Strategic Cluster (RG), 2024-2025

1. Foreword

The Strategic Clusters (Regroupements stratégiques) program to fund large-scale research projects has been offered to the Québec research community for close to two decades. The ambitious initiative involves a wide array of program components and significant funding for extended periods in an effort to provide a unique means to structure research in areas covered by the Fonds Société et culture, namely the humanities and social sciences, arts and literature. The Fonds has also introduced an annual, more flexible structuring option to complement this program, the Research Team Support program.

The Strategic Clusters program is aimed at two types of structures—centres and networks—with distinct goals and meeting different structuring needs. All strategic clusters must set out ambitious scientific objectives, bring together a significant critical mass of researchers and meet the highest standards of excellence with regard to their research, student training, dissemination and outreach activities. Centres implement integrated scientific programs to understand complex phenomena requiring the concerted efforts of researchers from various institutions and disciplines working on common themes. Networks seek to meet the specific research structuring needs of a given field by developing a so-called “structuring” initiative to create ties between research environments and practice settings.

In addition, the Strategic clusters program aims to encourage the optimal use of major research facilities in the social sciences, humanities, arts and literature. It is designed to be a key lever in positioning Québec researchers on the international stage and in major research programs led, for example, by the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Canada Research Chairs.

2. Objectives

The main objective of this program is to strengthen niches of research excellence that have significant benefits for Québec, both scientifically and at a cultural, social and economic level.

More specifically, through this program, the FRQSC aims to:

• Facilitate the consolidation of large interdisciplinary [1], inter-institutional and intergenerational research groups to make Québec’s research system more dynamic, diverse and inclusive;
• Foster the emergence of research centres and networks in strategic sectors and contribute to their sustainability;
• Establish Québec researchers as leaders in their fields by supporting their participation in national and international research programs and their integration in large scientific networks;
• Exert a significant leverage effect to maximize investments in Québec research, notably by encouraging broad-based collaborations (inter-cluster, inter-sector and inter-level) in order to create competitive centres of excellence in Québec;
• Promote the production of innovative knowledge with a high potential for transformation and benefits of all kinds;
• Contribute to the establishment of stimulating quality environments to accommodate students and new academics, and to the training of highly qualified personnel;
• Allow open access to research results in accordance with the Fonds de recherche du Québec Open Access Policy (see Section 8 for rules regarding follow-up and reporting in relation to this objective);
• Promote the establishment of partnerships with potential users of the research results to facilitate their uptake in accordance with the Knowledge Mobilisation Strategy  adopted by the FRQ;
• Help to bridge the gap between science and society by supporting open science initiatives;
• Raise awareness among the Québec research community of issues relating to the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) adopted by the United Nations (UN).

^{[1] The Fonds is aware that a single area of specialization may be driven by several distinct and complementary disciplines. The evaluation committee will take this into account where appropriate.}

3. Nature and characteristics of clusters

3.1 Definitions

Each strategic cluster is a structure that meets the objectives set out in Section 2 of this program and brings together researchers at all stages of career advancement, postdoctoral fellows, students, highly qualified personnel, and individuals from practice settings, as appropriate, spread across the province and from different disciplinary backgrounds, academic units and institutions. Each cluster must demonstrate that it possesses the critical mass required to reach its objectives and foster excellence in research by stimulating:

• the creation of platforms to exchange ideas and share knowledge and research results;
• the development of joint initiatives and common projects;
• the optimal integration of the diverse and complementary expertise assembled within it;
• the creation of ideal environments for research initiation and training of students, and the development of first-class host environments for postdoctoral fellows;
• the introduction of integration strategies for new academics;
• the dissemination, transfer and commercialization of research results and their uptake by practice settings;
• the consolidation of links and exchanges with national and international networks;
• the development of scientific activities;
• the sharing and pooling of infrastructures and human and material resources;
• the establishment of efficient administrative and organizational support dedicated to all its members.

