This manual is designed as a guide for members of Grant Selection
Committees (GSCs) for Research Grants Programs. It outlines activities
to be undertaken by members and Chairs of GSCs for each period of the
year, and also describes the policies, guidelines and deliverables
relevant to these activities. The manual is updated every year. A
paper version is distributed to new members only, and an electronic
version is posted on the GSC Extranet for continuing members. To
make it easier for continuing members to identify this year’s
revisions, all changes of importance are indicated in italics. We
have also prepared a summary
of the revisions (PDF format – 28 KB – 2 pages) that
were made this year for continuing members who do not want to reprint
the entire manual.
Most members of GSCs are appointed from the Canadian academic community
and are familiar with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research
Council's (NSERC) mandate, structure and programs. For new members
appointed from other sectors, you may access an overview of these topics
on our Web site.
More detailed information can be found in the Program
Guide for Professors.
Although we have tried to cover most topics, questions will certainly
arise. These should be directed to your NSERC Program Officer or your
GSC Chair, who will be glad to help.
Special thanks to Dr. Jon Muzio of the University of Victoria
for his contribution to editing this document.
| 1. |
Activities
for June (PDF format – 40 KB – 3 pages) |
| |
1.1 |
Nomination of New
Members to Grant Selection Committees |
| |
1.2 |
Roles, Responsibilities
and Important Dates for GSC Members |
| |
1.3 |
Extension of Your
Discovery Grant |
| |
1.4 |
GSC Extranet |
| 2. |
Activities
for July and August (PDF format – 35 KB – 2 pages) |
| |
2.1 |
University Information Sessions |
| |
2.2 |
Preparations
for Competition |
| |
2.3 |
List of Contacts |
| 3. |
Activities
for September (PDF format – 63
KB – 7 pages) |
| |
3.1 |
Initial Mailout |
| |
3.2 |
Assignment of
Internal Reviewers |
| |
3.3 |
External Referees |
| |
3.4 |
Information
Sessions (Formerly Site Visits) |
| |
3.5 |
GSC Membership |
| |
|
3.5.1 |
GSC Chairs |
| |
3.6 |
Instructions on How to Complete and Submit Your Referee Suggestions |
| |
3.7 |
Form 180 – Notification of Intent to Apply for a
Discovery Grant |
| 4. |
Activities
for November (PDF format – 53 KB – 6 pages) |
| |
4.1 |
Policy Meetings/Discussions
for GSC Members |
| |
|
4.1.1 |
Goals |
| |
|
4.1.2 |
Orientation Session for New Members |
| |
4.2 |
Assignment of
Applications to GSCs |
| |
|
4.2.1 |
General Principles |
| |
|
4.2.2 |
Chairs’ Meeting |
| |
|
4.2.3 |
Cross-assignments |
| |
|
4.2.4 |
Consultations With Other GSCs |
| |
|
4.2.5 |
Requests From
the Interdisciplinary GSC for Consultation Reports |
| |
|
4.2.6 |
Eligibility
of the Subject Matter |
| |
|
4.2.7 |
Late Identification
of Misassignments |
| |
|
4.28 |
Incomplete
Applications |
| |
4.3 |
Assignment of
Internal Reviewers for Research Tools and Instruments (RTI) – All Categories |
| |
4.4 |
Review of Research
Tools and Instruments (RTI) – Categories 2 and 3 Applications |
| 5. |
Activities
for December and January (PDF format – 69 KB – 8 pages) |
|
5.1 |
Receipt
of Exhibit Books, Reprints and Other Documents |
| |
5.2 |
Travel
Arrangements for the Competition Session |
| |
5.3 |
How to
Organize Your Review Activities |
| |
5.4 |
Legal
and Ethical Issues |
| |
|
5.4.1 |
Canadian
Environmental Assessment Act |
| |
|
5.4.2 |
Confidentiality
of Application Material |
| |
|
5.4.3 |
Communication
With Applicants |
| |
|
5.4.4 |
Code
of Ethics and Business Conduct |
| |
|
5.4.5 |
Privacy
Act |
| |
|
5.4.6 |
Canadian Human
Rights Act |
| |
|
5.4.7 |
Official
Languages Act |
| |
|
5.4.8 |
Policy
on Integrity |
| |
|
5.4.9 |
Procedures
for Committee/Panel Members Under Investigation |
| |
|
5.4.10 |
Ethical
and Other Considerations |
| 6. |
Review
of Discovery Grant Applications (PDF format – 181 KB – 33 pages) |
| |
6.1 |
Contact Points |
| |
6.2 |
Objectives |
| |
6.3 |
Description |
| |
6.4 |
Eligibility of Individuals |
| |
6.5 |
Nature of Research Supported |
| |
6.6 |
Conflict of Interest |
| |
6.7 |
Eligible Expenses |
| |
6.8 |
Criteria for Evaluation |
| |
|
6.8.1 |
Scientific
or Engineering Excellence of the Researcher(s) |
| |
|
6.8.2 |
Merit of the Proposal |
| |
|
|
6.8.2.1 |
Possible Pitfalls |
| |
|
6.8.3 |
Need for Funds |
| |
|
|
6.8.3.1 |
Human Resources |
| |
|
|
6.8.3.2 |
Other Costs of Research |
