The CFI IF supports the modernization, acquisition, development or leasing of research infrastructure that:

• enables internationally competitive research or technology development through equitable participation of expert team members;
• enhances and optimizes the capacity of institutions and research communities to conduct the proposed research or technology development program(s) over the useful life of the infrastructure; and
• leads to social, health, environmental and/or economic benefits for Canadians.

The CFI will provide a maximum of 40% of total project costs to successful projects. It is anticipated that a further 40% will be requested from Ontario’s Ministry of Colleges and Universities (MCU) and, if applicable, the provinces of other participating institutions. The remaining 20% is traditionally provided through vendor discounts, institutional and/or other eligible sources.

The CFI limits the amount of funding an institution may request for the IF competition by providing each institution with a defined allocation. Although McMaster’s allocation is unknown at this time, it is anticipated that the allocation will be insufficient to allow the submission of all McMaster proposals. McMaster will therefore undertake an internal selection process which will begin with submission of a Notice of Intent (NOI).

Submission of the NOI

By January 11, 2024, researchers who are interested in requesting a portion of McMaster’s allocation, either as Team Leaders (maximum two per proposal) or as participants in projects led by other institutions, will complete and submit an NOI form to ROADS.

Meeting to discuss the NOI

Upon receipt of the completed NOI form, a meeting will be arranged with the Vice-President Research, the Associate Vice-President Research, your Associate Dean Research/Vice-Dean Research, representatives of ROADS, and representatives of Health Research Services (as applicable) to discuss:

• your proposal, including:
  • how you intend to apply principles of equity and diversity when composing the team and deciding its leadership (it is not expected that team lead(s) will have an established team by the date of the meeting),
  • whether or not the requested infrastructure will be housed within an existing or new core research platform (McMaster is committed to developing a university-wide approach to the management and support of research platforms in a sustainable fashion through the consolidation of infrastructure and expertise for the most efficient use of resources),
  • the extent to which the proposed initiative supports McMaster’s Strategic Research Plan;
• institutional support available to help you develop a competitive CFI IF application; and
• next steps in McMaster’s internal selection process.