CIHR Strategic Master’s Awards (SMA)

Purpose
The CIHR Strategic Master’s Award (SMA) specific objective of this funding opportunity is to help develop research skills and assist in the training of highly qualified personnel (HQP) by supporting students who demonstrate high potential in undergraduate and early graduate studies whose applications are relevant to any of the research areas. For more information: San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA)

Eligibility
• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or Protected Person status.
• Be enrolled in an eligible research-oriented graduate program at a Canadian institution with an allocation.
• Completed by December 31, 2026: A maximum of 18 months of full-time studies (or equivalent) with at least 12 months of study remaining upon award activation in one of the following programs:
• For detailed eligibility, please visit Eligibility to Apply

Application Process
The application is managed through ResearchNet and consists of several key steps:
• Applicants and supervisors must have a CIHR PIN and a ResearchNet account.
• A complete application requires a Canadian Common CV and official transcripts.
• A detailed one-page research project summary.
• Two Research Training Environment Letters of Support Form (Assessment Forms). The forms must be completed and signed by supervisors who are familiar with the applicant’s work.
• SMA-Program of Study Information form signed by the institutional Scholarship Liaison Officer (Please reach out to CGPS, Graduate Scholarships and Awards Services for coordination).
• SGBA+ Certificate from the CIHR interactive module on Sex- and Gender-Based Analysis.

Selection Criteria
• Assessment focuses on the significance of the proposed project to health sciences, the clarity of research objectives, and the soundness of the methodology
• Supervisor’s commitment to mentoring and the institution’s ability to provide necessary facilities, funding, and an inclusive training space.
• Research Potential: The clarity and significance of the proposed research project.
• Proposals must demonstrate meaningful integration of sex and gender considerations (SGBA+) and, where applicable, culturally safe engagement with Indigenous communities.

The CIHR SMA opportunity start date is July 21, 2027. All applications must be thoroughly reviewed and submitted to the ResearchNet portal by January 14, 2027.