The target areas for the Strategic Project Grants program have been revised. Research topics accepted in the past may no longer be eligible. Check the new target area descriptions and research topics prior to preparing your application.
GENERAL INFORMATION
For deadlines and other information, consult the Strategic
Project Grants program description in the Program
Guide for Professors.
CHECKLIST FOR A COMPLETE APPLICATION
Use the following checklist to make sure your application is complete.
- Application for a Grant (Form 101)
- Application Profile (including certification requirements, amounts requested)
- Co-applicants, Collaborators
- Summary of Proposal
- Activity Schedule, Proposed Expenditures, Contributions from Supporting Organizations
- Budget Justification (attachment), Contributions from Supporting Organizations (attachment)
- Quotations (minimum of two) for equipment requests over $25,000
- Proposal (maximum 11 pages)
- Literature References (attachment)
- Intellectual Property – Attachment - if required
- Relationship to Other Research Support (attachment)
- Status Report (attachment) - if required
- Other Documents (attachment) - if required
- Appendix A (Environmental Impact) - if required
- Appendix B (CEAA Pre-Screening Checklist) - if required
- Appendix C (Referee Suggestions) one copy only, do not photocopy
- Personal Data Form (Form 100) – for the applicant and each co-applicant
- Personal information (appointment, academic background, HQP)
- Experience
- Research Support
- List of HQP
- Contributions
- Appendix A (Personal Data) - one original only - do not photocopy
- Appendix B (Eligibility Questionnaire) - one original only - do not photocopy (if required)
- Appendix C (Description of Applicant's Activities) - if required
- Information Required from Organizations Participating in Research Partnerships Programs (Form 183A) – for each supporting organization
- Letters of support from all supporting organizations
- Company Profile
- Statement on ownership of supporting organization, if applicable
Number of copies (including original) for applications submitted on paper: 9
Incomplete applications may be rejected or may be at a disadvantage in
comparison with those that are complete.
Late applications will not be accepted.
The deadline for receipt of applications for the Strategic Project Grants program is April 18.
Most universities have an internal deadline that is earlier than NSERC's deadline. Plan ahead
in order to allow enough time before the application deadline.
Information Required from Organizations Participating in Research Partnerships
Programs
See the instructions for Completing
Form 183A (Information Required from
Organizations Participating in Research Partnerships Programs).
It is very important that the letters from the supporting
organizations address the points outlined in Information
Required from Organizations Participating
in Research Partnerships Programs.
How to Complete Form 101
Read and/or print the following documents before you begin to complete Form 101:
Whom should I contact if I need help?
If you have questions regarding:
- the program to which you are applying (e.g., content of
the application, program deadlines, eligibility, budget, etc.), contact the
Staff responsible for the program;
- the On-line System, send an e-mail to: webapp@nserc.ca
or call telephone number (613) 995-4273.
Include in your message the e-mail address where you may be contacted as well
as your telephone number.
General instructions for all applicants
Use Forms 100 and 101 if you are submitting an application to the grant programs
listed in the Overview of Programs.
Also...
- Use these forms in conjunction with the NSERC Program
Guide for Professors. Before you complete the forms, see the relevant
sections of the guide for information about eligibility criteria, selection
criteria, and application deadlines.
- If you are applying for more than one type of support, complete a
separate application for each.
General Presentation
When you prepare your application, supporting materials and attachments,
follow these guidelines:
- Print must be in black ink and of letter quality.
- Text must be single-spaced, with no more than six lines per inch.
- The accepted font is Times New Roman regular 12 pts, or any comparable font – nothing smaller.
- Condensed font, and applications completed strictly in italics,
are not acceptable.
Attachments – free form (formerly Part II):
- Use white paper, 8 1/2 x 11 inches (21.5 cm x 28 cm), portrait
format, with a single column, unless specified otherwise.
- Set margins at 3/4 of an inch (1.9 cm) (minimum) all around.
- Enter your name and PIN at the top of every page, outside the
set margins.
- For multi-page attachments, number your pages sequentially.
- Print on one side of the page only.
- The maximum number of pages allowed is indicated in the instructions
for the appropriate program.
Note
All text, including references, must conform to these standards. Incomplete
applications and/or applications that do not meet the presentation standards
may be rejected or be at a disadvantage in comparison with those that
are complete and respect the presentation standards.
Avoid using acronyms and abbreviations or explain them fully.
Colour images submitted in the application will not be duplicated in colour for the peer reviewers. |
eSubmission and Electronic Signatures
Applicants have the choice of using either the electronic
submission system or continuing to use the traditional paper-based process.
(Access to PDF versions of the forms will also remain available.) User ID/password-based
"signatures" will be established in the eSubmission functionalities
allowing applicants, supporting organizations and authorized institutional representatives
such as Research Grants Officers, Scholarships Liaison Officers and Business
Officers to "sign" and submit on-line applications and other documents
to NSERC.
The eSubmission process incorporates the following features:
- account management - the ability to access NSERC's on-line system to update
personal information, and recover a forgotten user name or password;
- access/link manager - the ability to grant research collaborators or supporting
organizations access to electronic applications, browse and print applications, and link-required
components (e.g., a personal data form or a letter of support);
- attachment functionality - the ability to electronically attach documents
that are part of the application (e.g., the project description);
- application manager - the ability for designated institution administrators
to electronically access applications, comment on them, and officially submit
them to NSERC;
- electronic acknowledgement of receipt - the ability to automatically acknowledge
receipt of electronic applications once they have been transmitted to NSERC.
