REDI Phase 2 Transition Process Guidelines (2022 and 2025 Funding Opportunities)

The Phase 2 portion of the CIHR REDI Early Career Transition Award (2022 and 2025) will only be open to individuals who are funded in Phase 1 and who are ready to transition into an independent research faculty position.

For all inquiries related to REDI Phase 2, please contact the CIHR REDI Support Team at redi-edir@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

General inquiries related to REDI Phase 1 and other CIHR funding opportunities should continue to be sent to CIHR Contact Center at support-soutien@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

High-level Overview of Steps to Transition to Phase 2

1. Interview Phase: When you are ready to start interviewing for your independent research position:
   • Contact the CIHR REDI Support Team at redi-edir@cihr-irsc.gc.ca to let us know and to ask any questions you may have related to the CIHR requirements for a job offer to ensure you will meet the eligibility for Phase 2 of REDI.
   • CIHR also strongly recommends that you connect with your Mentorship and REDI Awardee Network for guidance on interviewing, highlighting the value the REDI award brings, and the negotiation process.
2. Offer Negotiation Phase: During your offer negotiation with the host institution, ensure the institution can meet all the CIHR criteria for the transition to Phase 2 (see Eligible Positions for Phase 2, Matching Requirements, and details in the Transition Package, below).
   • An Information Sheet for REDI Phase 2 Host Institutions will be provided to ensure that the organization has easy access to the list of CIHR criteria.
   • We strongly encourage you to contact CIHR REDI Support Team at redi-edir@cihr-irsc.gc.ca prior to or during the negotiations with the Phase 2 Host Institutions to ensure you understand the eligibility criteria for Phase 2 positions and what must be included in the Transition Package to avoid a potential delay in the release of Phase 2 funds.
   • Phase 2 Host Institutions are also encouraged to email CIHR REDI Support Team at redi-edir@cihr-irsc.gc.ca should they have any questions.
3. CIHR Administrative Review for Phase 2 Transition: At least 2 months before the start date of your independent research position, and once you have signed your Offer Letter, gather the required documents from the host institution, prepare the Transition Report, and submit the completed Transition Package to the CIHR REDI Support Team at redi-edir@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.
   • Note: If the start date of your Phase 2 position will be soon after the anniversary of your Phase 1 award start date, you must inform the REDI Support Team at redi-edir@cihr-irsc.gc.ca as this will impact the funds available for the first year of Phase 2.
4. Independent Research Phase: Start your independent research position and enter Phase 2 of REDI. Congratulations!

Eligible Positions for Phase 2

To receive Phase 2 funding, the Nominated Principal Applicant (NPA) must hold an independent researcher position in Canada that meets one of the following criteria:

• A tenure-track academic research-intensive faculty position with evidence of independence along the typical academic career path (e.g. Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor).
• A non-tenure-track, research-intensive academic position (e.g. research faculty) at a post-secondary academic institution that provides opportunities to build a long-term independent research career, supervise trainees, and secure additional research funding.
• A non-tenure-track position at a hospital (e.g. clinician scientist) with a cross-appointment at a post-secondary academic institution, that together provides opportunities to build a long-term independent research career, supervise trainees, and secure additional research funding.
• A position that combines a substantive, independent research role at a health services, community-based or Indigenous-led organization affiliated with a Canadian post-secondary institution with an adjunct or status-only academic research faculty appointment at a post-secondary institution, that:
  • Is aligned with the objectives of the REDI program and has demonstrated a commitment to supporting the NPA's independent research program,
  • Provides opportunities and appropriate infrastructure and support to build a long-term independent research career, supervise trainees, publish research results and secure additional research funding.

Additional Requirements for All Phase 2 Positions

• The NPA must have a substantive role in Canada which means that the primary place of employment or primary appointment is in Canada (affiliated with a Canadian postsecondary institution and/or their affiliated institution).
• The host institution must be authorized to administer CIHR funds before the funding can be released. The requirements for CIHR-eligible institutions are detailed in the Institutional Eligibility Requirements for the Administration of Grants and Awards. A high-level summary is provided below:
  • be a financially viable Canadian institution/organization;
  • have a health research or knowledge translation mandate that can be substantiated;
  • have effective policies, administrative systems, procedures, and controls in place to ensure the funds are used appropriately and that the activities supported are conducted in accordance with the highest ethical and financial standards;
  • sign the Agreement on the Administration of Agency Grants and Awards by Research Institutions.
  If the Institution Paid is not on the List of CIHR Eligible Institutions, they are encouraged to contact the CIHR Contact Centre

Funds Available

As indicated in the 2022 and 2025 funding opportunities, each REDI award provides a maximum amount of $660,000, regardless of how long the NPA spends in Phase 1. Funding is provided for a maximum of six (6) years through two specific Phases:

• At Phase 1, the maximum amount per award is $90,000 per year for up to three (3) years, for a total of up to $270,000 per award.
  • $20,000 per year for the research allowance; and
  • $70,000 per year for the stipend.
• At Phase 2, the maximum amount per award is $120,000 per year for up to three (3) years if NPAs spend three (3) years in Phase 1 or up to four (4) years if NPAs spend two (2) years in Phase 1.
  • Maximum of $60,000 per year (50%) as contribution to salary; and
  • Minimum of $60,000 per year (50%) as research allowance.

