What we fund
The Challenge Fund creates opportunities for researchers to work in multinational collaborative teams. These large-scale ventures are made possible through partnerships between IDRC and Canadian or international research granting councils.
The projects we fund facilitate the generation and sharing of knowledge across regions and countries. We support initiatives that complement IDRC’s existing program areas.
Our partnerships
The initiatives we support include:
Our collaboration with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council supports alliances between community organizations and universities. This initiative fosters mutual learning and new knowledge about socio-economic developments in Canada and developing countries.
In partnership with the Canada Research Chairs Program, we pair top research talent from universities in Canada with their counterparts in developing countries. These specialists share their advanced skills and knowledge to confront issues of common concern while mentoring a new generation of scholars and practitioners.
In 2009, eight research partnerships between scholars in Canada and their peers in the developing countries were created. You can learn more about the research teams and the projects they will undertake here.
- International Partnerships Initiative
IDRC collaborated with the Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada to support the development of research networks and knowledge exchange between Canadian and developing-country researchers.
We support the creation and use of health research by developing-country researchers. Through this Canadian partnership, we fund collaborations between researchers and policymakers, practitioners, civil society organizations, and communities.
How to apply
For details on how to apply for IDRC funding, including instructions and application forms, please consult our Funding page.