Ontario Research Fund Research Infrastructure (ORF-RI)

Through research infrastructure investments the ORF-RI program aims to ensure that Ontario’s research institutions and their researchers continue to have competitive, state-of-the-art infrastructure to engage in world-leading research and technology development, and are able to leverage awards from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI).

The ORF-RI program has two streams:

• Large Infrastructure Fund (LIF) 
• Strategic investments in institutional research facilities that bring together researchers from a range of disciplines, technology experts and industry partners to generate new ideas, stimulate technology development and support the growth of strong regional economies.

• Small Infrastructure Fund (SIF) 
• Investments to help attract, retain and develop leading researchers by supporting the acquisition and renewal of state-of-the-art research equipment at Ontario’s publicly funded research institutes.

Application Process:
The ORF-RI is adjudicated in association with CFI.

ORF-RI Small Infrastructure Fund applications are due within three weeks of submission of corresponding CFI John Evans Leaders Fund (JELF) applications.

All CFI and ORF-RI applications, including those led by McMaster and those where we partner on proposals led by other institutions, require Faculty endorsement.

Once ROADS has received approval from the Faculty Dean, a Senior Advisor will be assigned to provide you with guidance documents and assist you with development of your proposal.

Eligibility:
The program is open on a competitive basis to any Ontario research institution eligible to apply to the CFI under its Innovation Fund or John Evans Leaders Fund (JELF).

Value:
The ORF-RI program is a matching program:

• Up to 40% of the total project budget comes from the ORF
• Up to 40% comes from the CFI
• 20% or more comes from a combination of in-kind or vendor discounts and cash.

More Information:
If you have any questions regarding the ORF-RI program, please contact Sherisse Webb, Assistant Director, Development, at webbsh@mcmaster.ca or extension 26946.

Additional information about the ORF-RI program can be found on the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation’s website at http://www.ontario.ca/business-and-economy/ontario-research-fund-research-infrastructure.