New Agreement Adds up to $25 Million for University Research

Ottawa, January 19, 1996 – Dr. Jon Gerrard, Secretary of State for Science, Research and Development, today announced an agreement that will provide $25 million in research support to Canada's universities.

The five-year agreement between the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the National Research Council (NRC) will create strong three-way linkages and synergy between the NRC's institutes and researchers in universities and the private sector.

"This agreement is another example of the kind of science and technology partnerships the federal government has been creating over the past two years," said Dr. Gerrard. "This science and technology initiative which builds on strategic partnerships and better management of government-funded research provides a major contribution to jobs and growth."

"We are inviting the university research community to join with our Institutes in developing innovative, collaborative activities that build on each others' strengths and needs," said NRC President Dr. Arthur Carty.

Dr. Thomas A. Brzustowski, President of NSERC, said, "The funding will be provided to university researchers to develop cooperative activities with NRC. The participation of NRC Institutes and private sector organizations in these collaborations will significantly enhance the potential for major research achievements."

In assessing research proposals, the NRC and NSERC will focus on those proposals which develop partnerships and offer the greatest potential for knowledge and technology spin-offs.

The funding mechanisms will be those already used successfully in the NSERC Research Partnerships Program. Eligible activities will include research projects, chairs, networks, equipment or facilities, scholarships and fellowships.

Researchers in a position to submit immediate proposals may do so until February 16, 1996. Awards will be announced in March.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 1995 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. It is an example of how the federal government is setting its spending priorities to better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars.

For more information, please contact:

BACKGROUNDER
NSERC-NRC-Industry Partnerships

The funding mechanisms will be those already used successfully in the NSERC Research Partnerships Program, with possible minor adaptations as required. Eligible activities will include research projects, chairs, networks, equipment or facilities, scholarships and fellowships. Researchers in a position to submit immediate proposals may do so until February 16, 1996. Awards will be announced in late March. The deadline for the first regular competition will be June 1, 1996. All competitions for funding will be administered by NSERC's Research Partnerships Program unit under the general direction of an NRC/NSERC Steering Committee. Applications will be considered by a project review committee in accordance with existing NSERC review practices and regulations.

Complete information on eligibility and application procedures will be available on Monday, January 22, from university research grants offices and NSERC's Web site under "News".

Program contact: Walter Vieira (613) 947-6374; wsv@nserc.ca.