Note: For those who opt for paper submission, the traditional procedures and
requirements will have to be followed (e.g., paper-based applications will have
to be signed by all appropriate authorities within the institution).
Even if the eSubmission process includes appropriate controls and checkpoints
to ensure validation of the information by the institutions' Research Grants
Officers before it is submitted to NSERC, it is important to mention that applicants
will have to follow the internal approval process in place at their institution,
as specified by the relevant authorities.
For Paper Submission:
What do the signatures on the application mean?
One copy of the grant application must bear the original signatures of the
applicant and co-applicant(s), of the department head and president of the institution
(or their representatives). An institution may also require a signature from
the faculty.* If the applicant is normally the signing authority for the department,
faculty, or institution, another senior official must sign instead.
The signature of the applicant confirms that the applicant:
- accepts the terms and conditions of the grant as set out in NSERC's policies,
guidelines and the Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal Granting
Agencies and Canadian institutions;
- will use the grant only for the purpose for which it is awarded;
- will inform NSERC and institutional officials of changes in eligibility
status or in the nature of the research that may have an impact on certification
or approvals for research involving humans, human pluripotent stem cells, animals
or biohazards, environmental assessments, financial reporting and other related policies;
- will meet reporting requirements specific to the grant/award or granting
program;
- acknowledges and accepts that NSERC reserves the right to defer or cancel a grant instalment if the continued need for funds is not demonstrated;
- agrees to comply with the
Tri-Council
Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans, the
policies and guidelines regarding animal care, biohazards, and research activities
having potential effects on the environment (see the
NSERC Policy on Environmental
Assessment);
- understands the Access
to Information Act and the Privacy Act as they pertain to grant
application information;
- attests that consent has been obtained from trainees to include limited personal
information about them in the Highly Qualified Personnel section of the Personal Data
Form (Form 100);
- agrees to comply with the
Tri-Council
Policy Statement: Integrity in Research and Scholarship, and authorizes
the institution, if need be, to release to NSERC personal information that is
relevant to his or her NSERC application and grant/award;
- will acknowledge, wherever possible, NSERC's funding assistance for the
research;
- certifies that the information provided in the application is complete,
accurate and consistent with institutional policies to the best of the applicant's
knowledge. The provision of false or inaccurate information may result in
sanctions, including the termination of funding and disentitlement from eligibility
for future funding;
- has not been barred from applying to NSERC, SSHRC, CIHR, or any other research
funding organization, for reasons of breach of standards of ethics or integrity
(financial or scientific misconduct); and
- accepts the following two conditions of funding:
- should the applicant decide to pursue commercialization of any results
of the research funded in response to this application, he or she will
disclose to his or her institution any potential intellectual property
arising from the research; and
- if the applicant discloses any potential intellectual property arising
from the research, he or she and the institution will endeavour to obtain
the greatest possible economic benefit to Canada from the resulting commercial
activity.
Note: The above requirement for disclosure is not intended to supersede
the intellectual property ownership policy that the institution might
already have in place.
In addition, if the applicant is a current or former (in the last twelve months)
public office holder or public servant in the federal government, the applicant
also certifies that he or she:
*Some institutions require the dean's signature on grant applications. As
the dean's signature is an institutional requirement, not an NSERC one, the
institution's policy should prevail (e.g., the dean's signature should be
obtained only if it is required by an institution).
The signatures of the co-applicants confirm that they:
- also agree to the above; and
- agree that the applicant will administer the grant on behalf of the group/team.
Note: In the case of an Industrial Research Chair application, the
signatures would be that of the Chair candidate(s) or Chairholder(s).
The signatures of the institutional authorities certify that:
- the institution will abide by the roles and responsibilities as set out
in the Memorandum of Understanding with the three Federal Granting Agencies;
- the applicant has met or will meet the eligibility requirements;
- the institution agrees to comply with NSERC's data protection requirements
and has adequate safeguards in place to protect sensitive information entrusted
to it by NSERC for the purpose of administering applications and awards; and
- if the applicant discloses any potential intellectual property arising from
the research, he or she and the institution will endeavour to obtain the greatest
possible economic benefit to Canada from the resulting commercial activity.
Note: The above requirement for disclosure is not intended to supersede the
intellectual property ownership policy that the institution might already have
in place.
The signatures of authorized officers of other supporting organizations certify
that the organization:
- agrees with the content of the application and will provide the committed
resources; and
- agrees to the release of the public summary of the award and to the publication
of the organization's name as a supporter of the initiative.
If you are both the applicant and a principal of a collaborating company, another
senior official must sign on behalf of the company.
Collection and Use of Personal Information
The information you provide in your application is collected under the authority
of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Act.
The information is stored in a series of NSERC data banks described in Info
Source. Details on the use of this information are provided in the
Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act (ATIP).
Mailing Address
Send your correspondence to:
NSERC
350 Albert Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 1H5
Canada
APPLICATION PROFILE
Title of proposal
The title will be used for publication purposes. It should describe the subject of the research to
be supported. It should not contain a company or trade name. Spell out scientific symbols and acronyms.
Enter the time devoted (in hours per month) to the proposed research/activity.
