI and/or Indigenous-led or Indigenous community-engaged research.
- Pool A applications (no minimum ask, typically up to $1,000,000 maximum) must meet all of the following criteria:
- Align with the University’s strategic research and innovation plan, Forward with Purpose, including fostering new strategic initiatives.
- Leverage and/or match SRIF funding toward a new external grant application that requires a cash commitment from another source or where a cash commitment would make the external application more competitive (for example, Horizon Europe, NFRF Transformation, CFREF, SSHRC Partnership Grants etc). Applicants must apply for external funding in the next funding round and it must be clear how the SRIF will help increase the competitiveness of the external application.
- Provision of SRIF Pool A funds is contingent on the success of the external application.
- Pool B applications (asking for up to 50% of the total anticipated external grant, to a maximum of $50,000, for one year) must meet either of the following criteria:
- Seed funding: Projects that have the potential to grow into larger externally funded institutional initiatives. Recipients are expected to seek external funding within two years. Please discuss alignment with possible external funding opportunities with your Research Partner.
- Bridge funding: Projects that were nearly successful (at or immediately below the funding threshold) Tri-Agency grant applications listed in the Enrolment Registry. Prior registry enrolment and participation in application development activities (e.g., peer review, boot camp) will be mandatory effective September 11, 2026.
Note that SRIF applicants must email srif@ualberta.ca if they have received or plan to apply for funding from another source (internal or external) for the same project or scope of work, including if an external resubmission is successful while SRIF funds are still active. Any SRIF funds that are no longer required must be returned to SRIF.
Application Process
The next application deadline is September 11, 2026. For the schedule of upcoming committee meetings, deadlines, and a description of the review process please visit the SRIF FAQ page.
To apply, submit an application form. An application template is available to download and work on your responses offline prior to submission.
Have Questions?
Email: srif@ualberta.ca