FRQ CV

The FRQ announces the gradual roll-out of the FRQ CV. Our new narrative-style CV template aims to highlight the impact, significance and relevance of the scientific contributions of the researchers and students who use it, in relation to their research objectives.

Presentation

Why use a narrative CV?

This change is in line with the approach of the federal granting agencies (SSHRC, NSERC and CIHR), which have announced that they are transitioning away from the Canadian Common CV (CCV) in favor of the new tri-agency CV.

Our new narrative CV will help streamline our funding application process and adapt our assessment practices in accordance with our participation in the Coalition for Advancing Research Assessment (CoARA) and Plan S.

The new FRQ CV also allows us to accommodate a diversity of research profiles from the academic community, as well as artists, citizens, and patient partners.

Comparison table of CV types

We are introducing a narrative-style CV in order to better recognize all of your scientific, professional and societal contributions. This format is not simply a free-form personal statement; rather, it is a guided narrative framework designed to showcase diverse career paths while maintaining clear and objective evaluation criteria.

Transition timeline

November 1, 2024:

Official announcement of the FRQ’s transition following the announcement by the Canadian granting agencies.

April 24, 2025:

Official announcement of the new narrative CV, including its main sections and guidelines.

May 20, 2025:

Public webinar on the narrative CV.

July 2025:

FRQnet – new platform (integrated form or PDF attachment):
– Postdoctoral fellowships
FRQnet – old platform (PDF attachment):
– Nature and Technology Sector: Establishment of the next generation of professors (NCM-NCR)
– Society and Culture Sector: Research support for new faculty: regular (NP) and research-creation (CCZ) components; Research Program on Cultural Safety in Health Care (OCTR).
– Health Sector: Solutions for Childhood Obesity (SOI) Program; Research Program on the Evaluation of Contaminants and Their Impact on Health and the Environment (PRÉCISE)

Janvier 2026:

Complete discontinuation of the CCV and universal adoption of the new FRQ narrative CV. As of this date:
– All FRQ competitions will use the narrative CV.
– Modular integration of the FRQ CV with unique persistent identifiers will gradually take place starting on this date.

The new FRQ narrative CV—Frequently asked questions

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1. Why is the FRQ switching to a new narrative-style CV template?

In the context of the gradual phase-out of the CCV, the FRQ is adopting this new template to harmonize its practices with those of the federal granting agencies (SSHRC, NSERC and CIHR). The new template aims to simplify the funding application process for applicants while adapting our assessment procedures to align with best practices in the field and begin the transition to a more qualitative assessment of research.

2. What are the main differences between the Canadian Common CV (CCV) and the new narrative CV?

The narrative CV is less rigid and is organized by theme or major contribution. It prioritizes written descriptions that integrate personal and professional components, as opposed to the CCV which is highly structured and standardized.

3. How was the FRQ narrative CV developed?

The FRQ narrative CV was developed as part of the implementation of the FRQnet 2.0 project, an initiative aimed at modernizing the FRQ’s grants and awards management system by improving the user-friendliness, security and efficiency of the application process. FRQnet 2.0 helps meet the evolving needs of users, reduce the administrative burden, and ensure compliance with new regulatory requirements. Members of the scientific community were consulted to improve the instructions for the FRQ narrative CV.

4. How will the new narrative CV impact funding program applicants?

The new narrative CV will allow applicants to better showcase the impact, significance and relevance of their contributions through written descriptions that link their achievements to their broader research objectives.

5. How will the new narrative CV impact application assessment?

The new narrative CV provides evaluation committees with a richer and more contextualized overview of an applicant’s background. It facilitates the qualitative assessment of research by highlighting the relevance, diversity and impact of contributions, going beyond traditional indicators. Structured into clear sections, it allows for a more harmonized interpretation, supports a more equitable assessment, and promotes the recognition of diverse trajectories, including, among others, training, leadership, partnerships, and engagement. It provides additional information to the answers contained in the funding application.

6. How can I get help filling out the new narrative CV?

If you have question or comments, please contact the manager of the program in question or our IT help centre. We are building this solution with you: your feedback is welcome to help guide future adjustments.