Target Area and Research Topic
Select a target area and research topic from the list provided. Use the PROPOSAL module to explain why the research you propose is strategic and how it addresses the research topic. If the research you propose falls outside the priority research topics listed, select “Exceptional Opportunity Outside the Research Topics” and provide an explanation in the PROPOSAL module.
COVER LETTER
The cover letter is optional and should only be used if you wish to provide NSERC
with additional information that will not be shared with external reviewers,
such as a request that an individual or group of individuals not be involved
in the review of your proposal. NSERC will take such a request into consideration.
The cover letter must contain your name, the NSERC program to which you are
applying, and the title of your application.
AREA(S) OF RESEARCH
Research Subject Codes
Consult the NSERC Code Tables. All applicants are required to select a
primary research code.
Area of Application Codes
Consult the NSERC Code Tables. All applicants
are required to select a primary area of application code from the list of Area
of Application Codes.
Key Words
Provide a maximum of 10 key words that describe the proposal.
CERTIFICATION/REQUIREMENTS
Before completing this section, consult the Policies
and Guidelines of the Program
Guide for Professors concerning the requirements for certain types of research.
Research Involving Human Subjects:
If you select "Yes", you must provide your institution's administration with the appropriate
certification indicating that research involving human subjects has been reviewed and has received
the required approval.
Research Involving Human Pluripotent Stem Cells:
If you select "Yes" or if through peer review the application is found to
fall into this category and is recommended for funding, it will be forwarded,with
your consent, to the Stem Cell Oversight Committee (SCOC) to ensure compliance
with
Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Research: Guidelines for CIHR-Funded Research.
The SCOC review is in addition to normal review by local Research Ethics Boards
(REBs). Funding will not be released until approval has been obtained from the SCOC.
Research Involving the Use of Animals:
If you select "Yes", you must provide your institution's administration with the certification from
the animal care committee at the institution that the experimental procedures proposed have been
approved and that the care and treatment of animals is in accordance with the principles outlined in
the Canadian Council on Animal Care (CCAC) guide.
Research Involving Hazardous Substances:
If you select "Yes", you must provide your institution's administration with the certification from
the biosafety committee at the institution that the laboratory procedures being used comply with the
safety precautions necessary for the level of containment required by the research.
Environmental Impact:
If any phase of the research activities take place outside of an office or
a laboratory and/or involve physical work under the Canadian Environmental Assessment
Act (CEAA), you must complete Appendix A (Environmental Impact) and B (CEAA
Pre-screening Checklist).
CO-APPLICANTS
For group applications, list each co-applicant's name, personal
identification number (if known), organization name, as well as the time
(in hours per month) each co-applicant will devote to the proposed
research/activity or the use of equipment or facility.
Co-applicants, except those from the applicant's institution, must
advise the authorized officer of their organization that NSERC will
be seeking their signature through its secure site, agreeing to their
participation.
COLLABORATORS
A collaborator is a member of a research team who is not eligible to hold
NSERC grants. He/she must be qualified to undertake research independently.
A collaborator is expected to contribute to the overall intellectual direction
of the research project or program of research and to bring his/her own
resources to the collaboration. Examples of collaborators are: government
scientists, company personnel or research scientists from other countries.
SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS
Enter information about each co-applicant organization's signing officer
(other than the organization of the principal investigator). For supporting
organizations such as an industrial partner or a government department,
enter information about the authorized representative(s).
If the application is being submitted in paper format, a signature must be
provided by each co-applicant organization's signing officer, or the authorized
representative of the supporting organization (such as an industrial partner
or a government department).
SUMMARY OF PROPOSAL FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
The summary is intended to explain the proposal in language that
the public can understand.
Using simple terms, briefly describe the nature of the work to be done. Indicate
why and to whom the research is important, the anticipated outcomes, and how
your field and Canada will benefit.
If you wish, you may also provide a summary in the second official
language in the text box identified for that purpose.
ACTIVITY SCHEDULE
List the activities/steps required to achieve the objectives for
each year of the grant.
Indicate the start and end dates for the activities leading to the
milestones as well as the major results expected.
Note: This section is assessed under Criterion 3 - Project Work Plan in conjunction with the
PROPOSAL page of the application.
PROPOSAL
Use the guidelines outlined in the General Presentation section
to provide the requested information in a document to be attached to
the application.
Structure this part of the application as described below
using a maximum of 11 pages.
Any additional pages will be removed. It should be printed single-sided
on regular white paper with the applicant's Personal Identification Number and
Family Name on the top of each page, as described in the General Presentation
standards. Do not include any colour figures or tables.
Provide sufficient information and justification to address each criterion.
INTRODUCTION (approx. one page, addressing the research topic)
Using the target area descriptions, identify the target area and research topic that your proposal addresses. Explain why the research you propose is strategic and how it addresses the research topic. If the research you propose falls within the target area but outside the priority research topics, you must provide justification for it to be considered.
NSERC will give priority to those applications which clearly fall within the priority research topics. However, the selection panel may allocate up to 20% of the target area’s budget to fund proposals that they deem to be “exceptional opportunities outside the research topics."
Indicate if this application is a re-submission and, if so, explain how the concerns of the selection panel have been addressed.
