Departmental Performance Report 2015–16
Details on Transfer Payment Programs of $5 Million or More

Name of transfer payment program: Grants and Scholarships (voted)

Start date: 1978

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2011-12

Strategic outcome: 1: Canada is a world leader in social sciences and humanities research and research training

Link to the organization’s program(s):

Program 1.1: Talent: attraction, retention and development of students and researchers in the social sciences and humanities
Program 1.2: Insight: new knowledge in the social sciences and humanities
Program 1.3: Connection: mobilization of social sciences and humanities knowledge

Description: This transfer payment program consists of grants and scholarships awarded for research, talent development and research dissemination activities in the social sciences and humanities. This transfer payment program has no repayable contributions.

Results achieved:

Program 1.1 Talent: attraction, retention and development of students and researchers in the social sciences and humanities

Talent funding constituted 46.7 per cent of SSHRC’s grant expenditures in 2015–16 under Strategic Outcome 1. The scholarships, fellowships and chairs offered under the Talent program are key to attracting, retaining and developing students and researchers in the social sciences and humanities.

In 2015–16, SSHRC worked with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to harmonize policies and guidelines related to the management of awards and scholarships by students, postdoctoral researchers and institutions. The framework for harmonizing post-award policies for award recipients across the three federal research funding agencies was approved by the programs vice-presidents of the three agencies. A harmonized award holders’ guide is now being prepared.

In March 2016, SSHRC approved three measures to support Indigenous talent. The measures will be piloted in 2016–17 to provide doctoral and postdoctoral Indigenous applicants with (1) an opportunity to self-identify as Indigenous; (2) an opportunity to identify proposed programs of study as Indigenous research; and (3) an opportunity to identify additional special circumstances that often affect the academic careers of Indigenous applicants (e.g., cultural or community responsibilities).

Regarding the employment prospects of SSHRC-funded scholarship and fellowship recipients, the June 2015 SSHRC Doctoral Fellowships Program Review found clear evidence that former doctoral fellowship recipients are more likely than non-recipients with comparable education to be working, earning a higher income, and working in academia or other research-intensive positions. Those working in universities are more likely than non-recipients to be research faculty, and less likely to be adjunct faculty. In comparison with non-recipients, they report working in careers more closely related to their degree program and consider their doctoral training more useful in preparing them for their careers.

Program 1.2 Insight: new knowledge in the social sciences and humanities

In 2015–16, SSHRC invested 43.5 per cent of its grants budget under Strategic Outcome 1 in funding opportunities under its Insight program. This program aims to support and foster excellence in social sciences and humanities research, research that is intended to increase understanding of individuals and societies, and to inform the search for solutions to societal challenges. SSHRC-funded researchers are building knowledge and understanding of complex and important topics in the humanities and social sciences, producing an average of 17 research contributions per grant. The majority of these are conference papers, peer-reviewed articles in research journals, and books and book chapters. SSHRC-funded researchers are also present in the media, in radio and television broadcasts, in public lectures, and on websites. The work of researchers funded through the Insight program is recognized nationally and internationally. A number of funded research projects have been cited for recognition or prizes, and the researchers themselves have won various awards for their books and articles, as well as prestigious honours such as the Killam Prize.

Through its Insight program, SSHRC supports formal partnerships (with financial and/or in-kind contributions from partners) involving the academic, public, private and not-for-profit sectors within Canada and internationally. Partnership Grants support large-scale formal research partnerships that advance research, research training and/or knowledge mobilization. Partnership Development Grants support smaller-scale partnerships in a shorter timeframe. For every dollar awarded by SSHRC, Partnership Grant holders are, on average, leveraging up to $0.84 in cash and in-kind partner contributions, while Partnership Development Grant holders are leveraging partner contributions of up to $0.81 per SSHRC dollar.

In 2015–16, SSHRC fully integrated across its programs the updated definition, principles and conduct guidelines related to Indigenous research. The Aboriginal Research Statement of Principles recognizes that Indigenous research supports SSHRC’s commitment to scholarly excellence.

In 2015–16, the first Community and College Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) competition awarded 27 grants out of 85 proposals. This 2014–15 pilot initiative connects Canada’s colleges and polytechnics with the research needs of local community organizations.

SSHRC visited sites across Canada to promote the funding opportunity. To respond to concerns raised by the college community and the CCSIF Advisory Committee, the funding opportunity was changed for the second competition, which was launched in 2015. This second round received 74 applications; they were adjudicated in March 2016 and the results were released in June 2016. A review of the funding opportunity, as well as an analysis of funded projects from the first round, was produced in March 2016.

