(2009-01-30) The Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) Program is a federal initiative administered jointly through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) in partnership with Industry Canada. The program aims to mobilize Canada's research talent in the academic, private and public sectors and apply it to the task of developing the economy and improving the quality of life of Canadians. 

On December 1, 2008, the NCE Steering Committee issued a call for Letters of Intent (LOIs) for the 2009 Competition for new Networks. The LOI describes problem(s), challenge(s), or opportunity(ies) that the proposed Network will address, as well as the proposed Network's vision, socioeconomic context, budget and key participants. It should also summarize how the proposed Network will address the five NCE Program Criteria, the NCE Program goals and objectives and the target research areas. 

The 2009 Competition has a target budget of $75M over five years. It is anticipated that three to four networks may be funded and begin operations in 2009. New networks are eligible to receive funding for up to two 5-year terms for a total of 10 years. For networks funded for the full 10 years, a third (and final) term could be available where the network has transformed itself into a partner-driven network. 

For more information on this Competition, including opportunities to attend an Information Session, please consult the NCE website.

For more information about knowledge translation and/or related funding opportunities, please contact us at kse-sec@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

Ian Graham, PhD
Vice-President, Knowledge Translation