Note: The research allowance in Phase 1 and Phase 2 can be used in accordance with Tri-Agency Guide on Financial Administration (TAGFA), and includes direct costs related to the REDI research (e.g., salaries/stipends for research personnel/trainees, research materials, equipment, travel, knowledge mobilization). See the FAQ for more information.

Phase 2 Host Institution Commitment

During Phase 2, the host institution must provide support to the NPA that demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to their independent research career.

Phase 2 Host Institution Matching Requirements:

• Host institutions are expected to provide a minimum cash contribution that matches the total CIHR contribution by at least 1:1 during Phase 2. Matching funds may include funds for:
  • the NPA's salary,
  • the NPA's research program, and/or
  • stipends/salaries for trainees or laboratory/research program personnel dedicated to the NPA's research program.
• See the FAQ for example matching arrangements.
• Notes:
  • While a Tri-agency award cannot be held concurrently with other career support/training awards funded by a Canadian federal funding source, given the flexibility in how NPAs can shape their CIHR contribution in Phase 2, NPAs are advised to contact the REDI team for an assessment.

CIHR recognizes some NPAs may wish to build their independent research careers at organizations such as community-based, Indigenous, or other organizations, that may not be able to fully meet the Phase 2 requirements outlined under Eligible Phase 2 Positions and/or Phase 2 Host Institution Commitments (see above).

While the REDI program is designed to ensure the Phase 2 Host Institution provide sufficient support for NPAs to establish an independent research career, including supervising trainees, research dissemination and securing additional funding. CIHR acknowledges that flexibility regarding the 1:1 matching contributions and other Phase 2 requirements may be needed. In such cases, CIHR will consider on a case-by-case basis whether the proposed Phase 2 position, resources and environment adequately support the NPA's independent research program and career progression and align with the objectives of the REDI program. NPAs who anticipate they may be in this situation are encouraged to contact the CIHR REDI Support Team at redi-edir@cihr-irsc.gc.ca prior to or during their interviews for Phase 2 positions to discuss.

Transition Package Documents

The NPA will be required to submit a Transition Package to CIHR at least two (2) months prior to the Phase 2 position start date. This Package must contain:

• A copy of the Transition Report that needs to be submitted in Phase 1, as indicated in the CIHR Conditions of Funding in the CIHR REDI Early Career Transition Award funding opportunity (2022 or 2025 as applicable). This report includes:
  • A summary of outcomes during Phase 1 (e.g. related to research, mentorship and career development);
  • A description of how the research allowance portion and Community Engagement and Knowledge Mobilization supplement (if applicable) of the award funds have been used to date;
  • A joint assessment by the NPA and Primary Mentor(s) (See Information Letter on the Role of the Primary Mentor for additional information); and
  • An updated project summary, research plan and budget to reflect updated plans for Phase 2.
• Phase 2 Budget Confirmation Form completed by the NPA, which provides a breakdown of CIHR and host institution contributions that together total at least $240,000 per year. Detailed instructions are found on the form.
• The NPA's Offer Letter for their Phase 2 full-time independent research faculty appointment from the Host Institution.
• A Letter from the Phase 2 Host Institution (e.g., Dean or appropriate authority) that includes the following:
  • A statement attesting that the offer is in line with institutional policies and is comparable to what has been given for other recently hired equivalent faculty positions at the host institution.
  • The Host Institution's plans to support the NPA's mentorship and career development, including support and mentoring to be provided to the NPA to apply for and secure independent research grants (e.g., tri-agency, other funders) and set up a successful research program during Phase 2 of the award.
  • The Host Institution's commitment to equity and diversity, and efforts taken to ensure research environments are inclusive, safe, and supportive, and strategies it employs to promote the success of early-stage faculty.
  • The Host Institution's commitment to the NPA beyond the term of the award. In alignment with this funding opportunity's strategic objective of enhancing the probability of the NPAs' future success in launching successful careers as independent research faculty members in Canada, the Host Institution must demonstrate a commitment to support the research career development of the NPA both during and beyond the term of this award. Support beyond the term of the award may take different forms depending on the academic setting and entry position of the NPA. This includes what actions will be taken or opportunities that may exist to support the future employment of the NPA as an independent researcher.
  • The Host Institution's commitment to the NPA to provide a minimum of 75% protected time to dedicate to their independent research program and if this conflicts with institutional policies, then percent protected time for research should be in line with institutional policies for other tri-agency award holders (e.g., CRC Tier 2 Chairs) in equivalent faculty positions. The NPA may engage in other duties (e.g., teaching, clinical, service duties) as part of the remaining percent of their full-time professional effort, if such duties do not interfere with, or detract from, the proposed career development plan.
  • The Host Institution's commitment to provide dedicated space for research activities, with dedicated access to equipment, facilities, infrastructure, and other support needed to conduct the proposed independent research program and perform knowledge mobilization activities (considering accessibility and accommodation requirements).
• Any information not provided in the Offer Letter that is needed for the administrative review.

