Responsible Intelligence for Society & Ethics (RISE)

Call for Proposals - Fall 2026

The Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) supports Canadian postsecondary institutions in achieving international research excellence in areas that generate long-term social and economic benefits for Canada. As two of Canada's flagship CFREF-funded initiatives, Connected Minds and IVADO are advancing interdisciplinary research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and society. Building on their complementary strengths and shared commitment to responsible innovation, the proposed joint Responsible Intelligence for Society & Ethics (RISE) Seed Grant initiative will foster high-impact collaborations in Neuro-AI and AI Ethics, directly aligning with CFREF's mandate to support transformational, cross-institutional research.

Based at York and Queen's Universities, Connected Minds brings together three pillars of expertise (Society, Neuroscience & Behaviour, and Intelligent Technologies) alongside 50+ partner organizations. We seek to understand how interactions between humans and intelligent technologies produce unexpected, emergent properties at the community and societal levels, predict how emerging technologies will shape the evolving techno-social landscape, and use these insights to co-create new research and technology development.

IVADO is an interdisciplinary, cross-sectoral research and knowledge mobilization consortium whose mission is to develop and promote a robust, reasoning and responsible AI. Led by Université de Montréal with four university partners (Polytechnique Montréal, HEC Montréal, Université Laval and McGill University)- collectively referred to as U5, IVADO brings together research centers, government bodies and industry members to co-build ambitious cross-sectoral initiatives with the goal of fostering a paradigm shift for AI and its adoption.

Award Details

Up to $125,000/seed grant

Priority Streams:
• Neuro-AI
• AI Ethics

LOI Submission Deadline

November 9, 2026, 11:59PM EST

Click Here to Apply

Basic Infomation

Eligibility & Team Composition

Voir la traduction française

We encourage all eligible applicants to explore the breadth of expertise across the Connected Minds and IVADO networks to identify researchers with complementary interests and potential opportunities for collaboration. You can browse Connected Minds members here and IVADO researchers from the U5 institutions here.

BASIC INFORMATION

This call for proposals aims to strengthen collaboration between Connected Minds and IVADO by fostering meaningful, interdisciplinary partnerships that leverage complementary expertise. It seeks to support innovative, high-impact research on two priority domains: Neuro-AI and AI Ethics.

Through this initiative, the program encourages teams to develop cutting-edge approaches that meet the following criteria:

significantly advance scientific knowledge and generate novel insights within the identified priority areas;
promote robust, responsible and ethical AI development;
build sustainable research linkages and knowledge exchange across Connected Minds and IVADO; and
support the training and mentorship of students by providing them with opportunities to actively participate in collaborative and innovative research projects.

AI must constitute a significant and central component of the proposed project. Its use should be innovative and ambitious, going beyond conventional data analysis methods. Applicants must demonstrate the expertise required to successfully deliver the project's AI-related activities.

While these objectives apply to both domains, area-specific priorities have been identified.

Neuro-AI: This stream will support interdisciplinary teams developing novel approaches at the intersection of neuroscience and artificial intelligence, integrating Connected Minds' expertise in neural systems and behaviour with IVADO's strengths in machine learning and computational modelling. Projects could explore areas such as biologically inspired AI systems, brain-informed algorithms, neural data-driven model development, closed-loop neurotechnology, and AI systems that learn from and interact with human cognition in naturalistic settings.

AI Ethics: This stream will support collaborations focused on the ethical, societal, and governance dimensions of AI, particularly as they relate to human-centred and neurotechnology applications. By combining Connected Minds' focus on human experience, equity, and societal impact with IVADO's leadership in responsible AI frameworks, projects could develop ethically grounded AI systems informed by real-world human data, with particular attention to algorithmic fairness, transparency, accessibility, and the mitigation of bias in AI deployment. Beyond technical design, this extends to ethical AI development and governance processes, their broader community-level impacts, and data governance frameworks that respect collective rights and interests, such as Indigenous data sovereignty..

FUNDING

Up to three (3) research projects will be funded: one in each stream, plus one additional project that aligns with either stream and has a substantive focus on Indigeneity or is led by an Indigenous PI or Co-PI. Each project may receive up to $125,000 for a one (1) year funding period.

Following adjudication, the highest-ranked proposal in each stream will be recommended for funding. If no proposals in one stream are deemed fundable, the available funding may be reallocated to the other stream. In addition, the highest-ranked eligible proposal with a substantive focus on Indigeneity or led by an Indigenous PI or Co-PI will be recommended for funding.

Funding for the awards is jointly provided by Connected Minds at York University, Connected Minds at Queen's University, and IVADO. IVADO's contribution will be distributed across all funded projects, while the Connected Minds contribution is equally allocated between York University and Queen's University. The final distribution of funding will reflect the institutional composition of the successful teams and may be distributed across projects involving researchers from both York and Queen's.

