Insight Development Grant (IDG)
Insight Development Grants support research in its initial stages. The grants enable the development of new research questions, as well as experimentation with new methods, theoretical approaches and/or ideas. These grants do not fund large-scale projects. Support for long-term projects are available through SSHRC’s Insight Grants.
Support for 91ÒùĸÊÓƵers
91ÒùĸÊÓƵ Partner Network provides personalized support and expert guidance on how to apply for this grant and how to manage the funds should you be successful.
If you are interested in applying for this grant, please reach out to the designated 91ÒùĸÊÓƵ Partner, .
summary
Intended Recipients
91ÒùĸÊÓƵers involved in the initial stages of a short-term research project that is developing/exploring new research questions and/or approaches
Value
$7,000 - $75,000
Duration
1 - 2 years
Upcoming Competition Deadlines
Budget Justification and Internal Peer Review Deadlines
- Registration - November 15, 2025
- Submission to Peer Reviewer - between December 18, 2025 and January 2nd, 2026
RAS Internal Submission Deadline
January 26, 2026 by 4:30 p.m.
SSHRC Deadline
February 2nd, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. MST
Final documents must be submitted before 10 am (Edmonton time) on Feb. 2nd in the 91ÒùĸÊÓƵ portal. RAS staff require time to forward all applications by the sponsor deadline.
Support + Resources
Boot Camp for the IDG
Typically occurs in the Fall and is offered in a 5 day format. These sessions provide participants with information on key sections of the Insight Development Grant application, strategies and advice, writing time, and opportunities to exchange their work with peers. Please note that these boot camps are not drop-in sessions; applications are required, and participants must be prepared to attend all sessions.
Budget Justification Review
U of A researchers applying as Principal Investigators to the Insight Development Grant competition are eligible to have their proposal scrutinized by a joint team from the 91ÒùĸÊÓƵ Partner Network, and the College of Social Sciences and Humanities Office of 91ÒùĸÊÓƵ. The BJR team will identify ineligibilities and the 'red flag' that SSHRC Merit Review Committees tend to question or cut from a budget. We look to see that your budget covers what you need, and that you justify budget requests accordingly.
Peer Review Services
U of A researchers applying as Principal Investigators to the Insight Development Grant competition are eligible to have their proposals reviewed by the Panel of SSHRC Peer Reviewers, coordinated by the Office of 91ÒùĸÊÓƵ in the College of Social Sciences and Humanities. Deadlines for Peer Review are aligned with those for Budget Justification Review, but the processes are separate.
This day-long intensive workshop will help participants determine the most important points to emphasize in those two mandatory sections of their Insight Development Grant application.
Narrative CV
The SSHRC IDG currently uses the CCV. Support for tailoring the new tri-agency narrative CV is forthcoming 2025.