CIHR will review the Transition Package prior to the release of Phase 2 funding and will not release Phase 2 funding if the institutional commitment is initially deemed inadequate or requires clarification or additional information from the NPA or Host Institution.

Phase 2 Conditions of Funding

Conditions of Funding

• The matching host institution contributions at a minimum 1:1 ratio (see Phase 2 Host Institution Commitment, above, for details) must be confirmed to CIHR in writing at least 2 months before the transition date to Phase 2. This confirmation must be received and deemed satisfactory by CIHR prior to the release of funds.
• Phase 2 funding will only begin after proof that a full-time faculty or equivalent position is provided by the employing organization.
• The Nominated Principal Applicant may not hold another federally funded salary/Chair award (i.e., from CIHR, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council [NSERC], and/or Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council [SSHRC]) if the Phase 2 REDI Award includes a salary component. Given the flexibility in how NPAs can shape their CIHR contribution, they are encouraged to contact the CIHR REDI Support Team at redi-edir@cihr-irsc.gc.ca for an assessment.
• The CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity (III) and partners seek to collect information on the outputs, outcomes, and knowledge mobilization activities of this funding opportunity as part of their commitment to evaluate the impact of their investments and benefits to the research communities, and to help guide the improvement of future programs and initiatives. As such, the NPA must submit:
  • Annual brief written, video, or audio progress updates in those years that other formal reports, defined below, are not being submitted.
  • Progress updates (e.g., presentation) at the CIHR REDI Forums to be held every 2 years.
  • A Transition Report, at least 2 months prior to the transition to Phase 2 (see Transition Package, above for more information).
  • Final Report to CIHR and other contributing agencies within 3 months of award completion (end of Phase 2).
  • Notes:
    • All reports templates, including instructions for audio and video progress reports, will be made available to the NPA at the beginning of the funding period and can be filled in as research progresses.
    • Annual Reports are due within 2 months of the anniversary of the award start date.
    • The NPA must submit all reports to CIHR and the partners contributing to the NPA's award. CIHR will share reports with partners supporting the NPA's award should the agencies request them. This information will contribute to the development of future launches of the REDI program.
• In addition to the above, the NPA may be required to contribute, if requested, to the monitoring, review, and evaluation of the CIHR REDI program, which may include participating in verbal updates, evaluation studies, surveys, workshops, audits, and/or by providing data or reports as required for the purpose of collecting information to assess program progress and results.
• CIHR and partners require that their contribution to the NPA's research (Phase 1 and 2) be acknowledged in all written and oral presentations of your research results, including scientific articles, news releases, news conferences, public lectures, and media interviews.
• Applicants are required to reserve and allocate travel costs in their Phase 2 budget for up to two trips within Canada to attend the 2-day CIHR REDI Forums held every 2 years.
• NPAs who are successful in this competition are strongly encouraged to actively participate in peer review, and as members of the CIHR College of Reviewers, when invited.

Adjudication Process

A set of criteria have been developed to determine what constitutes an eligible independent research faculty position for Phase 2 of the award (see Eligible Positions for Phase 2 criteria above). Given the evolving nature of the academic research ecosystem and the opportunity for lessons learned through this initiative, the interpretation of these criteria may evolve over time.

The interpretation of these criteria is guided by:

• the strategic objectives of the 2022 or 2025 funding opportunities (as applicable), and
• that the institutional employment offer to the NPA and the Host Institution's contributions to match CIHR funds shall be in accordance with institutional policies for other tri-agency award holders (e.g., CIHR Tier 2 Chairs) in equivalent faculty positions.

An internal review, which will not evaluate the science, will be conducted by CIHR to confirm whether:

• the NPA has met all the criteria to transition to Phase 2 of the award (see Eligible Positions for Phase 2, Phase 2 Host Institution Matching Requirements, and details in the Transition Package, above); and
• has included all required documents in the Transition Package (see Transition Package Documents, above).

Funding Decision

Transition Packages that receive a final recommendation of Pass will be funded.

The names of successfully funded NPAs will be published on the CIHR website.

Date modified:

2025-10-01