Department of Health and Wellness' Priority Research Fund 2026

Anticipated Competition Timeline:

Program Overview

The Department of Health and Wellness (DHW) 2026 Priority Fund will support targeted projects dedicated to work that align with the province’s health research priorities. This funding is provided by DHW to support the advancement of projects in two priority interest areas.

As part of the application process applicants must acknowledged and agreed that all raw data, aggregated data, results and derived insights collected, accessed, used or created as part of a funded project will be shared with DHW for use in departmental planning including potential disclosure to the public and third parties.

Nova Scotia Health utilizes an online submission portal for grant applications and related study materials. The application can be accessed via the following link: 

Nova Scotia Health Submission Manager

Applications may be completed on the online submission platform by multiple individuals in real time. If you are drafting your proposal collaboratively, simply follow the online instructions.

We will not accept uploaded standalone application forms through the online portal.

For information or application support: researchdevelopment@nshealth.ca

Support for the development of grant applications will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Please contact the Research Methods Unit (RMU) at least four weeks prior to the funding deadline if you’re seeking RMU support for the development of your grant application.
• Maritime SPOR Support Unit (MSSU) guidelines on patient partner compensation can be found here: Patient-Public-Partner-Appreciation-Policy-Approved-July-26-2023.pdf (mssu.ca)For information or application support: researchdevelopment@nshealth.ca

Funding Streams

This program will fund projects (up to $250,000 total over 3 years) in two target streams. Each stream will fund one successful project.

Please see the following information on each stream:

• DHW Priority Funding Projects - Stream 1 & 2.pdf

Eligibility

• Open to Nova Scotia Health team members, including physicians, nursing and allied health professionals, administrators, other employees, and Scientific Affiliates.
   
  • Casual Employees are ineligible to serve as Principal Investigator or award holder (Casual Employee: An employee appointed to work on a non-regular, as-needed (i.e., no guaranteed hours) basis, depending on funding and assigned a contracted timeline.)

• Eligibility for Applicants Without Current Nova Scotia Health Affiliation
   
  • Researchers based at a Nova Scotian university who are not currently affiliated with Nova Scotia Health may still apply, provided they meet Scientific Affiliate eligibility criteria. If their grant is successful, these researchers will need to apply for a Scientific Affiliate appointment or identify an active eligible co-leader to serve as prime fund holder.

Program Priorities

Funding is contingent on applicants and successful awardees working collaboratively (or in consultation) with priority stakeholders in the Department of Health and Wellness. These individuals will be determined at the time of award.

Please Note: 

Research grants administered through Nova Scotia Health must use Nova Scotia Health salary scales and benefits. Please contact Nova Scotia Health Human Resources team for assistance with determining the appropriate salary scales for research positions. To cover the cost of benefit entitlements for Part-time and Full-time Long Assignment positions, 25% must be added on top of salaries. 15% benefits are required for Part-time or Full-time Short Assignments and Casual Relief positions.

Please note that funding awarded via Nova Scotia Health internal programs must not be used for indirect costs.