SECTION 1 (approx. seven pages, addressing Selection Criteria 1 to 4)
Describe the objectives of the project, both short and long term. Explain
how the research relates to the current scientific, technical and commercial
developments in the field with references to literature pertinent to the proposal,
and describe the background research on which the project is built. Use the REFERENCE module for the literature review.
Describe the approach, the research methodology, the experimental design and
techniques, and how the new knowledge and technology is expected to impact on
the field of the proposed research. Specify the pertinent expertise, the individual
roles and the expected contributions of the members of the research team to
the project. Provide evidence that the necessary expertise to conduct the project
is available. Refer to the Personal Data Forms as needed.
Provide a project work plan that includes details of collaboration and communication
among the researchers, how the research team and the project will be managed
and the availability of the equipment and infrastructure. Justify the need for
funds referring to the Budget page of the application.
SECTION 2 (approx. one page, addressing Selection Criterion 5)
Describe the training plan for the project, including information on how the
supporting organizations are involved in the training and the potential to
provide highly qualified personnel with skills relevant to the needs of Canadian
organizations.
SECTION 3 (approx. one page, addressing Selection Criterion 6)
Describe the interactions with the supporting organizations
and ensure that the material required from them is attached to the application.
Describe the plan for knowledge and technology transfer, including the strategy
for communicating the research results. Use the Intellectual Property - Attachment
section to attach a copy of any research or intellectual property agreement related
to this project that exists between the academic institution and the supporting organizations.
SECTION 4 (approx. one page, addressing Selection Criterion 7)
Describe the potential benefits to Canada and the supporting
organizations that will arise from the project. Explain how they might be realized
and the time frame over which they can be expected.
REFERENCES
- Use this section if you need to provide a list of literature references. Your list
of references must not exceed one (1) page on the printed copy.
- Do not refer readers to Web sites for additional information
on your proposal.
- Do not introduce hyperlinks in your list of references.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY - ATTACHMENT
If available, include a copy of the research or intellectual property agreement
that exists between the academic institution and any supporting organizations
(see Policy on Intellectual
Property in the
Program Guide for Professors).
Such agreements are considered confidential
and are not made available to peer reviewers.
PROPOSED EXPENDITURES
Before completing this section, read the instructions and consult the Use
of Grant Funds section of the NSERC Program Guide for Professors
for information about the eligibility of expenditures for the direct costs of
research and the regulations governing the use of grant funds.
Provide a Proposed Expenditures page for each major theme area or sub-project
(if applicable). If you are filling out your application on-line, the Proposed Expenditures
page "Sum Total" for the entire project will be calculated and printed
automatically. If you are completing your application using the Acrobat Reader PDF
forms, a separate Proposed Expenditures "Sum Total" page must be compiled
by adding up all Proposed Expenditures pages for the entire project.
Use the Budget Justification section to explain and justify each budget item.
Note: This section is assessed under Criterion 3 – Project Work Plan
of the application.
BUDGET JUSTIFICATION
Provide a detailed explanation and justification for each budget item identified
in the Proposed Expenditures section. Provide sufficient information to allow
reviewers to assess whether the resources requested are appropriate.
Salaries and benefits
Give the names (if known), categories of employment and proposed salaries (including
non-discretionary benefits) of students, postdoctoral fellows, and research
staff. Briefly describe the responsibilities for each position and indicate
the percentage of time they will be spending on this project over its life span.
Do not include salaries of faculty in project costs.
Refer to Form 100 for information regarding obtaining consent to name individuals
in your proposal.
Equipment or facility
Give a breakdown of the items requested. Provide details on models, manufacturers,
prices, and applicable taxes. Justify the need for each item requested. Provide
two recent quotations for components or systems costing more than $25,000. The
Quotations section will allow you to describe the quotations
to be sent with the proposal.
Fees to be paid for the use of equipment or a facility should be described
(e.g., hours and rate).
Materials and supplies
Provide details and explain major items.
Travel
Explain briefly how each activity relates to the proposed research.
Dissemination
Provide details of publication costs, user workshops or other activities.
Other expenses
List all items not relevant to previous categories and provide a brief explanation for major items.
Report the need for ship time and show the amount requested in the budget.
RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER RESEARCH SUPPORT
Any relationship and/or overlap, conceptual or financial, with work supported by NSERC
or other funding sources must be explained.
Use additional pages to provide the following information:
- Clear and concise information on the conceptual and budgetary relationship or
difference between this application and all other support (currently held
or applied for). Also explain perceived duplication in funding or, if
applicable, indicate how the NSERC application complements research funded
by other sources.
- For each grant currently held or applied for, clearly describe the main objective,
and provide a brief outline of the methodology, budget details, and details on the
support of highly qualified personnel. In addition, the relationships to the NSERC
application must be explained. Such information may be provided, for example, in the
form of a brief summary of the necessary details for each grant.
The onus is on the applicant to provide sufficient information to enable the
reviewers to evaluate the relationship with other sources of support and to
recommend the appropriate NSERC funding level. The consequence of not providing
adequate information to assess the relationship to other research support is
that the reviewers may recommend reduced or no funding.
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS
You are not required to submit the Contributions from Supporting Organizations
section unless direct contributions to the project are being made by industry,
universities or other sources.
