Additional support for research trainees
Message from the President
April 22, 2020
Dear colleagues,
Today, the Government of Canada announced new funding of $291.6 million to maintain income support for trainees whose programs have been affected due to the closure of academic research labs. This funding will include those trainees funded directly through programs such as the Canada Graduate Scholarships, Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships, and Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships.
Critically for CIHR-funded investigators, this investment will also provide support for those whose funding is derived directly from operating grants (also termed indirect support). While the full details of disbursement of the funding remain to be established, this represents a major investment of the Government of Canada in further securing the stability of the health research ecosystem. From the outset of the pandemic, CIHR has been working to develop mitigation measures for Canada’s health research community, and we are grateful for this additional funding, which will provide relief for many research trainees at this difficult time.
In concert with the announcement made today, we are continuing to support Canadian health researchers by working with the Minister of Health to assess and respond to the impact of COVID-19, with the objective of ensuring the overall stability of the Canadian health research ecosystem now and going forward.
I wish all of you and your loved ones good health during this challenging time. With your patience and understanding, we will get through this together.
Sincerely,
Michael J. Strong, MD, FRCP, FCAHS, FAAN
President, CIHR
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