Competition year :
2025-2026
Deadline (application) :
Announcement of results :
For application deadlines and announcement of results, see details below
Amount :
$45,000
Duration :
12 months
TWO CALLS WILL BE HELD FOR THE 2025-2026 COMPETITION, WITH THE FOLLOWING DEADLINES:
CALL 1
Deadline for submission of applications: March 27, 2025, 4 p.m.
Announcement of results: June 2025
CALL 2
Deadline for submission of applications: September 30, 2025, 4 p.m.
Announcement of results: December 2025
PLEASE CAREFULLY READ THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR EACH CALL (SEE SECTION 3, “ELIGIBILITY”).
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NOTE: IN THE EVENT OF A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE ENGLISH AND FRENCH VERSION OF THIS PROGRAM, THE FRENCH VERSION PREVAILS.
This program refers to the Common General Rules (CGR). These apply to all Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) programs. It is the responsibility of applicants and/or funding holders to read the CGR, which set out all rules governing competitions and managing awards. Only conditions specific to the Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarship – Knowledge Mobilization Plan (B5R) of the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Société et culture Sector are indicated in this document and these prevail over the CGR.
TO BE CONSIDERED ADMISSIBLE, THE APPLICATION MUST HAVE THE STATUS “SUBMITTED TO THE FONDS” IN THE FRQnet SYSTEM AT THE DEADLINE FOR THE CALL CONCERNED, I.E. 4 P.M. ON MARCH 27, 2025 (CALL 1) OR 4 P.M. ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2025 (CALL 2).
This version was updated on December 20, 2024, subject to the approval of the Ministre de l’Économie, de l’Innovation et de l’Énergie.
1. OBJECTIVES
This program offers a funding extension to support Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarship (B5) recipients of the Fonds – Société et culture Sector in their efforts to publicize and promote the results of their postdoctoral research-creation work through knowledge mobilization activities, in accordance with the Fonds de recherche du Québec Knowledge Mobilization Strategy. Under this strategy, knowledge mobilization is an umbrella term covering several concepts related to the use and exploitation of research results: sharing, exchange, transfer, translation, application, valorization, commercialization, promotion, dissemination, etc.
More specifically, this program aims to maximize the impact of research funded by the Fonds in civil society by contributing to the circulation of knowledge and expertise outside the academic community and by encouraging the implementation of mobilization and transfer activities that will increase its reach. The following are targeted as potential users of research results: public, private, community and practice sector audiences; policymakers; the general public, etc.
This program also aims to promote the professional integration of postdoctoral fellows outside the academic community by encouraging them to create ties with the communities that are potential users of their research results.
2. VALUE AND DURATION
The scholarship has a maximum value of $45,000 and a duration of 12 months.
Based on the supporting document provided with the application (see Section 4.3) and on the evaluation committee’s recommendation, a supplement of $5,000 may be awarded for applicants who wish to implement their mobilization plan in whole or in part in a host environment situated more than 250 km from Québec’s borders. This supplement is conditional on a minimum presence of three months at the host environment outside Québec during the funding period.
The Fonds also offers a supplement of up to $5,000 for costs relating to the implementation of the mobilization plan (studio rental, purchase of materials and supplies, equipment rental, transport costs for works and/or equipment, etc.) on submission of a justification of the expenses with the application form. Expenses already reimbursed by another organization are not eligible. The evaluation committee recommends the amount of the supplement based on the submitted justifications and in consideration of the objectives of the mobilization plan. As a result, the recommended amount may be less than the amount indicated in the application.
2.1 Number of awards
At the end of each of the two joint calls for the Postdoctoral Scholarships – Knowledge Mobilization Plan (B3ZR) and Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarships – Knowledge Mobilization Plan (B5R) programs, up to 5 applications will be offered funding, based on the ranking established by the evaluation committee.
3. ELIGIBILITY
Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements in effect at the time of application as stipulated in the program rules and the CGR.
Applying more than once to this program, under any competition, is not permitted.
3.1 Target group
This program is intended for all scholarship holders under the Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarships (B5R) program whose funding period ends no later than:
- CALL 1: between April 1, 2025 and September 30, 2025;
- CALL 2: between October 1, 2025 and March 31, 2026.
In any case, individuals who have already applied under this program (B5R) are excluded.
3.2 Citizenship and residency
To be eligible for the competition, the applicant must maintain the citizenship and residency conditions they demonstrated at the time of application for a Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarship (B5).
If the applicant acquires Canadian citizenship or permanent residency during the funding period of the Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarship (B5), the conditions and privileges associated with this status will apply.