Each strategic cluster should stand out from other groups of researchers working in the same or related fields in Québec and present unique strengths. Clusters must also take an original approach to major Canadian and international research trends.

Certain strategic clusters may be jointly funded by the Fonds Société et culture, Nature et technologies, and/or Santé. This decision is made at the end of the competition on the basis of the evaluations made and the funding awarded. Joint funding cannot be requested or solicited by clusters in their funding application; the initiative for joint funding must come from the FRQSC.

3.2 Cluster types

For administrative and legal purposes, a strategic cluster may be identified by various terms such as “centre”, “institute”, “observatory”, “network”, etc. However, the cluster types recognized under this program are referred to exclusively as “centres” and “networks”.

3.2.1 Centre

Strategic cluster centres are made up of researchers working in close collaboration, in a concerted and coordinated manner, on a joint scientific program. This scientific program revolves around a general research theme that is explored through interrelated projects grouped into research thrusts. It is designed to allow it to evolve over time, including the addition of new research projects and the removal of completed ones. As it evolves, the scientific program engages the centre’s researchers in making a significant collective contribution to the advancement of knowledge in the field. In their Strategic Clusters funding application, centres must demonstrate the participation of their researchers in this integrated scientific research program, with regard to the following characteristics:

• The scientific program is targeted, coherent and based on research thrusts in which research projects are carried out;
• Its objective is to advance the understanding of complex phenomena under study through thrust-based research with a focus on the co-construction of knowledge;
• The centre’s researchers dedicate at least 40% of their research activities to pursuing the centre’s program;
• The centre’s management team assumes scientific leadership and oversees collaboration between researchers, the development of the scientific program, and the integration of knowledge;
• The center has clearly identified physical facilities for its exclusive use, as well as specifically established internal rules that allow it, among other things, to manage any disagreements that may arise in matters of governance.

3.2.2 Network

Strategic cluster networks develop at the interface of research environments and practice settings. The network must bring together key players in a specific research field for a structuring initiative involving researchers, research teams or other groups of researchers, institutional and interinstitutional centres, observatories, research institutes and other types of research facilities, and partners from the public, private and community sectors. This structuring initiative may take the form of a major unifying project or the deployment of a collective infrastructure.

Within the framework of this program, a network must define the structuring need it will fulfill as it pertains to the research field. It must demonstrate the ways in which the planned structuring initiative will lead to the development of coherent and productive links between the network’s researchers and with partners from the public, private and community sectors, based on the needs, objectives, priorities, means and activities set out in the proposal.

Networks may adopt the configuration of their choice, provided they have the following characteristics:

• While the inclusion of individuals from practice settings in the network is necessary for the successful implementation of the structuring initiative, the majority of the network’s members must be researchers who must dedicate at least 40% of their research activities to the structuring initiative;
• The network has well-defined structuring priorities and proposes activities conducive to their implementation;
• The network’s management team sets research and development priorities, ensures the implementation of the structuring initiative, and oversees the development of productive links between researchers and partners;
• The network has clearly identified physical facilities for its exclusive use, as well as specifically established internal rules that allow it, among other things, to manage any disagreements that may arise in matters of governance.

3.2.3 Changing cluster type

At the end of an initial emergence or operational grant, a cluster may choose to continue in its original configuration (centre or network) or convert to the other type of cluster if this configuration is more conducive to the development and structure of research in the field. This change of cluster type must be clearly justified in the funding application and its appropriateness will be assessed by the committee.

3.3 Stages of development

3.3.1 Emergence

This type of funding is intended for groups of researchers seeking to consolidate a research program or structuring project before applying for operational funding. However, obtaining emergence funding is not a prerequisite for applying for operational funding.