Program 1.3 Connection: mobilization of social sciences and humanities knowledge

In 2015–16, Connection program funding constituted 9.3 per cent of SSHRC’s grant expenditures under Strategic Outcome 1. SSHRC’s support for knowledge mobilization activities enhances access to, and maximizes the impact of, publicly funded research in the social sciences and humanities. In addition, SSHRC continued its integration of knowledge mobilization activities across its suite of programs, so that Canadian and international policy-makers, business and community leaders, educators, media representatives, and countless others benefit from SSHRC-funded activities. Activities include the publication of scholarly journals and books; organization of and participation in events to discuss, compare and plan research activities; the honouring and recognition of researchers, graduate students and postdoctoral fellows whose contributions to research have enriched Canadian society; and the development of large-scale, virtual research networks that bring together partners from academia, industry, government and not-for-profit organizations.

In 2015–16, SSHRC implemented the Tri-Agency Open Access Policy on Publications. SSHRC worked with NSERC and CIHR to communicate the policy to the research community.

In November 2015, SSHRC streamlined the application process for Connection Grants, responding to concerns expressed by applicants and making the process less cumbersome for the applicants.

In 2015–16, SSHRC successfully launched two Knowledge Synthesis Grants competitions in the areas of natural resources and energy and leveraging emerging technologies. Knowledge Synthesis Grants support researchers, teams of researchers and knowledge users to produce a synthesis of existing research knowledge and the identification of knowledge gaps. In addition, the call for proposals for the next Knowledge Synthesis Grants competition on experiences and aspirations of Indigenous Peoples has been drafted and reviewed by an advisory working group.

Through its Imagining Canada’s Future initiative, SSHRC works with researchers and stakeholders to identify policy relevant implications and knowledge gaps of existing research in key priority areas to meet Canada’s future, long-term societal challenges and opportunities. Activities included the Imagining Canada’s Future Fall Forum (in November) on the topic of new ways of learning and teaching; the publication of the first summary report on the same future challenge area; the first symposium on natural resources and energy held in December, organized in collaboration with Natural Resources Canada; a Policy Brief Challenge with Global Affairs Canada; and the Open Data Challenge with Compute Canada. Other highlights include multisector advisory groups for each of the Knowledge Synthesis Grants and partnership agreements with government departments and agencies to co-fund Knowledge Synthesis Grants and related workshops.

Comments on variances: For Insight: The variance between planned and actual spending is due to an increase from Budget 2014 for social innovation and a reallocation of unused funds from Canada Research Chairs to Insight Grants.

Audits completed or planned: Audit of the Insight program was completed in September 2014.

Evaluations completed or planned:

• Evaluation of the SSHRC Doctoral and Postdoctoral Fellowships was completed in June 2015.
• Evaluations of the Networks of Centres of Excellence and the Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence was completed in October 2015.
• Evaluation of the Banting Postdoctoral Fellowships was completed in October 2015.
• Evaluation of the SSHRC Institutional Capacity Grants was completed in November 2015.
• Evaluation of the Insight Grants and Insight Development Grants is planned for July 2016.
• Evaluation of the Canada Research Chairs Program is planned for July 2016.
• Evaluation of the Canada Graduate Scholarships program is planned for October 2016.
• Evaluation of Research-Based Knowledge Culture is planned for March 2017.
• Evaluation of the Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research is planned for March 2017.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) have been used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

Performance Information (dollars)

Type of Transfer Payment	2013–14 Actual spending	2014–15 Actual spending	2015–16 Planned spending	2015–16 Total authorities available for use	2015–16 Actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned)*
Total grants*	245,505,855	244,501,198	255,781,701	256,901,701	257,179,544	1,397,843**
Total contributions	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total other types of transfer payments	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total program	245,505,855	244,501,198	255,781,701	256,901,701	257,179,544	1,397,843

* The variance relates to normal turnover of Canada Research Chairs incumbents

Name of transfer payment program: Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)

Start date: 2003

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2008-09

Strategic outcome: 1: Canada is a world leader in social sciences and humanities research and research training

Link to the organization’s program(s): 1.1: Talent: attraction, retention and development of students and researchers in the social sciences and humanities

Description: SSHRC’s portion of this tri-agency transfer payment program provides financial support to Canadian doctoral students and master’s students in the social sciences and humanities. This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions.

Results achieved: In 2015–16, SSHRC awarded 1,285 master’s scholarships and 430 doctoral scholarships through the Joseph-Armand Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarships funding opportunity. The evaluation of the Canada Graduate Scholarships program has been completed in 2015. The purpose of this evaluation was to assess the program’s continued relevance and performance and how it can be improved.

Guiding principles have been approved as the three federal research funding agencies continued to pursue the harmonization of the Canada Graduate Scholarships doctoral funding opportunity in order to simplify the application and adjudication processes for students and institutions, as well as harmonize post-award policies for all scholarships.