As a reminder, applicants can implement their mobilization plan outside Québec only if they have:
- Canadian citizenship or Canadian permanent residency
AND
- A Régie d’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card that is valid at the competition deadline or proof of application for a RAMQ card and that the card will be valid at the competition deadline.
Applicants who do not meet one or both of the above conditions must implement their mobilization plan in Québec. Continued physical presence in Québec is required throughout the duration of funding, apart from break periods listed in the university calendar, unless the institution approves* travel outside Québec deemed necessary for the proper implementation of activities.
* To avail themselves of this option if the scholarship is awarded, recipients must provide a Declaration of travel outside Québec (Déclaration de séjour hors Québec) approved by the Québec university in the “Manage my funding” section of the FRQnet E-portfolio.
3.3 Conditions of use of the scholarship
The mobilization activities must take place over a 12-month period beginning no later than 4 months after the end of the Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarship (B5) funding period.
They must be carried out under the formal supervision of a member of the academic community (researcher), who may or may not be the same person who supervised the postdoctoral internship funded under the Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarships program (B5). Academic co-supervision is accepted.
As practical experience is encouraged, applicants may also designate a non-academic setting from which to implement the knowledge mobilization plan. In this case, a person from the practice setting concerned must provide a letter of invitation (see 4.3).
3.4 Eligibility period exceptions
Applicants who, with the approval of the Fonds, have interrupted their postdoctoral research-creation scholarship (B5) during the funding period for reasons such as parental leave, major family obligations, bereavement, or health issues, may be granted an eligibility period extension under certain conditions.
The exception request and supporting documents must be submitted with the application form (see 4.3). Applicants wishing to request such an exception are advised to verify the admissibility of the exception with the program manager before submitting their application.
The Fonds reserves the right to refuse any request that is not adequately justified.
4. APPLICATION
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In accordance with Section 3.6 of the CGR, the application form must be completed in French.
Documents in PDF format are to be attached to the application form. These documents may be written in French or English and must respect the presentation standards for PDF attachments to FRQnet forms.
The number of pages allowed for each document is specified in the form.
For each of the relevant sections under “Activity details”, all required documents, if applicable, must be assembled and scanned into a single PDF document and attached to the form in the section concerned.
To be accepted, scanned PDF copies must be legible and without read protection or special double tab configuration.
No document that is not required will be forwarded to the evaluation committee.
Specifically, the scholarship application consists of the following documents:
- The application form (see 4.1);
- The Canadian Common CV and Detailed Contributions file (see 4.2);
- Required documents to be submitted with the form (see 4.3).
4.1 Application form
For those who request access, the application form, entitled Postdoctoral Research-Creation Fellowship – Knowledge Mobilization Plan (B5R) (Bourses postdoctorales en recherche-création– Plan de mobilisation des connaissances), will be made available in the “Available competitions” section of the FRQnet E-portfolio no later than one month before each of the two call deadlines. A PDF version of this application form (for information purposes) can be consulted in the program Toolbox.
4.2 Canadian Common CV and Detailed Contributions attachment
The Canadian Common CV and “Detailed Contributions” attachment file are available in the Toolbox section on the program page or directly in the “Activity details” box in the FRQnet E-portfolio.
The Canadian Common CV (“Fonds Société et culture” version) must be up-to-date.
The Detailed Contributions file”, also up-to-date, must be duly completed using the template specific to postdoctoral scholarship programs, available in the program Toolbox. Once completed, it must be attached to the application in the appropriate section of the FRQnet E-portfolio. To ensure that the attachment is properly transmitted to the Fonds, it must be saved in PDF format under “Canadian Common CV” in the FRQnet E-portfolio.
For more information, refer to Preparing a CV for the Fonds in the program Toolbox.
Important:
The Canadian Common CV and its Detailed Contributions attachment will no longer be used in this program starting with the next competition edition (2026-2027). A new template will replace them.
4.3 Required documents
The following documents, when required or applicable to the situation, must be attached by the applicant in the appropriate sections of the application form:
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP OUTCOME REPORT AND MOBILIZATION PLAN (mandatory) :
A description of the knowledge mobilization plan, preceded by a postdoctoral fellowship outcome report. Refer to the evaluation criteria, Section 5.1, to be sure of including all necessary elements. (6 pages)
POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH PROJECT SUMMARY (mandatory) :
A summary of the current funded postdoctoral research project that is the subject of the mobilization plan. This document should provide the evaluation committee with a better understanding of the context for the proposed mobilization plan. (1 page max.)
LETTER(S) OF SUPPORT (mandatory) :
A letter of support from each of the persons (maximum 2) designated to (co)supervise the postdoctoral fellowship in an academic setting, attesting to the relevance of the mobilization project and confirming (co)supervision for the additional year of funding (in the form, document referred to as: LETTRE DU SUPERVISEUR OU DE LA SUPERVISEURE). (4 pages max.)
