RI-MUHC Fall 2026 Sustaining Excellence Competition

Purpose

The Sustaining Excellence Program is designed to support outstanding researchers at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre by sustaining the momentum of their research programs for up to one additional year, providing the time and resources needed to revise and resubmit proposals and increase their likelihood of securing CIHR funding.

Term

Research projects may last up to 12 months.

Award Value

An award value of up to $100,000 may be requested. The number of awards will depend on available funding and the quality of applications.

Timelines

• Application deadline: September 14 , 2026

• Notice of Decision: End September, 2026

• Funding Start date: October 1, 2026

Eligibility

• The Nominated Principal Applicant must hold a primary researcher designation as Scientist or Investigator at The Institute;

• The Nominated Principal Applicant must not have received funding through this competition for the same project within the previous 12 months;

• Ranked within the 89.99%-75% and 74.99%-50% percent rank zones of the previous CIHR Project Grant Fall 2025 competition but did not receive funding.

• The Nominated Principal Applicant must have received Scientific Officers Notes.

Application Package

1.  Expression of Interest (EOI) (Max 2 pages)

Please provide a concise summary that:

• Gives an overview of the submission history of the project, specifying whether this is a first submission, first resubmission, second resubmission, etc., and briefly noting any major revisions or improvements made since the previous submission(s).

• Where applicable, demonstrates alignment with the Institute 2030 Vision, highlighting how the proposed initiative supports strategic priorities such as innovation, collaboration, sustainability, and societal impact.

• Explains how this funding support will enhance the project's competitiveness, positioning it to attract future funding and partnerships.

• A defined list of all current funding sources (internal/external) and explain how this funding support will enhance the project's competitiveness, positioning it to attract future funding.

• Provide a budget for a one-year funding period.

2. Additional documents required:

• Notice of Decision for the unsuccessful CIHR application

• Scientific Officer's Notes

• All previewer’s reviewer's comments

• Proof the unsuccessful CIHR application underwent internal scientific review in that round.

Priority will be based on the availability of funds and the likelihood to secure peer-reviewed funding.

Award

Funds will be disbursed in two installments. The first installment will be issued October 1. The second installment (April 1, 2027) will be withheld if the project is funded within the first six months of receiving this award. The award must be used within 12 months as per the agreed budget.

Reporting

A final progress report is due at the end of the one-year funding period. The report should include: 

• Title and description of the funded research initiative.

• Names of the Principal Investigator and research team members.

• An overview describing the project’s progress against its proposed goals, noting developments, achievements, key impacts, and discoveries during this funding period.

• Other notable achievements related to this research, including any publications, presentations, or other knowledge translation activities.

• Financial report on the use of funds.

• Plans for the next year, including any updates from the original proposal.

• An update on the submission of an application to CIHR or a similar body and the expected notification of success. 

A template will be provided. 

For more information, please contact: pre-awards.rimuhc@muhc.mcgill.ca

The Institute is committed to advancing Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and encourages all researchers to integrate EDI— including sex‑ and gender‑based considerations—into every funding application. For guidance or strategies to incorporate rigorous and inclusive practices into your research design, please contact diego.herrera@muhc.mcgill.ca