Research Nova Scotia works to develop research opportunities that help us achieve our mandate. Details and deadlines of all our current and recently closed funding opportunities can be found on this page.
Competitions listed as ‘OPEN’ are currently accepting applications; ‘EOI Closed’ specifies competitions that are open only to applicants that successfully passed the EOI screening stage.
Competitions listed ‘IN REVIEW’ are past the application deadline but results have not yet been publicly announced.
The results of competitions listed as ‘Closed’ are publicly available.
Details for ‘CLOSED’ competitions refers to the specific competition. Deadlines and requirements may be updated prior to the launch of the next competition.
Competitions listed as ‘COMING SOON’ will be accepting applications in the near future.
Ear to the Ground (E2G) Research Investments
Objective: Ear to the Ground (E2G) is Research Nova Scotia’s commitment to turning ideas into economic outcomes. By investing wisely and working together, we’re helping build a province where research supports lasting economic growth.
Available Funding: Up to $500,000 over 6 to 36 months
Important Dates:
EOI Opened: May 12, 2026
EOI Deadline: June 16, 2026, 1:00 PM (ADT)
FOCUSED rESEARCH iNVESTMENTS
Objective: With Focused Research Investments (FRI), RNS convenes partners, end-users, and researchers in the co-development of defined outcomes and the design of a research agenda oriented toward their achievement. This model is best suited to large-scale, coordinated, multi-project initiatives addressing issues of significance to Nova Scotia’s economy.
Funding Amount and Duration: $1M to $5M per FRI initiative over 2 to 5 years. Total funding available for this round: $6M.
Important Dates:
Call for Opportunity Space Proposals launched: June 10, 2026
Webinar: Opportunity Spaces (Zoom): June 25, 2026, 1:00 PM (ADT)
Opportunity Space Proposals deadline: August 19, 2026, 1:00 PM (ADT)
MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTIONS RESEARCH FUNDING AWARD
Objective: The Mental Health & Addictions Research Funding Award supports Nova Scotia-based career researchers who are advancing knowledge on mental health and addictions with a strong emphasis on the social, structural, and environmental determinants that shape mental wellbeing. This opportunity aims to strengthen evidence that can inform community-led solutions, improve equity in mental health outcomes, and address the lived / living experiences of communities that are underserved by the province’s health system.
This opportunity is presented by the Nova Scotia Office of Addictions and Mental Health and is powered by Research Nova Scotia.
Available Funding: Up to $100,000 over 2 years
Important Dates:
EOI Opened: January 12, 2026
EOI Due: February 11, 2026 at 1:00 PM (AST)
Full Proposal Intake: April – June 2026
Pyritic Slate Research Challenge
Objective: The 2026 Pyritic Slate Research Challenge asks researchers to examine the continued sustainable, safe and long-term sequestration of pyritic slate. The challenge invites innovative, research-driven proposals that explore alternative methods to traditional infilling for sequestering pyritic slate in underwater environments. Proposed approaches should demonstrate impact, scientific merit, feasibility, and innovation.
This opportunity is presented by the Halifax Port Authority (HPA) and is powered by Research Nova Scotia (RNS).
Available Funding: Up to $30,000 over 8 months
Important Dates:
Launched: January 19, 2026
Application Deadline: March 19, 2026 at 1:00 PM (AST)