The Research and Innovation Directorate (RID) is pleased to inform the University community of the 2026 International Joint Initiative for Research Harnessing Disruptive Technologies to Address Global Challenges, under the New Frontiers in Research Fund (NFRF) – International stream, administered by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Canada. This international funding opportunity supports interdisciplinary and transnational research collaborations that apply disruptive technologies to address major global challenges and advance progress toward the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

 Scope and Focus

Proposals must:

• Address at least one UN SDG or a clearly articulated global challenge
• Harness disruptive technologies (innovations that significantly transform systems, processes, or behaviours)
• Be interdisciplinary, involving expertise across at least two domains:
  • Natural Sciences & Engineering
  • Health & Life Sciences
  • Social Sciences & Humanities
• Demonstrate strong international collaboration and potential for transformative impact

 Eligibility and Team Composition

• Applications must be submitted by a transnational research team
• A minimum of three (3) Co-Principal Investigators (Co-PIs) is required
• Each Co-PI must be eligible for funding from a different participating funding organisation
• At least one Co-PI must be eligible under the Canadian NFRF programme
• Researchers from the University of Ghana may participate as international partners within an eligible consortium

 Funding and Duration

Funding mechanism: Grant (via participating national funding agencies)

Indicative project duration: Up to three (3) years

Funding levels: Determined by the funding organization supporting the project

Key Dates

Notice of Intent (NOI) deadline: 3 March 2026

Letter of Intent (LOI) deadline: 9 June 2026

Full application deadline: 3 November 2026

Expected project start: 2027

 For more information on the call, kindly visit: https://sshrc-crsh.canada.ca/funding-financement/nfrf-fnfr/international/2026/competition-concours-eng.aspx

RID encourages faculty members and research teams interested in international, interdisciplinary collaborations and technology-driven solutions to global challenges to explore this opportunity. All interested applicants are kindly requested to inform RID of their intention to apply to enable institutional guidance and coordination. Please write to rid-grantsmgt@ug.edu.gh, with jobappiah@ug.edu.gh in copy.