Faculty External Research Funding

Horizon Europe IMA is designed to support Canadian faculty and eligible small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in consortium-building and proposal development under Horizon Europe Pillar II. This offering will provide short-term funding to facilitate travel and in-person engagement with European collaborators – addressing a well-recognized barrier to meaningful participation in one of the globe’s largest research funding frameworks.  

Applications must be submitted by two travelers, either a pair of faculty members from different post-secondary institutions, or a faculty member and representative from a Canadian industry SME. Applications must not include more than two travelers. There are no restrictions on academic disciplines or industry sectors however, fields must align with Horizon Europe calls for proposals and/or corresponding European research consortia. Awards will be valued at up to CAD 5,000 per traveler ($10,000 per award).  

For more information on applicant eligibility, please view our website. Interested parties can also register for updates before the call opens. 

Important dates: 

Call opens: Friday, March 6, 2026 

Call closes: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 

Travel concludes: Wednesday, Sept 30, 2026 

Please note that applications will be reviewed via a rolling cohort basis throughout the call period, and top-rated candidates may receive notice of their approval before the call closing date. Early applications are encouraged, as the competition may close early if available funds are exhausted. 

Please connect with your local Mitacs Advisor or pilots@mitacs.ca with any questions. 

Researcher's Responsibilities:

• The researcher is ultimately responsible for grant/contract administration. The researcher's responsibilities include compliance with University and Tri-Agency policies, financial management, supervision of research personnel, and meeting the grant or contract requirements.
• It is standard practice at SMU to notify the Research Grants Officer of your intent to apply for any external research funding at any role or application stage, including External Co-applicant, or Expression of Interest/ Notice of Intent, as soon as you are certain. This advance notice will ensure that you receive the necessary support and institutional approvals for your application on time.
• All external grant applications must undergo a mandatory internal review at least 10 business days before the funding agency's deadline. This process ensures that your application complies with the requirements set forth by the funding body.

Depending on the availability of our group of faculty volunteer reviewers during the regular semesters, our dedicated SMU College of Reviewers can provide expert content advice on your grant proposal. Please send your request for content expert review to your Research Grants Officer, who will then contact the faculty volunteers. Please allow a minimum of two (2) weeks for the reviewer to evaluate your draft application.

• For inquiries regarding Tri-Agency funding programs and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), contact Marlene Ramos, Research Grants Officer, at marlene.ramos@smu.ca. 
• For questions related to contracts, partnership opportunities, or Mitacs, please contact the Office of Innovation and Community Engagement at oice@smu.ca or reach out to Kevin Buchan, Director of OICE, at kevin.buchan@smu.ca, or Danielle Goodfellow, Industry Liaison Officer, at danielle.goodfellow@smu.ca.