CDSI's CRT Program provides funding for convergent research—areas where research fields have the potential to overlap and expand in new and innovative ways—where computational and data systems are central.
Thank you for your interest! CRT applications are now closed.
Eligible LOIs will receive a link to the full application by email.
Overview
Exploratory Phase
Supports teams starting new collaborations who are in the initial stages of exploring a convergent theme. Emphasis is on encouraging and empowering new, unconventional, cross-disciplinary conversations to determine potential collaborative research directions and their feasibility.
The Exploratory Phase stream is eligible for up to $10,000 in funding.
Proof of Concept
Supports well-established, multidisciplinary teams working in a well-defined convergent theme to take their ideas to the next stage. Emphasis is on implementing a short program with a set of deliverables demonstrating the potential for a long-term research program.
The Proof of Concept stream is eligible for up to $20,000 in funding.
Selection Criteria
Only complete proposal packages submitted by the full application deadline will be reviewed.
Applications are evaluated based on:
- A clear demonstration of the CRT program objectives, including
the convergent nature of the research
engaging computing, data, and systems at the core of the proposed research
through a multi-domain team
- The quality, novelty, and feasibility of the research idea, convergent approach, and associated mechanisms
- A high potential for an evolution into further collaborations and future impact through next steps
- Team composition, both in terms of domains necessary to address identified challenges and diversity and inclusion
Application Requirements
- Lead applicants must be an active Principal Investigator (PI) at McGill (e.g. a tenure-track professor). Applications from students will not be considered.
- Applications are open to members of all McGill faculties.
- Teams must be comprised of primarily of active members of McGill.
- Eligible costs are (i) HR compensation (stipends, salaries and benefits for students/post-docs) and (ii) research community engagement expenses (e.g. workshops, etc.).
- Successful applicants will receive support from CDSI staff for the Winter 2026 semester.
- The Exploratory Phase stream is eligible to receive up to $10,000; the Proof of Concept stream is eligible to receive up to $20,000.
Application Process
- Submit a letter of intent (LOI): provide a brief description of your (i) intended research and (ii) proposed team members; this helps CDSI plan for the review process. A link to the LOI submission form will be located on this page when the competition opens.
- Write a full application: eligible LOIs will receive a link to the full application by email.
- Wait for the review: a team of CDSI-curated experts will review the applications and provide an update on the status of your application within 4-6 weeks.