3.3.2 Operational

Operational funding is intended for:

• Research infrastructures not funded by the Fonds under this program, but which have been recognized for at least three years by their managing institution, as defined in the CGR, and that have maintained a high level of scientific activity and output for at least the three years prior to the closing date of this competition;
• Strategic clusters currently receiving emergence funding that wish to obtain operational funding;
• Strategic clusters seeking to renew their operational funding.

4. Eligibility

Regardless of its stage of development, each strategic cluster must:

• Be recognized as a research infrastructure by its managing institution, as defined in the CGR;
• Have the support of this institution;
• Demonstrate the commitment of at least one partner institution when submitting a pre-application.

The principal investigator, all co-investigators, managing institutions and partners must meet the general eligibility requirements set out in the CGR (Section 2), as well as any other requirements described in this program, both at the time of application and for the entire duration of the grant if it is awarded.

Research statuses and roles of researchers involved in the application are presented in the CGR, on pages 5 and following.

4.1 Principal investigator

For this program, only researchers who meet definition i) of Status 1 of the CGR (university researcher) and who are in areas covered by the FRQSC qualify for the role of principal investigator.

Retired researchers are not eligible for the role of principal investigator of a strategic cluster (see CGR, “Roles in the application”). However, should the principal investigator retire during the course of the grant, a transition period may be arranged in consultation with the Fonds, which must be kept informed of the situation.

A researcher may only be the principal investigator for one major infrastructure funded by the FRQSC (Soutien aux infrastructures de recherche des Instituts et des Centres affiliés universitaires du secteur social and Strategic Clusters programs).

4.2 Co-investigators

A strategic cluster is composed of co-investigators with the following statuses, as defined in the CGR:

• University researcher (Status 1)
• Clinical university researcher (Status 2)
• College researcher (Status 3)
• Categories a), b), c) and d) of “Other research statuses” (Status 4), i.e.: Researcher in a government institution recognized by the FRQ; Researcher in a government-sector organization not recognized by the FRQ or in the private sector; Practitioner; Artist.

4.3 Collaborators

In addition to co-investigators, a cluster may include collaborators with any of the statuses applicable to grants as defined in the CGR. Researchers outside Québec may not take on any role in the team other than that of collaborator. Individuals with the training statuses defined in the CGR are not eligible for the role of collaborator.

The scientific output of collaborators is not considered during the evaluation of the funding application.

4.4 Multiple membership

A researcher may be a co-investigator in up to two major infrastructures funded by the FRQSC under the Soutien aux infrastructures de recherche des Instituts et des Centres affiliés universitaires du secteur social and Strategic Clusters programs.

To encourage intersectoral collaboration, there is no limit to researcher membership in major infrastructures funded by the other Fonds de recherche (Fonds Santé Research Centres and Institutes and Fonds Nature et technologie Strategic Clusters).

A researcher may also work as a collaborator with other university institutes, affiliated university centres or strategic clusters funded by the FRQ.

Finally, a principal investigator or co-investigator of a university institute, affiliated university centre or strategic cluster may also be principal investigator or co-investigator of a research team funded under the FRQSC Research Team Support program.

Please refer to the CGR (Section 6.12) for more information on the rules governing concurrent funding awarded by the three Fonds de recherche du Québec.

4.5 Managing and partner institutions

The managing institution (CGR, “Definitions”) must be able to demonstrate the cluster’s place in its research development plan and state the type and level of support provided. To be eligible, the applicant cluster must also include at least one partner institution that has committed to contribute financially or in kind to its operations for the duration of the Fonds grant, if awarded.

5. Pre-application and application

This funding program has a two-stage application process: the submission of a pre-application, followed by the submission of a full application.

At both stages, the Fonds requires institutional approval from the managing institution. It is the principal investigator’s responsibility to submit the pre-application and application to the institution by the institution’s internal deadline, if applicable, and to ensure that the cluster’s pre-application and application are then transmitted to the Fonds within the time frame prescribed by these rules and the CGR (Section 3.2). At any time, applicants may verify the transmission status of their pre-application or application in the “My forms” section of their FRQnet E-portfolio:

• The pre-application or application form will be flagged “Transmis à l’établissement” once the applicant has transmitted it to the managing institution;
• The pre-application or application form will be flagged “Transmis au Fonds” once the managing institution has transmitted it to the Fonds.