Use this section to report the contributions committed by the supporting organization(s)
to the research project. Before completing this page, read the instructions
and consult the Use
of Grant Funds section of the NSERC Program Guide for Professors concerning
the eligibility of expenditures for the direct costs of research and the regulations
governing the use of grant funds, and Guidelines
for Evaluating Cost-Sharing Ratios and In-Kind Contributions in University-Industry
Collaborations regarding the eligibility of in-kind contributions.
Provide the information for each supporting organization.
List the resources the supporting organization will provide to support the
proposed activities including:
- the cash contribution to direct costs of research. This amount
will be transferred to the appropriate line on the Proposed Expenditures
page;
- the in-kind contribution to direct costs of research (donations of
services, materials, and equipment). This amount will be transferred to the
Proposed Expenditures page (if applicable);
- the in-kind contributions to indirect costs. This amount is not transferred to the Proposed Expenditures page; and
- an indication of the amount paid to the institution for overhead.
If you are completing your application in paper, you
must transfer the total amount of the Cash Contributions to Direct Costs
of Research from industry and other sources to the appropriate line on the Proposed
Expenditures page.
Use the Contributions from Supporting Organizations - Attachment section to provide
an explanation of the cash and eligible in-kind contributions.
Form 183A and Letter of Support (and attachments, as required)
A completed Form 183A, letter of support and any other required documents must be attached for
each organization participating in a research project. Either the applicant or the supporting
organization must complete all applicable sections of the form and provide the required documents.
To allow a supporting organization the ability to link a Form 183A to your
application, use the ACCESS MANAGER section of Form 101. For details on how to use this function,
refer to the ACCESS MANAGER instructions.
For applicants who are filling out Form 183A on behalf of the participating
organization use the LINK MANAGER section of Form 183A to link to your application. For details
on how to use this function, refer to the LINK
MANAGER instructions.
If you are submitting your application in paper format and the supporting organization(s) is
filling out Form 183A, you must request paper copies of the form, letter of support and any
other attachments required. The PDF version of Form 183A is available on the NSERC Web site.
To access the PDF form, go to the On-line Services page and select PDF Forms and
Instructions. Under the For Industry heading, select Form 183A – Orgs
Info. for RPP from the Forms drop-down list.
CONTRIBUTIONS FROM SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS - ATTACHMENT
Provide a detailed explanation of the in-kind contributions to the direct costs of research. This information will be used to assess the level and nature of the partner involvement, the importance of their contribution to the success of the project and an appropriate cost-sharing ratio.
- Salaries for scientific and technical staff: list the name of each staff member, their role at the company and their specific expertise, details as to what they will be providing to the project (link to milestones if possible), the number of hours they will devote to the project, and their hourly rate.
- Donation of equipment, software: list each item of equipment and/or software being donated to the project, explaining how it will be used and its importance to the success of the project; provide details on how the cost of the equipment/software was calculated.
- Donation of material: describe the materials to be provided, their importance to the project and how the cost of the materials was calculated.
- Field work logistics: describe the importance of the proposed field work to the project and provide details on how the cost of the field work was calculated.
- Provision of services: provide details on the services to be provided, the importance of these services to the success of the project and how the cost of providing these services was calculated.
- Other: provide sufficient details on items listed in this category, their importance to the project and the calculation of associated costs.
QUOTATIONS
Provide two recent quotations for items or systems costing more than $25,000.
Give a brief description of the document and indicate whether
you will be submitting it as an attached file or as a paper copy.
STATUS REPORT
If you or one of your co-applicants currently hold an NSERC project grant (e.g.,
Strategic, Collaborative Research and Development, Collaborative Research Opportunity,
International Opportunity Fund, etc.), or are part of a larger project in a related
area, use this section to attach a two-page status report outlining the progress
against the milestones of the project as awarded. These pages are additional
to the pages permitted for the proposal.
EXPECTED REVENUES
Use this section if the project grant application includes the purchase of an equipment
item or the installation of a facility costing $150,001 or more. The amounts in the "Cash
contribution from university” and “Other contributions to direct costs"
categories of the Expected Revenues page will be transferred to the Proposed Expenditures page.
Give a detailed explanation of the user fee structure and other expected
revenues. For the "Cash contribution from university" and the
"in-kind contributions" categories, identify each organization that is contributing
to the facility and indicate the amount being contributed.
If you are completing your application on paper, you must transfer this information
to the Proposed Expenditures section.
EVALUATION
All applications will be evaluated against the selection criteria established
for the program (see below). External reviewers and the Selection Panel will
use the same criteria and statement sets to evaluate the proposals. Each criterion
is of equal value.
Criterion 1. Originality of the Research
The originality of the research will be assessed on the following points using
the scale 1 to 4 given below:
- the novelty of the overall concepts and approach;
- how the research relates to the current scientific and/or technical
developments in the field with references to the current literature and patents;
- the potential for developing new knowledge or technology, including
innovative techniques, processes or products;
- the extent to which new knowledge or technology is expected to impact
on the field of research; and
- the significance of the scientific issues and technical challenges.
The proposed project:
- includes few or no new concepts or directions.
- includes some new concepts or directions with the potential to advance
the field.
- includes original concepts or directions with potential for a significant
advance in the field.
- includes highly original concepts or directions with potential for a major
breakthrough.
Criterion 2. Quality of the Research
The quality of the research will be assessed on the following points using
the scale 1 to 4 given below:
- the focus and clarity of the objectives of the project, both short
and long term;
- the appropriateness of the research methodology;
- the justification of the approach based on the background research;
- the feasibility of the proposed research; and
- the degree to which the project fits the Strategic Projects target
area and research topic.