The funding is non-renewable and must be fully utilized within the designated one-year period.
No extensions will be granted under any circumstances, and any unspent funds at the end of the funding period will not be carried forward.
Eligible expenses include: salaries (postdoc, highly qualified research professionals), student stipends, material, equipment, and services required to carry out the research.

Competition Stage	Date/Deadline
Letter of Intent (LOI) Submission	November 9, 2026
Invitation to Full Application	December 14, 2026
Full Submissions Due	February 18, 2027
Funding Announcement	March 15, 2027

Affiliation of the principal and co-principal applicants to either Connected Minds or IVADO is essential, and must respect the following criteria:

Connected Minds

Be a registered member of the program
Be a full-time Faculty Member at York or Queen’s

IVADO

Hold an academic or research position at one of the U5 (Université de Montréal, HEC, Polytechnique Montréal, McGill University, Université Laval)

In order to cement the collaboration between Connected Minds and IVADO, RISE projects must be led by a team of at least two professors, one being from Connected Minds and the other being from one of IVADO’s U5 (Université de Montréal, Polytechnique Montréal, HEC Montréal, Université Laval or McGill University). You can browse Connected Minds members here and IVADO researchers from the U5 institutions here.

Position	Number Per Project	Eligible Affiliation	Role
Principal Investigator(s)	1 or 2	Connected Minds York, Connected Minds Queen’s, or IVADO U5. Collectively, the PIs and Co-PIs must include at least one eligible Connected Minds member from either York University or Queen's University and at least one eligible member from an IVADO U5 institution. Teams that include Connected Minds members from both York University and Queen's University are encouraged.	Primary point of contact for all communications with both Connected Minds and IVADO Overall leadership and coordination of the project (including appropriate oversight and management of the project budget) Responsible for submitting the final financial and scientific project reports.
Co-Principal Investigator(s)	1 or 2	Connected Minds York, Connected Minds Queen’s, or IVADO U5. The combined PI and Co-PI team must satisfy the mandatory representation requirements outlined above.	Contribution to the design, development, and execution of the research program Bring complementary expertise, support coordination between the two groups Actively participate in achieving the project’s scientific and collaborative objectives
Co-Investigator(s)	0 to 4	Connected Minds, IVADO U5, investigators from a Canadian or international university	Support the design and execution of the project Contribute specialized knowledge Foster interdisciplinary collaboration
Collaborators	As required	Government bodies, non-profit or community organizations, private industries	Support the design and execution of the project Contribute specialized knowledge

Proposals should aim to include a balanced representation of applicants from Connected Minds and IVADO to ensure meaningful integration of perspectives and to reinforce collaborative engagement between the two groups. It is expected that the composition of research teams will reflect different stages of career, allowing for collaboration between established and early-career researchers.

Teams may include up to eight investigators and should be appropriately sized and composed for the scope, complexity, and ambition of the proposed project.

Applicants can be listed as PI or Co-PI on only one submission for this call. There is no limitation to the number of times an investigator is listed as a Co-I.

The application process consists of two stages: a Letter of Intent (LOI) and a Full Proposal.

During the LOI stage, applicants are invited to self-organize into eligible research teams and submit a brief proposal. LOIs will be reviewed by a streamlined adjudication team with representatives from Connected Minds and IVADO.

The Full Proposal stage is by invitation only. Proposals and will be evaluated by a joint Connected Minds–IVADO adjudication committee, which will make funding recommendations based on the published evaluation criteria.

Any project addressing Indigeneity will be further reviewed by the Connected Minds Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC). In keeping with principles of self-determination, the IAC has the right to veto projects related to Indigenous research.

Letters of Intent (LOIs) will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Eligibility & Team Composition: The proposed team meets the eligibility requirements of the funding call and demonstrates meaningful collaboration between Connected Minds and IVADO. Priority will be given to teams that include investigators from IVADO U5, Connected Minds at York University, and Connected Minds at Queen's University.
Alignment: The proposed research aligns with the objectives of the funding call and demonstrates relevance to the priority research areas of Neuro-AI or AI Ethics.
Research Excellence & Transformative Impact: The proposed project addresses an important research question with the potential to advance knowledge, generate meaningful impact, and foster future research collaboration between Connected Minds and IVADO.

Please see the “NOTICE OF INTENT REQUIREMENTS” section below for full details on the Notice of Intent application.