To access the various forms, the applicant must first create a FRQnet user account on the FRQnet website, if he/she has not already done so (see the information video). Individuals who already have a Fonds personal identification number (PIN) have direct access to a FRQnet account and must update their profile using their FRQnet E-portfolio.

5.1 Presentation standards

It is preferable that the pre-application and application be written in French, but they can also be written in English. However, the title and summary must be in French. These may be used by the Fonds for promotion and dissemination purposes (CGR, Section 3.6).

Please consult the “Presentation standards for files (.PDF) attached to FRQnet forms” document to format any documents to be attached to the application. More generally, for further details on completing and submitting applications, please refer to Section 3.2 of the CGR.

5.2 Stage 1: pre-application

The first stage in applying to this competition is the submission of a pre-application, accompanied by the Canadian Common CV of the principal investigator and an undertaking form from the managing institution. This stage applies to all strategic clusters wishing to apply to this competition. However, the nature and content of the pre-application form vary according to the situation of the cluster as described below (see also the Table of Forms in the program Toolbox).

The various electronic pre-application forms can be found in the “Available competitions” section of the FRQnet E-portfolio of the cluster’s principal investigator and must be submitted to the Fonds before Monday May 1, 2023, at 4 p.m. The pre-application must allow the pre-application assessment committee to verify whether the applicant cluster meets the definition set out in Section 3.1 above.

5.2.1 Pre-application – short form (not submitted for evaluation)

The pre-application short form, to be completed by centres and networks seeking a renewal of funding (RGCR/RGRR), is essentially used to collect administrative information (“Principal investigator”, “Managing institution”, “Title and research fields”, “Co-investigators”, “Coordinator”, “Summary”, etc.), which is automatically carried over to the full application form, where it can be validated or amended as required.

Specifically, the short form pre-application should be completed by clusters that meet the program requirements and are in one of the following situations:

A. Strategic clusters that are funded under this program on the opening date of this competition;

B. Centres and networks that were funded in the past under this program but whose funding was not renewed under the last competition (fall 2019) and that wish to reapply with the same cluster type (i.e., centre or network);

C. Clusters funded under this program on the opening date of this competition that wish to change cluster type (from centre to network or from network to centre).

6. Evaluation

6.1 Peer review process

The role of evaluation committees and the conditions governing funding decisions are defined in the CGR (Sections 4.4 and 4.5).

Applicants are invited to consult the FRQSC Scoring System Grid used by the evaluation committees.

More specifically, in the context of the Strategic Clusters program, the Fonds assembles an international multidisciplinary evaluation committee made up of university researchers. It may also consult outside experts if required by the profile of the applications received.

Multidisciplinary committee members assess the submitted funding applications based on the evaluation criteria and indicators in effect for the program. An overall passing score of 70% is required. A passing score of 70% is also required for the “Progress Report” (operational clusters), “Scientific Program” (centres) and “Structuring Initiative” (networks) criteria.

6.2 Evaluation criteria

Funding applications are evaluated solely on the basis of the application submitted. It is the responsibility of applicants to provide, within the required documents, all the information that should be taken into account in the evaluation of the criteria applicable to their situation.

The budget estimates as well as all other information contained in the application are considered when evaluating the application.

Finally, the added value of the requested grant is given close consideration by the committee.

It is recommended that each criterion be approached with the program’s objectives and expected cluster characteristics in mind (see Sections 2 and 3). Applicants are also encouraged to pay particular attention to the crossover between the different components of the application, i.e.:

• the Progress Report and Support Module, which allow for the compilation of retrospective elements

AND

• the 20-page Scientific Proposal, which addresses all the evaluation criteria and which should provide a forward-looking picture of what will be done during the period covered by the funding application (2024-2030).