| |
|
|
6.8.3.3 |
Other Sources of Funds |
| |
|
|
6.8.3.4 |
Addressing Other Sources of Funding |
| |
|
6.8.4 |
Contribution to Training of Highly Qualified Personnel |
| |
|
6.8.5 |
Special Categories of Applicants |
| |
|
|
6.8.5.1 |
New Researchers |
| |
|
|
6.8.5.2 |
Holders of Canada Research Chairs |
| |
|
|
6.8.5.3 |
Holders of Industrial Research Chairs and Northern Research Chairs |
| |
|
|
6.8.5.4 |
Adjuncts |
| |
|
|
6.8.5.5 |
Emeritus Professors |
| |
|
|
6.8.5.6 |
Applicants From Small Universities |
| |
|
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6.8.5.7 |
Applicants From Royal Military College |
| |
|
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6.8.5.8 |
University Faculty Awards |
| |
|
|
6.8.5.9 |
E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowships |
| |
|
|
6.8.5.10 |
GSC Members |
| |
6.9 |
Policies and Guidelines |
| |
|
6.9.1 |
GSC Budgets and Frameworks for Funding Recommendations |
| |
|
6.9.2 |
Funding Guidelines for First-Time Applicants and Returning Unsuccessful
First-Time Applicants |
| |
|
6.9.3 |
Guidelines for Reduced Funding Recommendations |
| |
|
6.9.4 |
Guidelines for the Funding of Group Applications |
| |
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6.9.5 |
Duration of Grants |
| |
6.10 |
Time Commitment |
| |
6.11 |
Deliverables |
| |
|
6.11.1 |
Use of Rating Form |
| |
|
6.11.2 |
Integration of External Reviews, Consultations and Past Message
to Applicant |
| |
|
6.11.3 |
Preparing Draft Comments and Presentation to the GSC |
| |
6.12 |
Rating Form – Discovery Grants Application |
| 7. |
Review
of Research Tools and Instruments Grant Applications (PDF format – 76 KB – 10 pages) |
| |
7.1 |
Contact
Points |
| |
7.2 |
Objectives |
| |
7.3 |
Description |
| |
7.4 |
Conflict
of Interest |
| |
7.5 |
Criteria
for Evaluation |
| |
7.6 |
Eligible
Expenses |
| |
7.7 |
Policies
and Guidelines |
| |
7.8 |
Deliverables |
| |
7.9 |
Review
of RTI – Categories 2 and 3 Applications |
| |
7.10 |
Use
of Rating Form |
| |
7.11 |
Rating Form – Research Tools and Instruments Grant Application |
| 8. |
Review
of Major Resources Support Grant Applications (PDF format – 73 KB – 9 pages) |
| |
8.1 |
Contact
Points |
| |
8.2 |
Objective |
| |
8.3 |
Description |
| |
8.4 |
Conflict
of Interest |
| |
8.5 |
Criteria
for Evaluation |
| |
8.6 |
Eligible
Expenses |
| |
8.7 |
Ineligible Expenses |
| |
8.8 |
Application Procedures |
| |
8.9 |
Review
Procedures |
| |
8.10 |
Duration and Conditions |
| |
8.11 |
Guidelines for Reduced Funding Recommendations |
| |
8.12 |
Deliverables |
| |
8.13 |
Use
of Rating Form |
| |
8.14 |
Preparing Comments to Applicants |
| |
8.15 |
Rating Form – Major Resources
Support Grant |
| 9. |
Activities
for February (PDF format – 70 KB – 10 pages) |
| |
9.1 |
Logistics for Competition Session |
| |
|
9.1.1 |
Agenda |
| |
|
9.1.2 |
Physical Arrangements |
| |
9.2 |
Roles and Responsibilities for Committee Members and NSERC Staff |
| |
9.3 |
Group Dynamics |
| |
9.4 |
Late Transfers and Consultations |
| |
9.5 |
Procedures for Presenting Applications |
| |
9.6 |
Comments to Applicants |
| |
9.7 |
Managing the Budget Envelope |
| |
9.8 |
Policy Meeting |
| |
9.9 |
Membership Recommendations |
| |
9.10 |
Confidentiality of GSC Funding Recommendations |
| 10. |
Activities
for March and April (PDF format – 37 KB – 3 pages) |
| |
10.1 |
Communication
With Applicants |
| |
10.2 |
Finalization
of Messages to Applicants |
| |
10.3 |
Annual
Report |
| |
10.4 |
Membership |
| |
10.5 |
Appeals |
| Appendix 1 (PDF format – 40 KB – 4 pages) |
| Guidelines Governing Membership of Selection Committees and Panels |
| Appendix
2
(PDF format – 29 KB – 2 pages) |
| Statement on Ethics for NSERC Selection Committees and Panels |
| Appendix
3
(PDF format – 33 KB – 2 pages) |
| Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest |
| Appendix
4
(PDF format – 38 KB – 3 pages) |
| Travelling on Behalf of NSERC |
| Appendix
5 (PDF format – 42 KB – 4 pages) |
| Policy and Guidelines on the Assessment of Contributions
to Research and Training |
| Appendix
6 (PDF format – 35 KB – 3 pages) |
| Guidelines for the Preparation and Review of Applications in Engineering and the Applied Sciences |
| Appendix
7 (PDF format – 44 KB – 4 pages) |
| Guidelines for the Preparation and Review of Applications in Interdisciplinary Research |
| Appendix
8 (PDF format – 44 KB – 3 pages) |
| Research Grants Staff |
| Appendix
9 (PDF format – 33 KB – 1 page) |
| Grant Selection Committee List |
|
