The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is the Government of Canada's research funding agency that promotes and supports research and training in the humanities and social sciences.

At York University, SSHRC provides funding to researchers and graduate students. The amount of funding researchers at the University receive contributes to the allocation of Canada Research Chairs, Research Support Fund and Canada Foundation for Innovation envelope allocation at the University.

The functions of the Council are to:

• Promote and support postsecondary-based research, knowledge mobilization and training in the social sciences and humanities; and
• Advise the minister on matters relating to social sciences and humanities research.

SSHRC also oversees the delivery of several tri-agency programs, including the Canada Research Chairs and other research chairs programs, and the New Frontiers in Research Fund. SSHRC was created through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Act.