Nova Scotia Health Research Fund

2026 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.

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

Expression of Interest (EOI) Stage: 

• The 2026 Cycle includes an Expression of Interest stage as part of the application process. This step is mandatory.
• 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.
• EOI Review Process: Submitted EOIs will be reviewed by a panel of interested parties internal to Nova Scotia Health. 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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Submission Process:

• NS Health utilizes an online submission portal for Research Fund applications. The NS Health Research Fund 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 will be drafting your proposal collaboratively, simply follow the online instructions.
• We will not accept uploaded standalone application forms through the online portal.

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Program Update: For the 2026 cycle, applicants may only make 1 submission per PI.

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.
• Applicants Without Current Nova Scotia Health Affiliation
  • Prospective applicants who are not formally affiliated with Nova Scotia Health must apply for Scientific Affiliate status to be eligible for Nova Scotia Health Research Fund. If the applicant meets the eligibility requirements for a Scientific Affiliate appointment, they will be eligible to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). Where a Scientific Affiliate application is submitted specifically in support of a Nova Scotia Health Research Fund application, the Scientific Affiliate application may be conditionally accepted, pending the outcome of the Nova Scotia Health Research Fund competition. Prospective applicants without current Nova Scotia Health affiliation must apply for Scientific Affiliate status in advance of the Nova Scotia Health Research Fund deadline and are encouraged to contact ScientificAppointments@nshealth.ca to ensure eligibility requirements are met.
  • For more information on Scientific Affiliate eligibility requirements, see the Scientific Affiliate Appointments page.

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: 

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