Fall 2015 marked the first time the annual Canada Graduate Scholarships competition included scholarships in honour of Nelson Mandela. These scholarships are in partnerships with CIHR. In 2015-16, SSHRC has offered 8 doctoral and 8 master's scholarships.

Comments on variances: Not applicable

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of the Canada Graduate Scholarships program is planned for October 2016.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) have been used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

Performance Information (dollars)

Type of Transfer Payment	2013–14 Actual spending	2014–15 Actual spending	2015–16 Planned spending	2015–16 Total authorities available for use	2015–16 Actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned)*
Total grants*	68,567,976	69,018,500	68,983,500	68,983,500	68,689,226	(294,274)
Total contributions	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total other types of transfer payments	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total program	68,567,976	69,018,500	68,983,500	68,983,500	68,689,226	(294,274)

* These figures do not include operating expenses.

Name of transfer payment program: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)

Start date: 2008

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2008-09

Strategic outcome: 1: Canada is a world leader in social sciences and humanities research and research training

Link to the organization’s program(s): 1.1: Talent: attraction, retention and development of students and researchers in the social sciences and humanities

Description: SSHRC’s portion of this tri-agency class grant transfer payment provides financial support to Canadian and international students who have achieved outstanding success in their studies and will pursue a doctoral program at a Canadian University in an area of the social sciences and humanities. This transfer payment program does not have any repayable contributions.

Results achieved: The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS) program attracts and retains world-class doctoral students and helps establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. SSHRC funded 55 new Vanier scholars in 2015–16, for a success rate of 28.6 per cent.

The program is administered by the Vanier-Banting Secretariat representing Canada’s three federal research granting agencies. The secretariat is housed within CIHR. The secretariat continues to work on improvements related to the timing of the program and the recruitment of foreign students to the program.

Comments on variances: The variance is not material.  It represents less than 0.5 per cent of actual spending.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships was completed in June 2014.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) have been used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

Performance Information (dollars)

Type of Transfer Payment	2013–14 Actual spending	2014–15 Actual spending	2015–16 Planned spending	2015–16 Total authorities available for use	2015–16 Actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned)*
Total grants*	8,286,666	8,300,000	8,300,000	8,300,000	8,300,000	0
Total contributions	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total other types of transfer payments	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total program	8,286,666	8,300,000	8,300,000	8,300,000	8,300,000	0

Name of transfer payment program: Networks of Centres of Excellence (voted)

Start date: 1997

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2008-09

Strategic outcome: 1: Canada is a world leader in social sciences and humanities research and research training

Link to the organization’s program(s): 1.3: Connection: mobilization of social sciences and humanities knowledge

Description: This federal class grant transfer payment program is administered jointly by the three federal research funding agencies in partnership with Industry Canada. It supports research in complex areas of critical importance to Canadian universities and hospitals working with the private and public sectors. The networks funded through this program are multidisciplinary and multisectoral partnerships that stimulate leading-edge, internationally competitive research in areas critical to Canadian economic and social development.

Results achieved: An evaluation of the Networks of Centres of Excellence program was completed in 2015. The results of the evaluation confirmed that the program is continuing to meet its intended goals and outcomes, and that it continues to be relevant and needed.
Two seven-year networks underwent successful mid-term reviews: AllerGen (allergy, genes and the environment; $35.9 million for FY2011 to FY2017) and ArcticNet (Arctic research; $67.3 million for FY2012 to FY2018).  

The NCE-KM renewal competition resulted in continued funding (a total of $3.6 million over three years) for the three ongoing knowledge mobilization networks: PREVNet (preventing bullying), TREKK (children’s emergency medicine), and CYCC (youth at risk).

In spring 2016, the NCE Secretariat announced a competition to fund networks under a new initiative entitled the International Knowledge Mobilization Platforms (NCE-IKTP) Initiative. The goal of this initiative is to support international collaborations between networks, centres, consortia and their partners to accelerate knowledge translation in areas of mutual strategic interest.  Eight LOI applicants were selected to submit a full application in fall 2016. A budget of $4.8 million is available and up to three NCE-IKTP networks will be funded in 2017.

The Management Response to the summative evaluation of the BL-NCE program, approved in fall 2015, endorsed the evaluation’s conclusions regarding the continuing need for and relevance of the program as well as the key recommendations regarding sharing of best practices and ensuring receipt of reliable high quality data from the BL-networks.

Comments on variances: Not applicable

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable

Evaluations completed or planned: Evaluation of the Network of Centres of Excellence and the Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence was completed in October 2015.

