The Discovery Grants Program supports ongoing research programs with long-term goals rather than a single short-term project or project collection. These grants recognize the creativity and innovation at the heart of all research advances. Discovery Grants are considered "grants in aid" of research. They provide long-term operating funds and facilitate access to funding from other programs but are not meant to support the full costs of a research program.
Only faculty members who submitted a Notice of Intent to apply on August 1, 2024, at 6 p.m. (MT) can submit a full application on November 1, 2024, at 6 p.m. (MT)
Internal Deadlines
The Office of Research and Innovation Services (ORIS) has mandatory deadlines before Agency deadlines. See full details of ORIS' 6-4-3-2-3 review process deadlines for all external grants. For the NSERC Discovery Grants, the following timelines will apply:
October 1
- Attach a solid draft of your grant application to a Research Proposal Form on the Bridge.
- This will allow for review and approvals obtained at the Department Chair, Dean, and VP Research level. A working copy PDF can be saved from the NSERC Research Portal and uploaded to the Research Proposal Form. Please also include a copy of your CCV.
- Esther Ekpe Adewuyi (NSERC Grants Facilitator) will also read and provide feedback on your draft at that time (or earlier is certainly welcome – feel free to send Esther a draft anytime in advance).
October 29
- Submit your final application through the NSERC Research Portal, allowing the Grants Facilitator to review it before NSERC's full application deadline of November 1, 2024, 6 p.m. (MDT)
Workshops and Webinars
In preparation for the submission of Discovery Grant applications,
- The ORIS will hold four workshops for applicants, which will be led by experienced Faculty members.
- NSERC has Pre-recorded videos for applicants preparing an NOI and Full Application.
Find out about NSERC's upcoming webinars here.
Instructions
Read and follow the instructions for completing an application and NSERC's version of the CCV. Information not conforming to the instructions will not be used for peer review, and the application may be rejected.
Please take note of NSERC's changes to the application requirements.
Updates to Instructions:
Contribution to the Training of Highly Qualified Personnel (HQP)
Instructions have been modified to provide clearer guidance to applicants and peer reviewers on what to include in the application and how this is assessed.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Applicants are encouraged to increase the inclusion and advancement of women and other under-represented groups in the natural sciences and engineering to enhance excellence in research and training. Additional instructions have been added within the Contributions to the training of HQP. More details can be found in NSERCs Guide for Applicants: Considering equity, diversity and inclusion in your application and the updated Merit Indicators.
Relationship to Other Research Support
Instructions have been modified to clarify the type of information required for this section of the application and how it will be assessed. Also, new directives were added for applicants who hold or have applied for a CIHR Foundation Grant.
Online Resources
Instructions for Completing an Application
NSERC's Guide for Applicants: Considering equity, diversity and inclusion in your application
If you have questions regarding the Discovery Grant competition, contact Esther Ekpe Adewuyi at oris.nserc@uleth.ca.