Based on feedback from the research community, the Release of Research Funds process has been updated. This updated mechanism allows researchers access to their full research funds before required compliance is approved, thereby reducing the restrictions at the start-up phase of research projects, including hiring of project team members. 

Please note that, under this new process: 

• When research funding is awarded, an account will be opened, and researchers will now receive immediate access to the full project funds. As always, these funds are NOT to be used for activities requiring compliance approval. 
• Already awarded research funds that have been fully or partially withheld under the previous release of funds process restrictions will now be released in full.  
• Either a compliance status update OR approval of all required compliance is required within three (3) months of the account opening/release of full funds. The compliance status update must be submitted in the UPEI Researcher Portal, using the 'Compliance Status Update’ event form. 

• If neither is completed, the corresponding account will be suspended until a status update or all compliance requirements are approved. 

• All required compliance must be approved at least six (6) months ahead of the corresponding project end date.  

• Adherence to the UPEI Responsible Conduct of Research Policy, in conjunction with the Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research, Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration, and all related institutional and Tri-Agency policies and procedures, is required at all phases of the research project. Not meeting any of the compliance requirements outlined above is Research Misconduct as defined by the UPEI Responsible Conduct of Research Policy.  

For full details, please see section 5 of the “Sponsored Research and Research Contracts SOP”, available on the UPEI policy page. 

Please contact Stephanie Palmer, Research Compliance Coordinator, scpalmer@upei.ca with any questions.