The new capstone research funding organization announced in Budget 2024

Appearance before the Standing Committee on Science and Research (SRSR)

October 22, 2024

As Canada moves to modernize the way it supports research, the new capstone agency represents an important opportunity to strengthen coordination, reduce barriers for researchers and reinforce the foundations of a world-class research ecosystem. Universities Canada appeared before the Standing Committee on Science and Research to discuss the agency’s mission, mandate, structure and financing.

During this appearance, Universities Canada made three recommendations:

1. Protect the strength and integrity of the tri-councils within the new structure.
2. Reduce administrative burden for researchers and institutions, including through more efficient grant management and reporting processes.
3. Ensure mission-driven research complements, rather than replaces, investigator-led discovery research.

Universities are central to Canada’s research ecosystem and to training the highly skilled talent needed for a knowledge-driven economy, As the federal research support system is modernized, sustained consultation with researchers, institutions and stakeholders will be essential.