6.2.1 Operating centre

Centre’s progress report and advancement of knowledge a) with regard to the previous application (for centres seeking to renew their funding) or b) with regard to the past three years (for centres that received emergence funding or that are not currently funded by the Fonds and are applying directly for operational funding) (20 pts) *

The cluster must explain how the research activities carried out within each of the thrusts contribute effectively to the advancement of knowledge in the area(s) of specialization covered. It must also describe the evolution of its scientific program over the last three years. The main initiatives that were designed and implemented for the purpose of training, science activities, knowledge mobilization and outreach, etc., with a view to making the cluster a first-class research environment, must also be listed.

A passing score of 70% is required for this criterion.

*In order to support this criterion, clusters must complete the Progress Report accessible via the Support Module. The information provided in this report can be contextualized and completed in the Scientific Proposal at the cluster’s convenience.

Scientific program (25 pts)

The originality and scope of the scientific program must be demonstrated with regard to the state of knowledge in the field(s) of research involved. The cluster must also justify the relevance of the theoretical, conceptual and methodological basis of the scientific program. The scientific evaluation committee will pay particular attention to the alignment between the thrusts presented, the objectives pursued, and current and future projects, as well as to the structure and overall coherence of the program.

A passing score of 70% is required for this criterion.

Composition, coordination and governance (10 pts)

The principal investigator’s ability to ensure the proper implementation of the scientific program and the sound governance of the cluster must be demonstrated (skills, leadership, experience). The appropriateness of the management and coordination mechanisms put in place must also be shown, as must the diversity and complementarity of the expertise of the cluster’s co-investigators. With regard to governance, the main processes and committees must be described in the Progress Report, as well as their evolution since the last mid-term exercise. If adjustments or modifications are anticipated during the next funding cycle, these can be presented in the Scientific Proposal, as a complement to the Progress Report.

Collaboration (15 pts)

The collaborative dimension of the cluster must be demonstrated. The cluster should therefore describe the quality, variety and scope of the collective activities planned between co-investigators (publications, communications, co-supervision, etc.*), as well as the approaches that will be taken to enable the creation and maintenance of productive links between them.

*Considering the distinct nature of each cluster, any form of internal collaboration deemed relevant can be listed in the Progress Report, the Support Module and the Scientific Proposal.

Training (15 pts)

To expand on the data compiled in the Progress Report, the cluster must demonstrate the quality, consistency and diversity of the experiences and support that will be offered to students and new academics. It must also detail the mechanisms that will be developed to promote the full integration within the cluster of students and postdoctoral fellows supervised by its members, beyond what is provided for in their study programs. The cluster must further show how its training strategies will enable it to establish itself as a first-class host environment for new academics and highly qualified personnel and enhance its ability to contribute to the optimal development of research careers.

Networking and visibility (15 pts)

The quality and relevance of the actions that will be taken to foster the cluster’s national and international recognition should be described. The cluster must also present its current and planned strategies to promote the results of the research—through publications or any other form of output—and ensure their transfer and uptake by the practice settings concerned, where applicable. Finally, if applicable, the efforts envisaged by the cluster to promote open science initiatives and help bridge the gap between science and society (collaborative research, participatory science, etc.) should also be described in the Scientific Proposal.

6.2.2 Operating network

Network’s progress report with regard to a) the previous application (for networks seeking to renew their funding) or b) with regard to the past three years (for networks that received emergence funding or that are not currently funded by the Fonds and are applying directly for operational funding) (20 pts) *

The cluster must demonstrate the structuring effect of its current and future activities on the targeted research field. It must also describe the evolution of its research themes over the last three years. The main initiatives that have been designed and implemented for the purpose of training, science activities, knowledge mobilization and outreach, etc., contributing to the development or maintenance of first-class research environments, must also be listed.