The proposed project:
- is inadequate in one or more of the above elements.
- is acceptable with no major weaknesses in any of the elements listed above.
- is strong in most of the elements listed above and acceptable in all.
- is outstanding in all the elements listed above.
Criterion 3. Project Work Plan
The project work plan will be assessed on the following points using the scale
1 to 4 given below:
- the clarity of the project description;
- the coherence of the activities, milestones, timelines and deliverables
on the Activity Schedule section;
- the probability of achieving the objectives in the proposed time frame;
- the availability of the equipment and infrastructure required;
- the appropriateness of the roles and time commitment of the applicants
and the personnel from the supporting organization(s).
- the need for the funds requested and the justification of the line
items in the budget sections;
- the plans for collaboration and communication among the researchers;
and
- the details of how the team and project will be managed (appropriate
to the complexity of the project).
The project work plan:
- is inadequate in one or more of the elements listed above.
- is acceptable with no major weaknesses in any of the elements listed above.
- is strong in most of the elements listed above and acceptable in all.
- is outstanding (complete, comprehensive and achievable) in all the elements
listed above and maximizes the use of resources
Criterion 4. Quality of the Applicants as Researchers
The quality of the applicants as researchers will be assessed on the following
points using the scale 1 to 4 given below:
- the research record of the applicant(s) or, in the case of new
researchers, their potential to make contributions;
- the recognition of the collective research contributions of the applicants
by their peers or, in the case of new researchers, the recognition of their
potential by others in the field;
- the appropriateness of their expertise in the proposed research areas
of the project; and
- the breadth and complementarity of expertise available for the project.
Note: Individual applicants should demonstrate that their expertise meets
the needs of the project.
The applicants:
- have made useful research contributions and/or are researchers beginning
their careers who have not yet demonstrated potential as independent researchers.
Some of the expertise required for the project is missing.
- have established research records and/or are new researchers who have shown
potential in their early research. The basic mix of expertise to accomplish
the project is present.
- are internationally recognized in their field with strong records for quality
achievements and high productivity and/or are new researchers who have shown
strong potential in their early research. They have all the expertise required
to accomplish the project and have demonstrated complementarity.
- are internationally recognized as leaders in the field of the project with
exceptionally strong records for quality achievements and high productivity
and/or are new researchers who have made some contributions to the field and
have exceptionally strong potential. The applicants have the breadth, the
expertise, and the experience required for the project and have a proven track
record of collaboration.
Criterion 5. Training Potential
The training plan will be assessed on the following points using the scale
1 to 4 given below:
- the potential to provide highly qualified personnel with skills
relevant to the needs of Canadian organizations;
- the quality and track record of the researchers in training highly
qualified personnel;
- the training that will be achieved relative to the budget and the
nature of the project;
- the roles of the students, postdoctoral fellows, research associates,
technicians and, if applicable, the research staff of the supporting participants;
- the extent to which all participants, including the supporting organizations,
are involved in the training; and
- the suitability of the research environment for training.
The proposed project:
- provides little opportunity for the training of highly qualified personnel.
- is acceptable in all aspects listed above.
- is strong in most aspects listed above and acceptable in all.
- is outstanding in all aspects listed above.
Criterion 6. Interactions with the Supporting Organizations
Interactions with the supporting organizations will be assessed
on the following points using the scale 1 to 4 given below:
- the fit between the project objectives and the priorities of the
supporting organizations;
- the capacity of the supporting organizations to exploit
the research results, or the possibility of the creation of a Canadian-based
organization to do so;
- the degree of involvement of the supporting organizations
in: (a) developing the proposal; and (b) during the course of the project;
- the plan for knowledge and technology transfer to the supporting organizations and/or the user sector, and a description of how
any intellectual property will be protected; and
- the researchers’ track record in transferring research results to
a user sector.
The proposed project:
- provides little opportunity for interaction with the supporting
organizations or a user sector and/or offers low potential for transfer of
knowledge.
- is acceptable in all the aspects listed above.
- is strong in most of the aspects listed above and acceptable in all.
- is outstanding in all aspects of interaction and knowledge transfer listed
above.
Criterion 7. Benefits to Canada and the Supporting Organizations
Using the scale 1 to 4 given below, the benefits to Canada arising from the
proposed research will be assessed on their potential impact and the degree
to which they will occur within a time frame that is realistic for the sector.
Potential benefits to Canada and the supporting organizations
arising from the proposed research may include, but are not limited to:
- economic benefit arising from a new or improved product or process;
- social, environmental or health benefits;
- an enhanced knowledge base for public policy development; and
- increased highly qualified personnel in an area of importance for
Canada.
The proposed project:
- has potential to provide only minimal benefits to the supporting
organizations and to Canada.
- has potential to provide some benefits to the supporting
organizations and to Canada.
- has potential to provide considerable benefits to the supporting
organizations and to Canada.
- has potential to provide exceptional benefits to the supporting
organizations and to Canada.
OTHER DOCUMENTS
If you need to provide other documents, such as a collaborator's
curriculum vitae (C.V.), give a brief description of the document
and indicate whether you will be submitting it as an attached file
or as a paper copy.
