Federal indirect costs of research - University of Victoria

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Federal research support fund

The objective of the federal (RSF), formerly the Indirect Costs Program, is to assist Canadian postsecondary institutions with the expenses associated with managing the research funded by the three federal research granting agencies (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC). Research funding provided through the granting agencies is generally limited to direct project costs (e.g., research equipment, research assistant salaries, etc.). Institutions whose researchers receive funding from the granting agencies also incur what are often referred to as indirect costs of research. RSF funds may be used by the institution to cover indirect costs to maintain the current level of services, or to support the institution's research environment and improve its management. Expenditure are permitted in the following areas (click for more detail):

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Overall, grants for indirect costs must add to, and not displace, any research support funds that postsecondary institutions have received from the provincial government, private sector or other federal sources.

The overall goal of the RSF is to help ensure Canada's research institutions remain among the best in the world. By subsidizing the financial burden of indirect costs, the fund helps researchers and universities focus on delivering innovative research and scholarly excellence.

More Information about the Federal RSF program will be communicated regularly to the campus via this web site and through venues such as the Research Advisory Committee, the Council of Centre Directors and Deans Council.