A passing score of 70% is required for this criterion.

*In order to support this criterion, clusters must complete the Progress Report accessible via the Support Module. The information provided in this report can be contextualized and completed in the Scientific Proposal at the cluster’s convenience.

Structuring initiative (25 pts)

The importance of the research field involved and of the needs identified by the cluster must be demonstrated, as must the quality and suitability of the means it intends to use to achieve its objectives. The cluster must also report on current and future partnership activities aimed at fostering the development of knowledge and promoting the research results and their eventual uptake by practice settings and decision-makers. In addition, the scope of the anticipated structuring effects and the added value of the network in the field(s) it covers, as well as the actions it will take to further enhance its national and international development, must be shown.

A passing score of 70% is required for this criterion.

Composition, coordination and governance (10 pts)

The principal investigator’s ability to ensure the implementation of the structuring initiative and the sound governance of the cluster must be demonstrated (skills, leadership, experience). The appropriateness of the management and coordination mechanisms put in place must also be shown, as must the diversity and complementarity of the expertise of the cluster’s co-investigators. With regard to governance, the main processes and committees must be described in the Progress Report, as well as their evolution since the last mid-term exercise. If adjustments or modifications are anticipated during the next funding cycle, these can be presented in the Scientific Proposal, as a complement to the Progress Report.

Collaboration (15 pts)

The collaborative dimension of the cluster must be demonstrated. The cluster should therefore describe the quality, variety and scope of the collective activities planned between co-investigators (publications, communications, co-supervision, etc.*), as well as the approaches that will be taken to enable the creation and maintenance of productive links between them.

*Considering the distinct nature of each cluster, any form of internal collaboration deemed relevant can be listed in the Progress Report, the Support Module and the Scientific Proposal.

Training (15 pts)

To expand on the data compiled in the Progress Report, the cluster must demonstrate the quality, consistency and diversity of the experiences and support that will be offered to students and new academics. It must also detail the mechanisms that will be developed to promote the full integration within the cluster of students and postdoctoral fellows supervised by its members, beyond what is provided for in their study programs. The cluster must further show how its training strategies will enable it to establish itself as a first-class host environment for new academics and highly qualified personnel and enhance its ability to contribute to the optimal development of research careers.

Networking and visibility (15 pts)

The quality and relevance of the actions that will be taken to foster the cluster’s national and international recognition should be described. The cluster must also present its current and planned strategies to promote the results of the research—through publications or any other form of output—and ensure their transfer and uptake by the practice settings concerned, where applicable. Finally, if applicable, the efforts envisaged by the cluster to promote open science initiatives and help bridge the gap between science and society (collaborative research, participatory science, etc.) should also be described in the Scientific Proposal.

6.2.3 Emerging centre

Scientific program (30 pts)

The cluster must explain how the scientific program to be consolidated is original and ambitious with regard to the state of knowledge. The relevance and precision of the theoretical, conceptual and methodological basis of the scientific program chosen as well as its appropriateness for the research themes to be addressed must be shown. In addition, the centre must demonstrate the relevance of the research thrusts and their overall coherence within its scientific program.

A passing score of 70% is required for this criterion.

Development plan (40 pts)

The cluster’s development plan must reflect the clarity of the objectives, the effectiveness of the means envisaged to achieve them, the realism of the proposed timeframe, and the quality of the strategies that will be put in place for the training of students and new academics, science activities, and outreach and knowledge mobilization. The contribution and added value of the requested grant for consolidating the proposed scientific program and developing the centre over the expected duration of funding must also be explicitly demonstrated.

Composition, coordination and governance (30 pts)

The principal investigator’s ability to ensure the effective development of the centre must be demonstrated (skills, leadership, experience), as must the appropriateness of the management and coordination mechanisms that will be put in place. The quality of the scientific output of co-investigators in relation to the proposed scientific program, as well as the diversity and complementarity of their expertise, must be highlighted. With regard to the planned management mechanisms, the cluster is asked to specify its intentions for ensuring sound governance throughout the funding period.

