The Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC) has launched a new round of Researcher–Practitioner Match Grants aimed at strengthening safe sport practices at the community level. The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and on-the-ground sport organizations by encouraging collaboration between researchers and practitioners.
Through these grants, SIRC supports projects that translate research findings into practical tools, programs, and interventions that can be directly applied within sport environments. The focus is on improving safety, inclusion, and overall participant experience across community sport settings.
The program encourages partnerships between universities, researchers, coaches, and sport organizations to co-develop solutions that address real-world challenges such as athlete well-being, injury prevention, safeguarding, and inclusive participation. By fostering these collaborations, the initiative aims to ensure that research outcomes are not limited to academic publication but are actively implemented in sport systems.
SIRC, which works closely with Sport Canada, has long been involved in knowledge mobilization efforts within Canadian sport. This grant program continues that mandate by supporting applied research projects that directly contribute to safer, more effective sport environments.
Overall, the initiative reflects a broader national push to strengthen safe sport frameworks by making research more accessible and actionable for those working directly with athletes and communities.