APPENDIX A - ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Note: If you have checked "Yes" under Certification Requirements
on Form 101, both Appendix A and Appendix B must be completed.
Please complete all the fields in Appendix A.
If applying in paper format and extra space is required to complete any section of
Appendix A – Form 101, please continue on a separate sheet of paper. More than
one section may be continued on the same page, with each section identified (1, 2, 3, 4). If
necessary, more than one page may be used. Each additional page must be clearly
labelled with the applicant’s name, initials and PIN (upper left-hand
corner), and “APPENDIX A, FORM 101 – Page [page number] of [total
number of pages]” (upper right-hand corner).
Name of other participating organizations (if applicable): Please list the
names of any federal or provincial government departments or agencies, industrial
partners, or universities/colleges that will be participating in or contributing to the
proposed research.
Name of location: Give the name of the location where the proposed work will
take place. An Appendix A must be completed for each location at which research
is to be conducted. If your research involves more than 3 locations, please
contact NSERC's Environmental Assessment (EA) Unit by e-mail at enviro.assess@nserc.ca or by phone at (613) 992-3612 or (613) 995-8079.
Main characteristics of the location: Provide a brief, non-technical description
of the location(s) at which the work described in the proposal will be conducted.
In the sections that follow, describe in non-technical language the activities
that will be undertaken in the course of the research. This includes both the
research activities themselves and the activities required for the research
to take place (e.g., ground clearing or preparation, construction of access
trails or roads, etc.).
Principal activity(ies) and Activity component(s):
Principal activity(ies): For each location, list the principal
activity(ies) (e.g., fossil collection).
Activity components: Each principal activity includes one or more
activity components. Provide a short description of individual activities
grouped within the principal activity. Examples of activity components are
construction and clearing of access trails; construction of a boardwalk, clearing
of brush from the study site, fossil excavation, cleaning of fossil,; and
removal of fossils. Please provide quantitative estimates if possible (e.g.,
in the preceding example, the construction and clearing of an access trail
could involve an area 500 m long by 2.5 m wide).
For each principal activity and activity component, list the environmental
elements affected and a description of those effects in the space provided.
Environmental elements affected: For each activity component, certain environmental
elements will be affected. For the purposes of environmental assessment, environmental
elements include biological and physical elements. For example, the construction
and clearing of an access trail might involve the removal of all vegetation
(including trees over 50 cm in diameter), or the clearing of brush up to 2 m
high only. Please provide quantitative estimates, if possible.
Description of effects: Environmental effects of the project are changes in
the biophysical environment caused by the project, as well as certain effects
that flow directly from those changes. These include effects on human health,
socioeconomic conditions, physical and cultural heritage (including effects
on things of archaeological, paleontological, or architectural significance),
and the current use of lands and resources for traditional purposes by First
Nation persons. Do not describe the effects in detail; a simple statement will
suffice.
For instance, returning to the previous example, removal of the vegetation
might entail erosion, the loss or elimination of particular avian or mammalian
species, the loss of livelihood for residents, or a loss of spiritual or aesthetic
value. Such loss depends on the context in which it takes place.
Mitigation measures: This section should describe the mitigation measures,
if any are required, that will be undertaken to alleviate potential environmental
effects. To continue with the previous example, a mitigation measure to minimize
vegetation loss might be to plant tree or brush seedlings, or to avoid clearing
vegetation in a known avian or mammalian habitat, or in an area that is of cultural
or aesthetic value to the residents.
APPENDIX B – CEAA PRE-SCREENING CHECKLIST
Research proposals that are subject to the Canadian Environmental Assessment
Act (CEAA) are determined in two ways. Either they involve undertakings in
relation to
physical
works
(Part
1), or
they relate to a proposed activity not related to a physical work that is subject
to the Act (Part 2).
Part 1
Determination of a Physical Work under the CEAA
Determining whether or not something constitutes a physical work under the
CEAA requires a consideration of what is defined as a physical work, and what
is defined as an "undertaking in relation to a physical work."
A physical work has the following characteristics:
- it is constructed or assembled;
- it is fixed in place (that is, it is not intended to be moved frequently);
- it is permanent (e.g., a building made of ice blocks is not permanent);
and
- it is to be maintained on an ongoing basis.
Obvious examples of physical works are buildings, towers, and greenhouses.
However, the following are also considered to be physical works under the
CEAA:
- boreholes that are drilled and lined with concrete or plastic sleeves;
- poles or transmission towers that are erected;
- ditches that are dug and maintained - for example, with reinforced sides;
and
- culverts that are installed.
Undertakings in relation to a physical work must be examined. The applicant
must determine whether any phase of the proposal involves the "construction,
operation, modification, decommissioning, abandonment or other activity"
in relation to a physical work.
- Applicants should carefully consider whether any phase of their research
contributes to funding the operation of a physical work. The operation of
a physical work, for example a synchrotron or radar, is considered to be an
undertaking, and provision of funds or in-kind contributions towards the operation
of a physical work may trigger an assessment. Note: User fees are not recognized
as contributions.
- Modification of a physical work involves the alteration of the work to suit
a new purpose.
- Maintenance and repair of a physical work are considered as undertakings.
If in doubt as to the nature of the physical work, please contact NSERC's
EA unit.