Engagement of applicants and recipients: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) have been used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

 

Performance Information (dollars)

Type of Transfer Payment	2013–14 Actual spending	2014–15 Actual spending	2015–16 Planned spending	2015–16 Total authorities available for use	2015–16 Actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned)
Total grants*	8,911,000	8,911,000	8,911,000	8,911,000	8,911,000	0
Total contributions	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total other types of transfer payments	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total program	8,911,000	8,911,000	8,911,000	8,911,000	8,911,000	0

Name of transfer payment program: Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research

Start date: 2007–08

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2012-13

Strategic outcome: 1: Canada is a world leader in social sciences and humanities research and research training

Link to the organization’s program(s): 1.3: Connection: mobilization of social sciences and humanities knowledge

Description: SSHRC’s portion of the tri-agency class grant Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research program supports the operation of commercialization and/or research centres that bring together people, service and infrastructure to maximize the benefits of the government’s investments in skill and research, and to encourage greater private sector investment in science and technology, in areas of the social sciences and humanities.

Results achieved: The Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research program launched a competition for extended funding for centres that were successful in the 2010 competition, as well as for new centres. The NCE Steering Committee approved extended funding to three existing centres for a total of $19.5 million dollars over five years. As for new centres, the NCE Steering Committee approved funding to two new centres for a total of $29 million dollars over five years. The Private Sector Advisory Board is still conducting its performance monitoring activities of active centres as part of its regular activities.

Comments on variances: The variance between planned and actual spending relates to the program cycle, where funding amounts are determined post-competition and appropriated through the Supplementary Estimates during the year.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable

Evaluations completed or planned: Not applicable

Engagement of applicants and recipients: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) have been used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

Performance Information (dollars)

Type of Transfer Payment	2013–14 Actual spending	2014–15 Actual spending	2015–16 Planned spending	2015–16 Total authorities available for use	2015–16 Actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned)
Total grants*	6,101,107	1,790,164	5,777,289	6,719,789	6,719,789	942,500
Total contributions	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total other types of transfer payments	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total program	6,101,107	1,790,164	5,777,289	6,719,789	6,719,789	942,500

Name of transfer payment program: Research Support Fund (voted)

Start date: 2003

End date: Ongoing

Fiscal year for terms and conditions: 2014–15

Strategic outcome: 2: Canada has the institutional capacity to enable research and research-related activities in social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering and health

Link to the organization’s program(s): 2.1: Indirect Costs of Research

Description: This transfer payment program supports a portion of the indirect costs associated with the conduct of academic research in institutions that receive research grant funds from any of the three federal research granting agencies. Grants are awarded to eligible institutions using a progressive funding formula based on the average revenues from research grants received from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and SSHRC. This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions.

Results achieved: Grants to postsecondary institutions from the Research Support Fund, formerly called the Indirect Costs Program, equalled $340.4 million in 2015–16 and provided vital support to the academic research environment in Canada. In 2015–16, the Research Support Fund constituted 99.5 per cent of SSHRC’s grant expenditures under Strategic Outcome 2. The Research Support Fund partially offsets expenses for institutions by providing support in five categories: maintaining modern labs and equipment; providing access to up-to-date knowledge resources; providing research management and administrative support; meeting regulatory and ethical standards; or transferring knowledge from academia to the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. The impacts of Research Support Fund grants are both direct, through supporting research administration and grant writing, and indirect, by helping to maintain the infrastructure necessary to support new initiatives.

In 2013–14, the federal government conducted a review of the program in consultation with the postsecondary sector to ensure that the program was meeting its objective of reinforcing excellence in postsecondary research. The review generally identified strong support for the program and overall satisfaction with its current design parameters while proposing that institutional reporting measures be increased; the program was renamed Research Support Fund to better reflect intended outcomes. The 10th-year evaluation of the program was completed in 2014–15. It reinforced the review, finding that there is a continuing need for the program and that many contextual shifts have increased pressures on institutions conducting research. The evaluation further found that the program is consistent with federal and tri-agency priorities, as well as with federal roles and responsibilities.

In 2015–16, SSHRC completed the first cycle under the Research Support Fund name. The reporting structure for the program is still being revised.

Comments on variances: There was a transfer from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council to National Defence to support the indirect costs of federally funded research at the Royal Military College.

Audits completed or planned: Not applicable

Evaluations completed or planned: Not applicable

Engagement of applicants and recipients: A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) have been used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

Performance Information (dollars)

Type of Transfer Payment	2013–14 Actual spending	2014–15 Actual spending	2015–16 Planned spending	2015–16 Total authorities available for use	2015–16 Actual spending (authorities used)	Variance (2015–16 actual minus 2015–16 planned)
Total grants*	331,624,374	332,403,000	341,403,000	340,451,411	340,434,112	(968,888)
Total contributions	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total other types of transfer payments	0	0	0	0	0	0
Total program	331,624,374	332,403,000	341,403,000	340,451,411	340,434,112	(968,888)

* These figures do not include operating expenses.