Arctic and Northern Challenge Program
Supports Northern-led applied research in Canada addressing housing, health, food, and water systems with strong local capacity-building components.
The Arctic and Northern Challenge Program is a National Research Council Canada grant program focused on the quality of life of Northern peoples. It runs from 2022 to 2029, carries UNESCO endorsement within the International Decade of Sciences for Sustainable Development, and backs Northern-led work with a strong emphasis on capacity building and applied innovation. Four themes shape the portfolio: housing, health, food, and water. Two cross-cutting requirements run through every proposal: capacity building for Northern and Indigenous research capacity, and braided Indigenous Knowledge with at least one Indigenous Knowledge holder involved. Eligible recipients include Indigenous governments and organizations, academic institutions, public sector bodies, non-profits, and private firms in Canada. The program is built around collaboration rather than standalone projects. NRC says future opportunities will continue to be announced through the program team, and the first call selected six projects under the Canada-Inuit Nunangat-United Kingdom Arctic Research Programme. Proposals that match the themes, show genuine Northern leadership, and explain how results will strengthen communities are the clearest fit.
No upcoming rounds verified. Cadence: Multiple per year.