Part 2
Determination of Assessable Activities under the CEAA
The CEAA requires the assessment of activities
not related to physical works. In many cases, these activities require a permit
or authorization from a federal department or agency pursuant to other legislation.
Note: Applicants are responsible for verifying whether permits are required
for any of the activities. Please check with the appropriate federal authority;
if you are unsure, check "Unknown".
- Activity takes place in a National Park or National Nature Reserve
in Canada. Note that this does not apply to provincial parks or conservation areas.
- Activity takes place on First Nation lands. Some activities on First Nation
lands may require a permit or other authorization, which would trigger an
environmental assessment under the CEAA.
- Activity takes place in the North. Some activities taking place in the
Yukon, Nunavut, or the Northwest Territories may require a permit or other
authorization, which would trigger an environmental assessment under the CEAA.
- Activity takes place in or within 30 metres of the right-of-way of
a power line, a natural gas line, or a railway line. These activities may require
a permit or other authorization, which may trigger an environmental assessment
under the CEAA.
- Activity takes place in or adjacent to a water body, resulting in harmful
alteration, disruption or destruction of a fish habitat (including the
removal
or damaging of aquatic vegetation). These activities may require a permit
or other authorization, which may trigger an environmental assessment under
the CEAA. Note that "water body" means any water body, including
a canal, a reservoir, an ocean, and a wetland, up to the high-water mark,
but does not include a sewage or waste treatment lagoon or a mine tailings
pond. "Wetland" means a swamp, marsh, bog, fen or other land that
is covered by water during at least three consecutive months of the year.
- Destruction of fish other than by fishing. This activity may require a
permit or other authorization, which may trigger an environmental assessment
under the CEAA.
- Sampling or prospecting for ores or minerals. These activities may require
a permit or other authorization, which may trigger an environmental assessment
under CEAA. If you are hand-collecting rock samples, check "no."
- Disposal of a prescribed nuclear substance other than in a laboratory
equipped for such disposal. If you are undertaking an outdoor activity and your research
involves the use of isotopes that are not released into the environment and
that will be disposed of at a university or institution that manages the disposal,
check "no."
- Deposit of a deleterious or other substance into the environment (in the
earth, air, or water).
- Any kind of remediation of contaminated land. The installation of passive
measuring equipment does not constitute remediation; however, the installation
and testing and/or use of active remediation technologies is considered "remediation."
This applies whether the remediation involves an entire contaminated site
or a portion thereof.
- Deposit of oil, oil wastes or any other substance harmful to migratory birds
in waters or in any area frequented by migratory birds.
- Killing or removal of migratory birds, their nests, eggs, or carcasses
or other physical activities that may require a permit or other authorization
under the Migratory Birds Regulations or Migratory Bird Sanctuary Regulations.
These activities may trigger an environmental assessment under the CEAA.
- Removal or damaging of vegetation, the carrying on of agricultural
activities or the disturbance or removal of soil in a wildlife area, which
requires a permit or other authorization under Section 4 of the Wildlife Area
Regulations. These areas are described under the Canada Wildlife Act.
- Physical activities that are carried on in Canada and that are intended
to threaten the continued existence of a biological population in an ecodistrict,
either directly or through the alteration of its habitat. Biological populations
include insects and other invertebrates as well as plants, mammals, reptiles,
and amphibians. "Ecodistrict" means an ecodistrict as described
in the publication entitled A National Ecological Framework for Canada, published
by Environment Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and as depicted
on those maps that contain ecodistricts and that are included in the series
of maps entitled Terrestrial Ecozones and Ecoregions of Canada, published
by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, as amended from time to time.
- Establishment or operation of a field camp in a single location that will
be used for 200 person-days or more within a calendar year.
- Seismic surveying involving more than 50 kg of chemical explosive in a single
blast; or marine or freshwater seismic surveying, if during the survey the
air pressure measured at a distance of one metre from the source would be
greater than 275.79 kPa (40 lbs/sq in).
Important
If you have checked "Yes" to any item under Parts 1 or 2, a Screening
is likely to be required under the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act. Please
contact NSERC's EA unit for additional information.
If you have checked "No" to all items under Parts 1 and 2, your
proposal is not likely to be subject to assessment under the CEAA.
If you have checked "Unknown" to any item under Part 2, please contact
NSERC's EA unit (below) for additional information.
If you have any questions or require more information, contact:
Environmental Assessment Unit
NSERC
350 Albert Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 1H5
(613) 992-3612 or (613) 995-8079
enviro.assess@nserc.ca
APPENDIX C - REFEREE SUGGESTIONS
Suggest the names of several people competent to assess the
technical aspects of the proposal. This list should include experts
from the academic community and the industrial sector.
Give the name, complete mailing address, telephone and facsimile numbers,
e-mail address, and the area(s) of expertise of potential referees.
Referees should be able to review the proposal in the language in which it
is written.
You may also request in a cover letter that some individuals or companies
not be involved in the review of your application. Your request will be taken
into account by NSERC.
Conflict of Interest
Suggested referees must not:
- be from the same institution as the applicant(s);
- have been a research supervisor or graduate student of the applicant(s)
within the past six years,
- be providing letters of support for the application,
- have collaborated with the applicant(s) within the past six years or have
plans to collaborate in the immediate future;
- be an employee of a non-academic organization with which the applicant has
collaborated within the past six years; or
- be in any other potential conflict of interest (e.g., personal, financial).
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