For resilient and sustainable infrastructure

Call for projects on adapting infrastructure to climate change

Following the Défis climatiques: innovons pour les infrastructures de demain event on October 7, 2025, organized by Institut AdapT of the École de technologie supérieure (ÉTS) and the Infrastructure Council, a call for projects is being launched to support the initiation of a collaborative research project on the theme of adapting infrastructure to climate change, in collaboration with one or more members of the Infrastructure Council. This project will be funded by the grant awarded by the Fonds de recherche du Québec (FRQ) to Institut AdapT.

The mission of Institut AdapT is to develop innovative solutions for the design, construction, and operation of a built environment that is resilient to climate change in the context of the transition to a circular, low-carbon economy. Acting as a one-stop shop, it brings together academic, scientific, governmental, civil, and industrial stakeholders to accelerate the adaptation of infrastructure to climate change.

Funding for collaborative research projects

A total envelope of $100,000 is available for funding a collaborative research project. Research teams are free to request any amount they want, as long as it is less than or equal to $100,000.

These funds must be primarily allocated to scholarships and salaries for the research team, mainly undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral students, as well as postdoctoral trainees. Expenses may be budgeted for travel or activities related to disseminating research results. Research teams are encouraged to propose a complementary funding strategy in addition to the amount allocated by Institut AdapT, whether through financial contributions from partners and/or existing research funding programs.

The research project must address issues related to the adaptation of infrastructure to climate change. The term infrastructure is used broadly and can include buildings and transportation infrastructure, energy transmission, potable water production and distribution, wastewater discharge and treatment, recreation and sports facilities, etc.

Eligibility

Research teams must obligatorily consist of at least two researchers who are faculty members at Quebec universities and at least one member of the Infrastructure Council. It is strongly encouraged to involve more than one member and/or another partner from a private or public sector organization.

Submission of applications

All applications will be treated confidentially.

Research teams are requested to submit their application file before January 30, 2026, 11:59 PM (EST).

The application must include the following documents:

1. Curriculum Vitae of co-holders (Canadian Common CV)
2. Description of the project partners (municipalities, private or public sector organizations)
3. Research project description (5 pages)
   • Problematic
   • Objectives
   • Méthodology
   • Budget, schedule, and role of the research team members
   • Expected results, deliverables, and knowledge transfer activities
   • Bibliographic references (not included in the 5 pages)
4. Letter of support from the main partner
5. Statement highlighting the potential outcomes of the proposal in relation to the mission of Institut AdapT, its potential impact for members of the Infrastructure Council, and its multidisciplinary nature (2 pages)

The application can be submitted in French or English, in a single PDF document, using Times New Roman 12 font, to the email address: InstitutAdapT@etsmtl.ca

Evaluation criteria

• Scientific quality of the proposed research project – 40%
• Quality and complementarity of the research team – 20%
• Relevance of the proposal in relation to the theme – 15%
• Realism of the budget and schedule – 15%
• Training of highly qualified personnel and dissemination of knowledge – 10%

Commitment to diversity

ÉTS values the diversity of the people it hires. The School is committed to Engineers Canada’s 30/30 program, which aims to reach 30% women engineers by 2030, and received the Thérèse Casgrain Award in 2019 for its efforts in promoting the inclusion of women in engineering. ÉTS implements an employment equity program and invites individuals from underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous peoples, visible and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities, to self-identify when submitting their application. People of all sexual orientations and gender identities are also encouraged to apply.

If you have any questions, please contact: InstitutAdapT@etsmtl.ca