6.2.4 Emerging network

Structuring initiative (30 pts)

The cluster must demonstrate the importance and relevance of the identified research field and the targeted needs. It must also present the added value associated with the implementation of the structuring initiative for the research field in question.

A passing score of 70% is required for this criterion.

Development plan (40 pts)

The cluster’s development plan must reflect the clarity of the objectives, the effectiveness of the means envisaged to achieve them, the realism of the proposed timeframe, and the quality of the strategies that will be put in place for the training of students and new academics, science activities, and outreach and knowledge mobilization. The contribution and added value of the requested grant for consolidating the proposed structuring initiative and developing the network over the expected duration of funding must also be explicitly demonstrated.

Composition, coordination and governance (30 pts)

The principal investigator’s ability to ensure the effective development of the network must be demonstrated (skills, leadership, experience), as must the appropriateness of the management and coordination mechanisms that will be put in place. The quality of the scientific output of co-investigators in relation to the proposed structuring initiative, as well as the diversity and complementarity of their expertise, must be highlighted. With regard to the planned management mechanisms, the cluster is asked to specify its intentions for ensuring sound governance throughout the funding period.

7. Funding offered

Funding awarded under this program takes the form of an “infrastructure” grant which, within the meaning of the CGR, refers to the human and material resources, facilities and equipment, and shared expertise and services necessary for the full realization of the cluster’s activities. Consequently, centres and networks must receive external funding in order to carry out the research projects undertaken as part of their scientific program/structuring initiative. The expenses incurred to complete the various phases of a research project, including salaries and travel for data collection/analysis, are not eligible. However, to enhance the leverage effect of the grant, up to 10% of the base grant may be used to reimburse expenditures related to:

• Launching a project (e.g., carrying out a preliminary study or pilot project)

OR

• Finalizing a project (e.g., completing the final stages of a project whose funding is at an end).

Where applicable, such projects must be part of the cluster’s scientific program/structuring initiative and be carried out on a collaborative basis between at least two co-investigators.

Regarding the budget item for management and coordination support (professional research staff), it should be noted that the FRQSC encourages grant recipients to align the duration of contracts offered to salaried personnel with the duration of the grant.

7.1 Base amount

The amount of the base grant is determined by the cluster’s stage of development.

8. Follow-up and reporting

The conditions regarding the announcement and management of funding are set out in the CGR (Sections 5 to 8).

During the funding period, a portfolio of 5 peer-reviewed publications, released as immediate open access (without embargo) under an open license, must be produced by each cluster in accordance with the FRQ Open Access Policy (revised in 2022). In order to assist its infrastructures in the application of the Policy, the Fonds will ensure the proper development of this portfolio at mid-term. For other cluster publications (not included in the portfolio), the Fonds encourages co-investigators to deposit their final, peer-reviewed manuscript that has been accepted for publication in their institutional repository or a disciplinary repository.

Clusters funded under this competition may be invited to contribute to the FRQ’s efforts to promote the United Nations SDGs.

Each strategic cluster is required to submit a financial report to the Fonds by September of each grant year (see Sections 6.2 and 7.1 of the CGR).

Each cluster is also responsible for updating its file annually via the principal investigator’s FRQnet E-portfolio—including the list of co-investigators—before the end of the fiscal year (March 31st).

Any other significant changes made during the funding period must be reported to the Fonds (see Section 6.5 of the CGR).

A mid-term progress report is required for clusters that receive operational funding. This report will enable the Fonds to assess the progress of the work in relation to the initial proposal submitted by the cluster and to ensure that any supplements granted are being used properly. In light of the results of this report, the Fonds will make any recommendations it deems appropriate and will decide whether or not to maintain funding for the different supplements.

9. Effective date

These rules apply to the 2024-2025 fiscal year.