Science is not confined to the laboratory: it is also embodied in the companies, community organizations, associations and institutions that contribute to its influence. Whether you’re a researcher, an innovation entrepreneur, a member of an NPO or the head of a research center, obtaining funding can turn your ideas into concrete projects.
In Québec, as in Canada, several programs support the popularization mobilization and dissemination of scientific knowledge. Here’s a guide to the main grants and scholarships available to support your projects in 2025.
Why these subsidies are important
- They are used to finance outreach activities workshops, symposia, websites, communication campaigns, videos, exhibitions…
- They encourage the creation of partnerships between universities, companies and communities.
- They add value to your work and reinforce its social and economic impact.
Comparative table of main grants and scholarships
Program | Objective | Amount | Deadline (indicative) | Eligibility | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NSERC – PromoScience (federal) | Support organizations that stimulate young people’s interest in science, engineering, technology and mathematics. | Up to $200,000/year, max 3 years | Mid-September (annual) | NPOs, post-secondary institutions, museums, researchers via a sponsoring organization | NSERC PromoScience |
SSHRC – Connexion Grants (Public Outreach) (federal) | Knowledge mobilization and transfer (conferences, publications, events). | Up to $50,000 | Three competitions a year | Researchers affiliated with a Canadian university | SSHRC Connection |
FRQ – ENGAGEMENT (participatory science) (Quebec) | Involving a researcher/citizen duo in a participatory science project. Three phases: Start-up, Action, Sharing. | Up to $60,000 ($15,000 + $30,000 + $15,000) | Late autumn pre-orders (2024 for the 2025-2026 edition) | Researchers and citizens in partnership | FRQ ENGAGEMENT |
MEIE – NovaScience (Quebec) | Develop the next generation and scientific culture (internships, educational projects, awareness-raising). | Varies by component (internships, salaries, projects) | Periodic calls | Companies, NPOs, institutions, municipalities, associate researchers | NovaScience |
Bourses d’honneur – Entreprendre Ici and MEIE (Quebec) | Helping young innovative companies take their first steps. | Up to $25,000 | Autumn (annual) | Young companies (< 5 years), including communication and science | Honorary scholarships |
Mitacs (Acceleration, SSE, Globalink, Perfectionnement) (federal/Quebec) | Internships, international mobility, collaborative innovation and vocational training. | Variable (scholarships, trainee salaries) | Open continuously | Students, researchers, partner companies and NPOs | Mitacs |
FRQ – DIALOGUE (Researchers) (Quebec) | Funding and recognition for scientific communication and dialogue with the general public | Up to $40,000 (18 months) | Pre-application: Nov. 14, 2024 – Full application: Feb. 20, 2024 2025 | University and college researchers (status 1, 2, 3) | FRQ DIALOGUE |
A few tips for your requests
- Aligning your project with program objectives Social relevance and tangible impact are important to funders.
- Highlight your partnerships : companies, NPOs, municipalities, institutions, etc. The wider your network, the more credible your project.
- Take care of your communication tools Clear visuals, appropriate language, structured distribution strategy.
- Plan early: deadlines vary, but projects are often selected if they are prepared well in advance.
Why include Agence PhDesign in your application?
Preparing a financing application involves more than filling in a form. It involves tell the story of a project convincinglyto demonstrate its impact and translate it into terms that can be understood by evaluation committees.
This is precisely where PhDesign Agency intervene. Our team supports the scientific community every step of the way:
- Plain language to translate your results into clear, powerful messages.
- Graphic design and multimedia to create professional and attractive visuals.
- Dissemination and impact strategy to ensure your work reaches the right audiences.
Above all, we can act as a partner or co-applicant in certain programs, integrating our expertise directly into the project structure. This approach improves your chances of securing funding, so that your initiatives get the publicity they deserve.
Do you have a scientific project you’d like to publicize? We have the tools and expertise to amplify it.
Contact us here or write to us at [email protected]
