Overview:
The goal of the Academic Start-Up Fund is to attract and retain high-caliber, early career researchers or researchers new to their role through funding to accelerate the initiation of a research program that will contribute to advancing knowledge and research impact in a ResearchNB priority sector.
Applicants must demonstrate how the hiring of personnel, such as students and research professionals, and/or the purchase of equipment or technology, supports the research program’s development.
By the end of the project, researchers should demonstrate knowledge mobilization activities and a plan to secure diversified funding to sustain the research project.
Leverage:
No leverage is required for this program as it has been designated a 'Seed Fund' for fiscal year 2026-2027 and going forward. Seed Funds will be required to demonstrate future grant capture via a funding map. This map is under development and will be implemented for round 2 in August 2026 with training and samples available before the round opens.
Eligibility:
An early career researcher (ECR) who is within five years of the date of their first independent research-related appointment and has signed an employment contract within six months of the date of submission of the application with a term of at least two years or;
A full-time researcher or faculty member who is new to their role in New Brunswick and has signed an employment contract within six months of the date of submission of the application with a term of at least two years.
Eligible Expenses:
Student stipends, lab and equipment upgrades and other expenses associated with the establishment of a new research program. Please see our Award Guidelines for an exhaustive list.
Award and Reporting:
Award Value: Standard award size is $60000 but awards can range from $30000 to $60000.
Award Duration: Up to 2 years
Anticipated Notice of Decision Date (Round 1): December 10, 2026
Status Reporting: An interim status report at the end of year one and a final status report due three months after the award end date. Awardees are also required to submit 1- and 3-year Impact Reports following the Final Status Report. These reports are to be completed via the application portal. For an explanation of our policy on extensions, see the Award Administration Guidelines.
Evaluation Criteria
Application Form
Fund Manager: alec@researchnb.ca
Academic Start-Up Fund
Overview:
The goal of the Academic Start-Up Fund is to attract and retain high-caliber, early career researchers or researchers new to their role through funding to accelerate the initiation of a research program that will contribute to advancing knowledge and research impact in a ResearchNB priority sector.
Applicants must demonstrate how the hiring of personnel, such as students and research professionals, and/or the purchase of equipment or technology, supports the research program’s development.
By the end of the project, researchers should demonstrate knowledge mobilization activities and a plan to secure diversified funding to sustain the research project.
Leverage:
No leverage is required for this program as it has been designated a 'Seed Fund' for fiscal year 2026-2027 and going forward. Seed Funds will be required to demonstrate future grant capture via a funding map. This map is under development and will be implemented for round 2 in August 2026 with training and samples available before the round opens.
Eligibility:
An early career researcher (ECR) who is within five years of the date of their first independent research-related appointment and has signed an employment contract within six months of the date of submission of the application with a term of at least two years or;
A full-time researcher or faculty member who is new to their role in New Brunswick and has signed an employment contract within six months of the date of submission of the application with a term of at least two years.
Eligible Expenses:
Student stipends, lab and equipment upgrades and other expenses associated with the establishment of a new research program. Please see our Award Guidelines for an exhaustive list.
Award and Reporting:
Award Value: Standard award size is $60000 but awards can range from $30000 to $60000.
Award Duration: Up to 2 years
Anticipated Notice of Decision Date (Round 1): December 10, 2026
Status Reporting: An interim status report at the end of year one and a final status report due three months after the award end date. Awardees are also required to submit 1- and 3-year Impact Reports following the Final Status Report. These reports are to be completed via the application portal. For an explanation of our policy on extensions, see the Award Administration Guidelines.
Evaluation Criteria
Application Form
Fund Manager: alec@researchnb.ca