Before applying to any CFI infrastructure award, researchers should consider the following resources and procedures.
Consider Existing Equipment and Infrastructure at UBC
UBC maintains a variety of resources, infrastructure and databases that may serve your needs. A few of these are highlighted below.
- IPO Infrastructure Database
- The IPO maintains an up-to-date listing of available infrastructure and equipment at UBC's Vancouver campus.
UBC
- The IPO maintains an up-to-date listing of available infrastructure and equipment at UBC's Vancouver campus.
- Computing Services for Big Data
- Advanced Research Computing (ARC) assists researchers with computational needs that standard computing infrastructure cannot handle.
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- Advanced Research Computing (ARC) assists researchers with computational needs that standard computing infrastructure cannot handle.
- Shared Research Platforms
Confirm Your Eligibility to Apply for CFI Funds
Researchers wishing to apply to any CFI fund should first confirm their eligibility by contacting the Institutional Programs Office. Approval or a nomination from the appropriate dean or associate deans of research of your department/faculty may be required for some programs, such as applications as a JELF Retention Candidate.
Applicants should discuss their infrastructure requirements with their Department Head; UBC's CFI Advisor, Dr. Leonard Foster; and the Institutional Programs Office, before beginning an application.
Plan to Use UBC's Infrastructure Operating Funds
CFI provides UBC with an Infrastructure Operating Fund in support of approved CFI projects. The infrastructure operating funds comprise up to 30% of the CFI portion of an approved CFI award. Researchers are encouraged to incorporate this fund when planning how to fund the operations and maintenance needs of CFI-funded infrastructure. If you wish to access these funds, please contact the Institutional Programs Office.
For All CFI proposals: Complete Renovation and Infrastructure Cost Estimate (RICE) Request
Successful installation of your CFI equipment may need renovations/alterations to your new or existing research space ranging from installing additional power outlets (Tier 2) to a new building or addition to existing buildings (Tier 5).
- If you believe your equipment does not require any renovations/alterations (Tier 1), you will need to provide confirmation and documentation from UBC Facilities. (Contact your departmental administrator for assistance to obtain this document.) A RICE request is still required to be submitted with this documentation attached.
It is critical that you assess your renovation needs and engage the Facilities Planning team early. This is important to ensure that you will have a Renovation and Infrastructure Cost Estimate (RICE) in time for the IPO internal peer review of your application. Upon submitting your RICE Request, a Facilities Planner will contact you to help guide you through the RICE process. Confirm any internal deadlines relevant to your competition: CFI JELF | 2025 Innovation Fund
Determine if Your Proposal Complies With Research Security Protocols And Complete Required Forms
Proposals to specific CFI programs that involve a private sector partner are required to submit additional forms at the time of application. These forms may include:
- Risk Assessment Form
- Private sector partner identification form (complete one for each identified partner)
After May 1, 2024, proposals to most CFI programs will also require researchers working in sensitive technology research areas to attest that they and their collaborators do not hold affiliations with, and are not receiving funding or in-kind support from, Named Research Organizations per the Government of Canada's Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern.
UBC researchers can contact the Research Security team for further assistance or to answer questions about these processes.
Review the CFI Policy and Program Guide and Supplemental Information