Background 

ResearchNB is launching the Funding Optimization Project. As part of this Project, ResearchNB we will be engaging with researchers and administrators throughout NB to better understand how our programs are supporting their needs and what critical gaps they feel need to be addressed.   

Objectives 

The objectives of the funding optimization project are:

– Review and improve user experiences with ResearchNB funding applications, administration, and reporting requirements.
– Generate a deeper understanding of unmet provincial research funding needs across the health and biosciences priority sectors.
– Realign or redesign research funding programs that best meet the needs of researchers.  :

Methods 

This project will be ongoing for 12 months and key activities will include: 

– Electronic survey questionnaires distributed to broader research community and those who have received funding from ResearchNB (or NBHRF) in the past.
– Key informant interviews on research funding gaps, administration, and impact with research administrators.
– Focus groups with researchers on the barriers, gaps, facilitators, and impact of provincial research funding on NB’s research and innovation ecosystem. 

Outcomes 

Through this process we will emerge with valuable and robust funding programs that help New Brunswick researchers advance discovery. A final report outlining what we heard, along with recommendations on the delivery of research funding for NB will be made publicly available on or before April 2025. 

As we move through this process, you may notice some changes to our current funding programs. We will post all the changes to our website and through our social media channels. Those applicants who have already been notified of a decision or have already submitted an application to one of our programs can rest assured that any changes will not affect their current awarded funding or application.

FAQs

If you have any questions about this survey or the Funding Optimization Project in general, please contact:

Patti Ryan
Chief Operating Officer
patti@researchNB.ca
+1 506 455 8886