The full proposal will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

Research Excellence & Transformative Impact: The proposal addresses an important research challenge in Neuro-AI or AI Ethics. The research objectives are clear, original, ambitious, and demonstrate the potential to advance knowledge and generate meaningful scientific and societal impact.
Collaboration & Team Excellence: The research team demonstrates the expertise, leadership, and complementary perspectives required to successfully deliver the proposed project. The proposal clearly demonstrates meaningful collaboration between Connected Minds and IVADO, with priority given to projects that integrate researchers from IVADO U5, Connected Minds at York University, and Connected Minds at Queen's University.
Implementation & Feasibility: The proposed research plan is well designed and feasible within the one-year funding period. The workplan, milestones, timeline, and budget are appropriate and demonstrate a high likelihood of successful completion.
Impact & Future Growth: The proposal demonstrates a clear pathway to scientific, societal, policy, or technological impact. It shows strong potential to establish enduring collaborations, attract future external funding, and create opportunities for sustained research beyond the duration of this award.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI): EDI principles are meaningfully integrated into both the composition of the research team and the design and conduct of the research. The proposal demonstrates how equitable, diverse, and inclusive practices will strengthen the research environment, collaboration, and anticipated outcomes.

Adjudication of Indigenous-Focused & Indigenous-Led Projects:

Connected Minds and IVADO are committed to ensuring that research involving Indigenous Peoples, communities, lands, or knowledge systems is evaluated through culturally appropriate, respectful, and rigorous review processes.

IAC Adjudication Panel: Proposals identifying a substantive focus on Indigeneity or led/co-led by Indigenous Principal Investigators will be adjudicated by a panel composed of members of the Connected Minds Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC) - a body of Indigenous scholars, elders, and community experts who bring deep knowledge in Indigenous research paradigms, ethics, and community governance.
Self-Determination & Review Oversight: In keeping with principles of self-determination, the IAC has final authority and veto power regarding the approval of projects involving Indigenous research.
Relational Ethics & Data Sovereignty: In addition to scientific merit, IAC reviewers will evaluate the depth and authenticity of community engagement, evidence of reciprocal partnership, adherence to Indigenous data sovereignty principles (such as OCAP®, Inuit Qaujimajatuqangit (IQ), and/or Métis Data Principles, as appropriate to the communities and contexts involved), and demonstrated benefit to Indigenous communities.
Dual-Stream Evaluation: Proposals meeting Indigenous criteria will be automatically evaluated both within their primary technical stream (Neuro-AI or AI Ethics) and for the dedicated Indigenous-focused grant allocation.

The NOI must be submitted by the posted deadline and must include:

Proposal Title
Names of Principal Investigator(s), Co-Principal Investigator(s), Co-Investigator(s), and Collaborator(s)
Checkboxes indicating which priority call area the proposed project aligns with, and if the project involves Indigeneity and/or is led or co-led by an Indigenous Principal Investigator (PI) or Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI).
Checkboxes for REB status (approved, submitted, TBD, not required) for the use of Human Participants, Animals, BioHazard Materials, Potential New Technologies
A list of up to 5 keywords
Project Summary -a concise overview of the proposed research, including the research challenge, objectives, proposed approach, and anticipated outcomes. (1,000 words)
Alignment with the Funding Call - How does the proposed research align with the objectives of this funding opportunity and explain its relevance to Neuro-AI or AI Ethics. (300 words)
Research Excellence & Transformative Impact - Describe the significance of the proposed research. Explain why the research question is important, what makes the project innovative, and how it has the potential to advance knowledge and generate meaningful scientific and/or societal impact. (350 words)
Collaboration & Future Growth - Describe how the collaboration between IVADO and Connected Minds will strengthen the proposed research. Explain how this project will establish or expand long-term collaboration and position the team for future research opportunities, partnerships, or external funding. (200 words)
Networking Support - Do you need support in identifying additional collaborators? If yes, please describe the expertise you are seeking.
Uploads - up to two (2) supporting documents: one for references and one for figures, diagrams, or other visual materials. The figures/diagrams document may contain a maximum of 500 additional words. The references document is not subject to a word limit.

Submit an LOI Here

Funded research teams are expected to:

Submit a financial report and a project summary report at the end of the funding period.
Participate in at least one scientific activity organized by Connected Minds and/or IVADO to present research results.
Acknowledge Connected Minds, IVADO and the CFREF program in all presentations, publications, and dissemination activities. Please refer to the IVADO and Connected Minds funding acknowledgement guidelines when referencing support received through this award. Click here for IVADO guidance and here for Connected Minds guidance.
Ensure that all research activities comply with applicable ethical standards and requirements. Where applicable, proof of Research Ethics Board (REB) approval (or other required ethics approval) must be provided prior to the release of funds.
Comply with the Tri-Agency (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC) Open Access Policy on Publications.
Adhere to the ICMJE Recommendations for the Conduct, Reporting, Editing, and Publication of Scholarly work in Medical Journals, to ensure transparency, fairness and accountability.
Declare any actual, potential, or perceived conflicts of interest related to the proposed project at the full proposal stage.

Should you have any questions regarding this call for proposals, please contact:
Connected Minds: Tara Tharani, ttharani@yorku.ca
IVADO: Audrée Janelle Montcalm, recherche@ivado.ca