LETTER OF INVITATION FROM THE HOST ENVIRONMENT (if applicable):
If part of the fellowship will be taking place in a non-academic setting (see 3.3), an official letter of support from a person representing the practice setting that has agreed to assist the applicant with their mobilization activities must be included with the application. Distinct from proof of registration or invitation, or a letter of recommendation, this document must indicate the added value of this collaboration and describe the planned support and guidance mechanisms (in the form, document referred to as: LETTRE D’INVITATION DU MILIEU). (2 pages max.)
PROOF(S) OF REGISTRATION OR INVITATION (if applicable):
Proof of registration or invitation confirming participation in an event relevant to the proposed knowledge mobilization activities. Any such proof must not serve as a letter of recommendation. Its purpose is to confirm to the evaluation committee an activity outlined in the mobilization plan and to attest to its implementation or anticipated outcomes. (5 pages max.)
SUPPORTING DOCUMENT FOR THE $5,000 SUPPLEMENT FOR MOBILIZATION OUTSIDE QUÉBEC (if applicable):
Applicants who plan to implement their mobilization plan in whole or in part in a host environment located more than 250 km from Québec’s borders and who wish to take advantage of the $5,000 supplement for mobilization outside Québec must include a demonstration of the added value and relevance of carrying out the mobilization activities in the intended location outside Québec. As the awarding of the supplement is conditional on a minimum presence of three months at the host environment outside Québec during the funding period, the supporting document must also specify the planned period of stay. It is up to the evaluation committee to recommend that the Fonds grant this supplement if adequately justified. (See Section 2, “Value and duration”.) (1 page max.)
SUPPORTING DOCUMENT FOR ELIGIBILITY PERIOD EXCEPTION (if applicable):
Applicants seeking eligibility period exceptions (see Section 3.4) must provide an official document attesting to a parental leave authorized by the Fonds during the Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarship (B5), a medical certificate attesting to serious health reasons or a disability, a supporting document attesting to major family obligations, or any other official document relevant to the analysis of the exception request. (5 pages max.)
SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS FOR THE $5,000 SUPPLEMENT RELATED TO IMPLEMENTATION COSTS (if applicable):
RAMQ CARD (if applicable):
An applicant who is a Canadian citizen or a Canadian permanent resident AND has
- a Régie d’assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) card that is valid at the competition deadline
OR
- proof that a card has been requested from the RAMQ and that the card will be valid at the competition deadline
must provide one of these documents. If the applicant does not have either of these documents, they are not required to provide alternative documentation. Citizenship and residency requirements will apply as set out in Section 3.2.
4.4 Submitting the application
At each call deadline, the status of the application in the FRQnet system must be “Submitted to the Fonds” and all required documents must be attached to the form.
An incomplete application that does not contain the information necessary to establish eligibility or which cannot be evaluated will be deemed ineligible by the Fonds. For each call, no documents received after the deadline will be considered and applications cannot be updated after this deadline. The applicant is responsible for ensuring that all required documents have been included and submitted with the application.
As indicated in the CGR (Section 3.7), an acknowledgement of receipt confirms that the application has been transmitted to the Fonds.
4.5 Notice
All applications received by the Fonds are assessed for eligibility. Applicants will be informed by email, no later than one month following each call deadline, of the progress of their application and, where applicable, its transmission to the evaluation committee. The evaluation committee has the right to declare an application ineligible if it considers that the application does not meet the program conditions and objectives.
Applicants whose application package is deemed invalid will also be notified by email that their application has not been transmitted to the evaluation committee.
5. ASSESSMENT
5.1 Evaluation criteria, sub-criteria and weighting
Based on the Fonds Scoring System Grid, applications are evaluated according to the following criteria, sub-criteria and weighting, by scientific committee members recruited for their expertise related to the program objectives.
Knowledge mobilization plan description must be written in such a way as to be easily understandable in a multidisciplinary context.
Applicants are advised to attach equal importance to both the evaluation criteria and their associated sub-criteria.
POSTDOCTORAL FELLOWSHIP (30 POINTS) :
- Scientific and creative output (15 points)
- Acquisition of skills and experience (15 points)
MOBILIZATION PLAN (70 POINTS) :
- Description of the planned mobilization strategy in accordance with the program objectives, including a presentation of the research results that will be mobilized and specifying the nature of the target audience(s) (25 points)
- Relevance of the planned mobilization activities and anticipated benefits for the target audience(s) (20 points)
- Timeframe, realism and feasibility (15 points)
- Added value for the development of the applicant’s career plan (10 points)
The conditions governing funding decisions are specified in Section 4.5 of the CGR.
