Frequently Asked Questions: IAR3 Research Clusters | Call for Proposals

Are researchers who were not part of the initial funding phase (2024–2026) eligible to submit a proposal associated with one of the 10 existing thematic areas or an emerging research area?

Yes. Under this call, any researcher affiliated with one of IVADO’s five partner universities (the U5) is eligible to form a research group and submit a proposal under one of the 10 existing thematic areas or an emerging theme, regardless of whether they participated in the initial funding phase (2024–2026). The proposal must be clearly aligned with the objectives and priorities of the R³AI program.

Is it possible to designate more than one Principal Investigator (PI) in the research proposal?

Only one person can be designated as the Principal Investigator (PI) per proposal. This person is responsible for the overall scientific direction and acts as the main point of contact with IVADO. However, up to three co–Principal Investigators (co-PIs) may be included to support the leadership of the Research cluster.

Can a Principal Investigator (PI) or a co-Principal Investigator (co-PI) be part of more than one Research cluster?

A researcher may participate in only one Research cluster as a Principal Investigator (PI) or co–Principal Investigator (co-PI). However, the PI or co-PI may also participate in one or more additional Research clusters as a co-Investigator (co-I) and receive funding through those Research clusters. They may also participate as a Collaborator in additional Research Clusters, without receiving funding.

How many Research clusters can a co-Investigator (co-I) participate in? Are they eligible to receive funding from more than one Research cluster?

Individuals with a co-Investigator (co-I) role may participate in multiple Research clusters and be eligible for funding in each of them. However, it is important to note that decisions regarding the allocation of funding rest with the Principal Investigator (PI) and the co–Principal Investigators (co-PIs).

Is the suggested teIm size of 4–8 researchers a requirement that must be respected, or is it provided as guidance only?

The suggested team size of 4–8 researchers is intended as guidance and is not a mandatory requirement. The only formal constraints are that the team must include a single Principal Investigator (U5) and may include up to three co-Principal Investigators (U5). Beyond these requirements, the composition and size of the team should be determined based on the structure, scope, and needs of the proposed project, particularly with regard to the expertise required for its successful implementation.

Is it necessary to identify the financial or in-kind contributions of partners at the Letter of Intent stage?

Identifying financial or in-kind contributions from partners is not required at the Letter of Intent stage. However, proposals must clearly indicate the nature of stakeholders’ contributions to the project. Additional details will need to be provided at the Full Application stage.

Within the 2027–2030 funding period, will it be possible for a Research cluster to launch internal calls for projects to support emerging initiatives or research themes?

No. It will not be possible to launch internal calls for projects during the 2027-2030 funding period. All projects to be carried out within the Research cluster must be clearly identified and defined at the outset of the funding cycle.

Is it necessary to provide letters of support from stakeholders at the letter of intent stage?

Submission of letters of support is not required at the Letter of Intent stage. They will, however, be requested when submitting the full proposal, at which point additional details regarding stakeholders’ contributions can be provided.

Is the reference list counted as part of the 5-page limit (EN version)?

A list of references supporting the proposed research may be submitted, and is strongly encouraged, as a separate document accompanying the Letter of Intent. References may be submitted in addition to the maximum page limit and will not count toward the total number of pages.

Which CV format should be used? For example, is the Common Canadian CV (e.g., NSERC format) acceptable?

Yes. The Canadian Common CV (CCV) is accepted, including versions used by agencies such as the NSERC. Applicants may also submit the CV format used by any other Canadian research funding agency.

Is it mandatory to use the Letter of Intent template provided on the IVADO website?

Yes. The Letter of Intent must be completed directly in the template provided on the IVADO website. It should not be submitted using any other template.