NSERC Discovery Grants

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. For the Subatomic Physics Discovery Grants program please see the sponsor page here.

Value: Variable, ~$35,000 average, ranges from ~$10,000 to $100,000 (For more information see the NSERC DG competition statistics dashboard)
See information on Discovery Grant supplements below.

Duration: Up to 5 years

Deadlines: November 2023

Instructions:

  • Applicants must create an account on the NSERC research portal
  • Applicants must complete the NSERC version of the CCV by the NOI stage (note that this takes time - do not do last-minute)
  • The NOI is submitted directly through the NSERC research portal. Remember to link CCV.
  • Complete the MRA with a draft application by the MRA deadline set by U of T research services*
  • Submit final application through NSERC research portal by the external deadline** (Remember to link CCV and click "submit"). It will be reviewed and approved by central U of T research services.

*Faculty with a start date after Nov 1 will not be able to use the MR portal and will need a letter from their chair. Please contact OVPR (a.pogoutse@utoronto.ca) or research services downtown as early as possible to inquire about internal application procedures. 

**Please note: Submitting after 9 AM may reduce Research Services' ability to submit your application to NSERC by the 8 PM deadline

Resources:

RSO workshop (September 2022): NSERC Discovery Grant: Strategies for Success
Session recording and slides (UTORid needed)

RSO workshop (September 2022): Addressing EDI Considerations in Your NSERC Discovery/RTI Application
Session recording and slides (UTORid needed)

Links:

Discovery Supplements

  Discovery Accelerator Supplements DND/NSERC Supplements Discovery Launch Supplements Northern Research Supplements
 Overview  Suspended until further notice A joint initiative between the Department of National Defence (DND) and NSERC, these supplements support unclassified university-based research dedicated to the development of non-weapon specific technologies with dual-use applications in defence and security target areas. Discovery Launch Supplements provide timely resources to support early career researchers (ECRs) as they establish a Discovery Grant-funded research program. The Northern Research Supplements (NRS) program is aimed at NSERC-funded researchers who intend to conduct Discovery research in Canada's North.
 Value N/A Up to $120,000 over 3 years One-time award of $12,500  Up to $25,000 per year, for up to five years
 Link Please see the NSERC website for more information. Please see the NSERC website for more information. Please see the NSERC website for more information. Please see the NSERC website for more information.

 

 

Ship Time Program

Overview: The Ship Time program allows those holding an NSERC Discovery Grant (DG) to apply for additional funds to access vessels in support of their research programs.

Please see the NSERC website for more information.