SSHRC, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council, invites proposals for the Convening the Canadian Meta-Research Community Connection Grant. This special funding opportunity supports gatherings and outreach activities that bring together metaresearchers from diverse disciplines, regions, and institutions to advance the study of research itself and its practice. The initiative aims to foster knowledge sharing, collaboration, and the development of strategic outputs—such as roadmaps, gap analyses, or research agendas—that enhance the relevance and application of Canadian metascience in policy and research funding practice. Up to two grants will be awarded, each providing up to $50,000 to support a 12-month event or outreach effort.

Overview and Objectives

The core objective of this special grant is to convene the Canadian metaresearch community, enabling connections among researchers, policy-makers, and stakeholders across disciplines, regions, and institutions. By bringing together diverse voices, the opportunity seeks to nurture collaboration and knowledge exchange that transcends geographic and disciplinary boundaries. A key aim is to produce tangible outputs—such as a roadmap, gap analysis, or concrete research agenda—that clarifies priorities and activities for Canadian metascience. Ultimately, the grant seeks to enhance the relevance of metascience to research policy, funding practice, and the broader research ecosystem in Canada.

In practice, the opportunity emphasizes cross-cutting engagement and concrete deliverables. It recognizes that metaresearch benefits from coordinated efforts that connect researchers with policymakers and stakeholders who shape research funding and practice. The proposed event or outreach activity should operationalize collaboration across regions and institutions, while contributing to a visible, forward-looking plan for Canadian metascience. By focusing on actionable outputs, SSHRC aims to strengthen the integration of metascience findings into policy-relevant discussions and decision-making processes.

Funding Details and Eligibility

Value and duration anchor the grant in a compact, outcome-oriented timeframe. Each successful proposal may receive up to $50,000 to support activities conducted over a 12-month period. SSHRC will fund a maximum of two applications under this special call, underscoring the selective nature of the opportunity while encouraging high-quality, impactful initiatives. Eligible activities are limited to event or outreach formats designed to convene and advance the Canadian metaresearch community.

• Funding amount: Up to $50,000 per grant
• Duration: 12 months
• Number of grants: Up to two
• Eligible activities: Events or outreach activities that convene metaresearchers and stakeholders
• Geographic scope: Nationwide across Canada, with encouragement for cross-region collaboration

Eligibility follows the standard Connection Grants framework. The specific requirements of the Connection Grants opportunity apply to this special call, meaning applicants should review the broader program criteria and thresholds as part of their planning. While the document does not reproduce all standard eligibility details, it emphasizes alignment with SSHRC’s expectations for research funding and grant administration, including governance, collaboration, and deliverables that demonstrate clear impact and reach.

Application Process, Timelines, and Identification

Submission windows are tied to SSHRC’s February Connection Grants competition, with a firm deadline of February 1, 2026. Applicants should prepare proposals that align with the special purpose of convening the Canadian metaresearch community and address the stated objectives. To be considered under this special call, applicants must identify their proposal appropriately at the outset of the application process.

• Timing: Applications accepted in the February Connection Grants competition
• Deadline: February 1, 2026
• Identification requirement: Include “Convening Meta-Research” at the start of the application title
• Important note: Applications not correctly identified will not be considered for this special call

In addition to the title requirement, applicants should anticipate that the application will be evaluated using the standard Connection Grants merit framework, with attention to how the proposed activity advances cross-disciplinary collaboration and produces impactful outputs. The governing regulations, policies, and related information of the Connection Grants opportunity also apply to this special call, ensuring consistency with SSHRC’s administrative and ethical expectations. Applicants may wish to review the broader program guidelines to ensure full alignment with scoring criteria, eligibility prerequisites, and reporting requirements.

Review Process, Criteria, and Related Information

Merit review follows the established Connection Grants framework, adapted to evaluate the unique goals of convening the metaresearch community. Proposals will be assessed on factors including relevance to metaresearch development, potential for cross-disciplinary collaboration, regional and institutional diversification, and the likelihood that outputs will advance policy and funding practices in Canada. Scoring will reflect the ability of the proposed activity to achieve one or more of the specified objectives: knowledge sharing and relationship building, roadmap or output development, and practical impact on research policy and practice.

The review process rewards proposals that demonstrate strategic planning, feasibility, and a clear plan for knowledge translation or dissemination. Proposals should articulate a credible governance structure, stakeholder engagement plan, and a feasible timeline that can be completed within the 12-month period. Success hinges on the quality of the network built, the strength of collaboration across communities, and the practicality of the expected deliverables in influencing future metascience work and policy discussions in Canada.

• Evaluation basis: Connection Grants criteria and scoring method
• Key objectives addressed: cross-disciplinary collaboration, roadmap/gap analysis, policy and funding relevance
• Outputs: concrete deliverables such as roadmaps, research agendas, or analyses

Merit review also considers feasibility, sustainability of collaboration beyond the grant period, and the potential for long-term engagement within the Canadian metaresearch ecosystem. Applicants should present a compelling plan for how the convening activity will catalyze ongoing interaction among researchers and stakeholders and how the outputs will be disseminated to maximize reach and impact. SSHRC’s formal review criteria, policies, and guidelines apply to ensure consistency and integrity throughout the evaluation process.

Regulations, Policies, and Contact

All regulations, policies, and related information associated with the Connection Grants funding opportunity apply to this special call. This alignment ensures consistency with SSHRC’s program governance, reporting requirements, and ethical standards, and it clarifies the responsibilities of grant recipients in managing funds and reporting progress and outcomes. Applicants should prepare to adhere to standard grant administration practices, including budgeting, governance, and dissemination requirements, as defined by SSHRC and the broader federal research funding framework.

• Regulations and policies: standard Connection Grants terms apply
• Contact information: Email: connection@sshrc-crsh.gc.ca
• Additional guidance: Applicants may consult the SSHRC pages for Connection Grants for related information on eligibility, reporting, and evaluation

For further assistance or clarifications, applicants can reach SSHRC via the provided contact channel. The page also includes general information about feedback and page updates, with a last modification date indicating ongoing maintenance of program details. This ensures applicants are working with the most current guidance when preparing their proposals.