Overview: The Discovery Grant (DG) program provides research operating funds for researchers in the natural and engineering sciences. Researchers applying for a Discovery Grant may concurrently apply for supplements (Discovery Launch Supplements, DND/NSERC Discovery Grant Supplements, and Northern Research Supplements). For additional funds to access vessels, see the Ship Time program.
Value: Variable, ~$42,000 average, ranges from ~$10,000 to $100,000. ECRs tend to receive lower value due to lack of personnel training experience.
Duration: Up to 5 years
Deadlines:
- NOI deadline: August 1, 2025 (no MRA required)
- Deadline to submit for optional* UTM editorial review: October 13, 2025**
- UTM MRA*** deadline (submit by): October 24, 2025
- U of T RSO MRA deadline (to be received by): October 27, 2025
- Sponsor deadline (full proposal): November 3, 2025, 9 am
*Editorial review is mandatory for recipients of the UTM OVPRI Emergency Research Funding Support Program grant.
**The editorial review deadline is flexible, but if a submission is late we cannot guarantee that you will receive feedback before the MRA deadline.
***Your completed My Research Application (MRA) should include all required attachments (application and CCV) and approvals from your unit head and VP Research and Innovation, where applicable. Note, your MRA will route to your relevant approvers automatically.
Links:
- Discovery Grants program description
- Research Services Office page (U of T-specific application instructions)
- Application portal
- CCV portal
- CCV instructions for the NSERC DG
- NOI instructions
- Full application instructions
- Applicant Eligibility Requirements
- Selection committees and evaluation groups
- Competition Statistics Dashboard
- NSERC-hosted webinars
Discovery
Innovation
Research Tools and Instruments and Infrastructure