From Policy to Practice: The Evolution of SSHRC Application Processes, 1979-Present

Abstract

Drawing on a case study of Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) grant application procedures between 1979 and 2023, this article highlights the shifting landscape of Canadian federal research funding. Through an analysis of application procedures and requirements, the article argues that changes in the SSHRC grant process reflect broader shifts in government priorities and financial contexts. While complexity and competition have been consistent factors dating back to the early 1980s, each change to the application process illustrates changing federal priorities and values. The article argues that SSHRC’s processes have evolved alongside broader trends in public accountability. This historical understanding helps to provide necessary context for contemporary debates around federal grant funding in Canada.