Nova Scotia Health Research Fund

Anticipated Competition Timeline

Program Overview

Nova Scotia Health Research Fund is an annual competition that aims to build research capacity at Nova Scotia Health and catalyze new research opportunities across disciplines and institutions.

New Expression of Interest (EOI) Stage: We are pleased to introduce a new EOI component as part of the Nova Scotia Health Research Fund 2025 competition.

Only select applicants will be invited to submit full applications based on the EOI stage. This addition will streamline the application review process and ensure applications align with the targeted priorities of Nova Scotia Health. The EOI stage will allow researchers to briefly outline their project ideas, identify potential collaborators, and potentially receive early feedback on project design. This step is designed to strengthen proposals, optimize review processes, and ensure alignment with institutional priorities.

EOI Review Process: Submitted EOIs will be reviewed by a panel of interested parties internal to Nova Scotia Health, who will rank submissions to enhance alignment with institutional priorities and overall quality of full proposals. Applicants will be chosen to submit full proposals based on:

• Impact on Nova Scotia Health/Action for Health Priorities
• Feasibility
• Relevance
• Clinical Significance

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NS Health utilizes an online submission portal for Research Fund applications and related study materials. The NS Health Research Fund application can be accessed via the following link:

Nova Scotia Health Research Fund 2025: Expression of Interest

Applications may be completed on the online submission platform by multiple individuals in real time. If you will be 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: Research.Fund@nshealth.ca

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Support for the development of Research Fund 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 full 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)

Application categories

• Category 1 – up to $100,000 over three years. For experienced researchers who are based at or affiliated with Nova Scotia Health
• Category 2 – up to $100,000 over three years. For early to mid-career researchers who are based at or affiliated with Nova Scotia Health

Program Update: Nova Scotia Health no longer funds student/trainee applications.

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.

Updated Eligibility for Applicants Without Current NS Health Affiliation

To ensure continued access to the Nova Scotia Health Research Fund during the current pause in Scientific Affiliate appointments, 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. These include having an upfront research partnership with a Nova Scotia Health Program or Department, confirmed by a letter of support.

Applicants without an active Scientific Affiliate appointment must:

• Identify a Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) who is internal to Nova Scotia Health on their Expression of Interest and application. The Co-PI will act as award holder, if the funding application is successful.
• Provide a letter of support from the Nova Scotia Health Program or Department supporting the project and Scientific Affiliate appointment if selected to proceed to the full application stage
• Obtain a Scientific Affiliate appointment prior to accepting a Research Fund award, if successful.

The supporting Nova Scotia Health Program or Department must confirm their operational support for the project (e.g., access to NS Health systems or devices), and the appointment must include clearly defined objectives and deliverables that benefit Nova Scotia Health.

Nova Scotia Health Institutional Priorities

Priority will be given to research grants that align with priorities of Nova Scotia Health, the Department of Health and Wellness, and the Department of Seniors and Long-Term Care.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to align their proposals with Nova Scotia Health's six core solutions for healthcare, as outlined in the provincial Action for Health plan:

• Solution One: Become a Magnet for Health Providers
• Solution Two: Provide the Care Nova Scotians Need and Deserve
• Solution Three: Cultivate Excellence on The Frontlines
• Solution Four: Build in Accountability at Every Level
• Solution Five: Be Responsive and Resilient
• Solution Six: Address the Factors Affecting Health and Well-Being

A portion of the funding available for this competition may be allocated to support applications from teams outside Central Zone.

Please Note: 

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

Please note that funding awarded via internal programs (such as NSH-RF or QE2 TRIC) must not be used for indirect costs.