Nova Scotia Health Research Fund 2026 Expression of Interest (EOI)

Program Overview

Nova Scotia Health Research Fund is an annual competition that aims to build research capacity at Nova Scotia Health and catalyze new research opportunities across disciplines and institutions. 

Nova Scotia Health team members are eligible to apply, including physicians, nursing and allied health professionals, administrators, other employees, and Scientific Affiliates.

• Nova Scotia Health staff in casual positions are ineligible to serve as Principal Investigator or award holder.

NOTE: Principal Investigators are limited to one submission per competition cycle. 

Additional information can be found on the Innovation Hub website.

Application categories:

• Category 1 – up to $100,000 over three years. For experienced researchers who are based at or affiliated with Nova Scotia Health
• Category 2 – up to $100,000 over three years. For early to mid-career researchers who are based at or affiliated with Nova Scotia Health

Please consult the CIHR glossary of funding terms for definitions related to researcher status, using the number of years of experience as guidance for selecting the most appropriate award category. Applicants with less than 15 years of experience may choose to apply to Category 1.

EOI Review Process: 

Submitted EOIs will be reviewed by a panel of interested parties internal to Nova Scotia Health, who will rank submissions to enhance alignment with institutional priorities and overall quality of full proposals. Applicants will be chosen to submit full proposals based on:

• Impact on Nova Scotia Health/Action for Health Priorities
• Feasibility
• Relevance
• Clinical Significance

Anticipated Competition Timeline

Expression of Interest (EoI) deadline: May 21, 2026 at 16:00 ADT

Notification of EoI Stage Results: July 17, 2026 at 16:00 ADT

Full Application Deadline: September 24, 2026 at 16:00 ADT

Dissemination of Competition Results: November, 2026

Please contact Research.Fund@nshealth.ca with any questions.

Department of Health and Wellness' Priority Research Fund 2026

The DHW Priority Research Fund 2026 will support targeted projects dedicated to work that align with the province’s health research priorities. This funding is provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness to support the advancement of projects in two priority interest areas.

As part of the application process applicants must acknowledged and agreed that all raw data, aggregated data, results and derived insights collected, accessed, used or created as part of a funded project will be shared with the Department of Health and Wellness for use in departmental planning including potential disclosure to the public and third parties. 

Funding Streams

This program will fund projects (up to $250,000 total over 3 years) in two target streams. Each stream will fund one successful project.

Stream 1: Youth Health in Nova Scotia: A comprehensive look at youth health to guide future action.

Stream 2 - Aging Population Health: Characterize the health of older adults in Nova Scotia to support aging at home and in the community.

• Full details on the requirements of each stream can be found here: DHW Priority Funding Projects - Stream 1 & 2.pdf

Funding is contingent on applicants and successful awardees working collaboratively (or in consultation) with priority stakeholders in the Department of Health and Wellness. These individuals will be determined at the time of award.

Please contact researchdevelopment@nshealth.ca with any questions. 

Nova Scotia Health Scientific Affiliate Appointment Application

The Nova Scotia Health Scientific Affiliate Program supports research partnerships that align with the organization’s strategic priorities. The Scientific Affiliate appointment provides eligible research partners not currently employed by Nova Scotia Health administrative privileges necessary to conduct research under the auspices of Nova Scotia Health. Such privileges include Nova Scotia Health user and network access, eligibility to submit to the Nova Scotia Health Research Ethics Board, and eligibility to apply for internal funding opportunities.   

Scientific Affiliate Appointment Streams

The Scientific Affiliate Program currently offers two appointment streams. These streams are designed to reflect the level of integration and administrative responsibility associated with the applicant's research activities at Nova Scotia Health:

Embedded Scientific Affiliates

• May pursue independent research as Principal Investigator or serve as a sub-investigator on Nova Scotia Health studies.
• Work in partnership with a Nova Scotia Health department or program relevant to project that requires an appointment.
• Do not hold research funds under their own name at Nova Scotia Health. Exceptions may apply when justified and approved.

Independent Scientific Affiliates

• Independent affiliates maintain a more autonomous research arrangement with Nova Scotia Health. Their research must still align with NSH priorities.
• They may hold and manage research funds in their own name at NSH.
• Independent affiliates are responsible for the administration of these funds in accordance with institutional requirements.
• Independent appointments are only granted under special circumstances, and require a letter of support from a Director, Senior Director, or Vice President.

For more information on the Scientific Affiliate Program, please visit the web page or contact us at ScientificAppointments@nshealth.ca.