6. ANNOUNCEMENT OF RESULTS
The Fonds informs every applicant, via email, of the evaluation and funding decision made with regard to their application. Competition results are published on the Fonds website and a letter is sent to the applicant’s FRQnet E-portfolio.
Successful applicants must accept or refuse the scholarship within 30 calendar days after the funding offer was sent, in the “Manage my funding” section of their FRQnet E-portfolio. An applicant who fails to accept the offer before the deadline is considered to have refused the scholarship (CGR , Section 5.3).
7. OPEN ACCESS DISSEMINATION POLICY
Peer-reviewed publications resulting from the research made possible by this award must be released as immediate open access (without embargo), under an open license, in accordance with the FRQ Open Access Policy (revised in 2022).
8. RULES FOR USING THE SCHOLARSHIP
The rules presented in Section 8 apply to all scholarships awarded under this program.
To retain the scholarship, awardees must meet all eligibility requirements in effect at the time of application. In addition, the following basic conditions must be met throughout the duration of funding:
- Have completed the Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarship (B5) funding period before beginning the mobilization activities.
- Pursue the mobilization activities on a full-time basis, subject to the rules governing paid employment (see 8.5).
- Respect the rules relating to concurrent funding (see 8.3).
Awardees must notify the Fonds as soon as one of these conditions is no longer met and of any change in their situation that could affect compliance with the conditions of the scholarship. Failure to meet these conditions (or failure to inform the Fonds of such a change) may result in the cancellation of the scholarship and the obligation to reimburse the sums received.
8.1 Scholarship period
The use of the scholarship must begin no later than 4 months after the end of the Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarship (B5) funding period.
The scholarship is non-transferrable from one year to the next.
The scholarship is not retroactive.
8.2 Scholarship payments and management
Similar to the Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarship (B5), the annual amount of this scholarship is awarded to the recipient in three instalments. Each instalment covers a period of 4 months and must be requested in the “Manage my funding” section of the FRQnet E-portfolio. Payments are conditional on compliance with the basic requirements and submission of all requirements documents in the FRQnet E-portfolio.
In particular, the first scholarship payment is conditional on the submission of a Knowledge Mobilization Plan Certificate (available in the program Toolbox) signed by the supervisor and confirming the official start date of the mobilization activities.
8.2.1 Cancellation of a payment or a scholarship
The conditions regarding cancellation of a payment or a scholarship are the same as those for the Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarships (B5) program.
8.3 Concurrent awards
The conditions regarding concurrent awards are the same as those for the Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarships (B5) program.
8.4 Exceptions for part-time mobilization plan
The conditions regarding exceptions for part-time implementation of the mobilization plan are the same as those for part-time postdoctoral research within the Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarships (B5) program.
8.5 Paid employment
The conditions regarding paid employment are the same as those for the Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarships (B5) program.
8.6 Instalment deferral
The conditions regarding instalment deferral are the same as those for the Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarships (B5) program.
8.7 Parental leave and scholarship supplement
The conditions regarding parental leave and the associated scholarship supplement are the same as those for the Postdoctoral Research-Creation Scholarships (B5) program.
8.8 Changes during funding period
As indicated in Section 6.5 of the CGR, any changes to the conditions of the scholarship, the mobilization plan, the host environment or the (co)supervisor(s) require prior authorization from the Fonds. To that end, the applicant must submit a change request in the “Manage my funding” section of his or her FRQnet E-Portfolio. The program manager will analyze the request and ensure that the proposed changes do not affect the outcome of the initial evaluation. The decision to accept or refuse the requested changes is sent by email.
8.9 Converting the scholarship into a starting grant
This scholarship can be used as a starting grant by an awardee who is offered a position as a regular professor in a Québec university. The awardee must have completed 4 full months of planned transfer activities before requesting to convert part of the scholarship (up to $15,000) into a starting grant for the new position. The effective date of the starting grant is the awardee’s employment start date.
This grant is subject to the same rules as those of the Research-Creation Support for New Academics program. A person who benefits from this conversion remains eligible to apply for this program.
8.10 Final report
In accordance with Section 7.2 of the CGR, a final report is required within three months following the last payment. The final report allows the Fonds to document the impact of the scholarship and the value of the mobilization activities undertaken. Future funding under a different program is contingent upon receipt of this final report.
9. EFFECTIVE DATE
The provisions set out in this document apply to the 2025-2026 fiscal year.
The Fonds reserves the right to modify the value of the scholarship and/or the program rules detailed in this document without prior notice.
Version updated on the website December 20, 2024.
10. CONTACT US
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