Framework for Researchers Working with University-Based Collections

NSERC recognizes that many of the recommendations and good practices described in this Framework have financial implications for NSERC-funded research. To that end, costs related to the maintenance of collections are eligible expenses under NSERC grants.

Researchers who have large collections may consider applying to NSERC’s Major Facilities Access (MFA) Grants program, which supports researchers’ access to facilities or research resources that are significant in size, value or importance. This includes some university-based collections. MFA Grants provide funding for costs such as the salaries of technical and professional research support staff who provide assistance to users or maintain and operate the facility. These grants also provide the resources for other costs such as materials, supplies and minor equipment essential to the maintenance and operation of the facility. It should be noted that MFA Grants support costs required to maintain the facility in a state of readiness for the user. They do not support the incremental costs associated with individual use; individuals typically cover these costs through “user fees.”