CIHR Research Excellence, Diversity, and Independence (REDI) Early Career Transition Award

Many groups in Canada are underrepresented in faculty and academic leadership positions. Yet, research shows that diversity sparks creativity and strengthens scientific quality, innovation, and impact.

First launched in 2022, the CIHR Research Excellence, Diversity, and Independence (REDI, pronounced "ready") Early Career Transition Award is available to trainees, such as post-doctoral researchers, clinicians, and research associates, from specific underrepresented groups to help them launch their research faculty careers in Canada. Through its two-phase model, which begins with mentored career development of trainees and is followed by support to establish and sustain an independent research program, REDI develops the next generation of health research leaders.

The CIHR REDI program helps Canada capitalize on the full extent of its tremendous scientific talent by addressing gaps in training, support, and representation. As such, it contributes to the creation and application of health-related knowledge to improve the health of people in Canada.

REDI 2025

About REDI 2025

REDI 2025 builds on the success of the first iteration of the program (REDI 2022), which supported racialized women and Black scholars as they transitioned to independent research careers. Relaunched with expanded eligibility, REDI 2025 reaffirms CIHR and its partners' commitments to advancing scientific excellence by fostering a research environment that values and supports diversity, representation, equity, inclusion, and Indigenous rights. The program also adopts an expanded intersectional framework for race and gender.

Co-led by the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity and the CIHR Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health and supported by internal and non-governmental partners, REDI 2025 provides two distinct streams of support:

One stream for scholars who self-identify as Black (any gender), racialized women or racialized gender-diverse people;
A new stream for scholars who self-identify as First Nations, Inuit, Métis (any gender).

A total of $34.5 M is available to fund approximately 50 REDI Awards (25 per stream) and 50 Community Engagement and Knowledge Mobilization supplements.

Resources for Applicants

Getting Started

Self-Identification Tool

Linkage Tool: Connecting REDI Applicants with Mentors

Information Letter on the Role of the Primary Mentor

Application & Transition Support

Information Sessions

Frequently Asked Questions

REDI Phase 2 Transition Process Guidelines

Frequently Asked Questions

CIHR Research Excellence, Diversity, and Independence Early Career Transition Award (2025): Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions?

Join us for one of our upcoming information sessions, or contact our support team directly at support-soutien@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

Refer to the list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) that has been developed to provide additional information to support the application process. Please note that this page may be updated as needed leading up to the application deadline.

Information Sessions

Join us to learn more about REDI 2025! CIHR will be hosting a series of webinars to help applicants and host institutions understand the requirements of the REDI 2025 funding opportunity and to answer questions about the application process.

For Host Institutions of Applicants

Bilingual Session

When: Monday, November 17, 2025
Language: English presentation and Q&A in both English and French

For Applicants

English Sessions

Thursday, November 6, 2025
End of January 2026 (date to be confirmed)
English presentation and Q&A

French Sessions

Wednesday, November 12, 2025
End of January 2026 (date to be confirmed)
French presentation and Q&A

Bilingual Q&A Session

March 2026 (date to be confirmed)
English presentation and Q&A in both English and French

Find out more information and register on the CIHR webinars page.

Partnerships

Resources

Past Recipients

CIHR is committed to supporting the career development of the next generation of health researchers. First launched in 2022, the CIHR Research Excellence, Diversity, and Independence (REDI, pronounced "ready") Early Career Transition Award is available to post-doctoral researchers, clinicians, and research associates from specific underrepresented groups to help them launch their research faculty careers in Canada. This transition award is intended to foster the development of independent research scientists who would benefit from tailored, mentored career development in Phase 1 before transitioning to Phase 2 to establish and sustain their independent research program in academia. It is anticipated to be a recurring award with expanded eligibility in future iterations.

The CIHR REDI program will help Canada capitalize on the full extent of its tremendous scientific talent by addressing gaps in training and support and by fostering diversity. As such, it will contribute to the creation and use of health-related knowledge to improve the health of Canadians.

The CIHR REDI program is led by CIHR's Institute of Infection and Immunity and made successful through our partnerships.