NSERC

Natural Sciences & Engineering Research Council (NSERC) is a federal agency that promotes and supports university-based research and training in the natural sciences and engineering.

NSERC administers funding through the following programs:

For more more information and link to webinars, see resources below.

Discovery

Discovery Grants

Overview: The Discovery Grant (DG) program provides research operating funds for researchers in the natural and engineering sciences. 

Value: Variable, ~$35,000 average, ranges from ~$10,000 to $100,000 (For more information see the NSERC DG competition statistics dashboard)

Duration: 5 years

Nearest external deadline: August 1 (notice of intent to apply); November 1 (application deadline)

Subatomic Physics Discovery Grants program (Individual and Project)

Please see the NSERC website for more information.

Discovery Grant Application Instructions

NOI deadline (August 1) - By the NOI submission date, applicants must complete their online Notice of Intent application, and the Canadian Common CV. 

Applicants are encouraged to actively pursue the most suitable Grant Selection Committee (GSC) to review the grant proposals. Those whose research could be considered by multiple GSCs are encouraged to consult with experienced applicants in their discipline who share research interests. Applicants can also review NSERCs list of GSC Scientific Members to see which GSC has members in the appropriate fields. NSERC's list of contacts can also be very helpful for applicants trying to find the proper GSC.

Internal Proposal Deadline (TBD) - Submit the following to Research Services on or before the specified internal deadline:

  • Completed My Research Application (MRA) with all required attachments (application and CCV) and approvals from your unit head or one-up, where applicable.
  • Any additional documentation required to support your eligibility, i.e., letter of appointment.

Sponsor Deadline (November 1)  - Submit your application through NSERC's Research Portal. (Please note: Submitting after 11 AM may reduce Research Services' ability to submit your application to NSERC by the 8PM deadline):

  • Once application is finalized and completed, link your CCV to your application and verify.
  • Submit to Research Services by clicking on the "Submit" button.
  • Once received by Research Services, your application will be aproved and submitted to NSERC.

Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) Program

Overview: The Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) program

Value: Up to $150,000 in the first year and up to $300,000 for up to five subsequent years, for a maximum of $1.65M over six years

Duration: Up to 6 years

Nearest external deadline: May 1 (letter of intent); September 22 (application, if invited to apply)

 

Innovation

The Innovation program funds applied research, including many types of collaborations and partnerships. There are several types of grants under this program:

 

Chairs and Faculty Support

Chairs for Women in Science and Engineering Program

The goal of this program is to increase the participation of women in science and engineering and to provide role models for women considering careers in these fields.

Industrial Research Chairs for Colleges Grants

These grants support the establishment of applied research leaders and promote their role as catalysts in the advancement of business-focused applied research programs at colleges.

 

Research Tools and Instruments and Infrastructure Programs

Collaborative and Thematic Resources Support in Mathematics and Statistics Program

The Collaborative and Thematic Resources Support in Mathematics and Statistics (CTRMS) Program supports the development of research activities and fosters training and collaboration, within and among national or international (based in Canada) thematic resources in mathematical and statistical sciences.

Research Tools and Instruments

Research Tools and Instruments (RTI) grants foster and enhance the discovery, innovation and training capability of university researchers in the natural sciences and engineering by supporting the purchase of research equipment.

 

Resources