Changes to the NSERC Research Partnership Programming (message from NSERC Ontario Regional Office)
Lots of excitement at NSERC as we adjust Research Partnership programming to meet requirements in the latest budget. See last paragraph of http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Media-Media/ProgramNewsDetails-NouvellesDesProgrammesDetails_eng.asp?ID=971
While nothing has been formally announced – We hope to be on the road this summer soliciting feedback on our draft plan from stakeholders. No details yet, except that it is Status Quo until the new policy is announced (hopefully before the fiscal year-end of March 31, 2019). We will continue accepting applications to all programs until an announcement is made.
There are lots of minor program changes that have been recently announced; including the merging and scope expansion of Connect 2&3 in February 2018 http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Professors-Professeurs/ProgChng-ProgRev_eng.asp
Changes to Engage have recently been announced, specifically:
NSERC would like to bring to your attention two important changes regarding Engage Grants.
First, extensive revisions have been made to the Guidelines for Organizations Participating in Research Partnerships that outline the eligibility of partners. Clarifications have been made to better enable applicants, institutions, and partners assess the eligibility of organizations.
New sections include:
- Assessing Receptor Capacity table which identifies a number of indicators for private sector company eligibility. This replaces content that was previously featured in the Industrial Participation section of the Engage Grants description.
Second, the policy regarding the number of Engage awards each applicant is entitled to has been modified. Each applicant will be allowed one award every 12 months. The previous practice of one award per NSERC fiscal year created a year-end influx of applications that was difficult for institutions and NSERC to manage.
As of May 1, 2018, the award date of a new Engage award will establish a rolling 12 month period for that awardee. Researchers will be permitted to apply for a new Engage grant as early as the final month of their specific 12 month period. Awards prior to May 1, 2018, will not be considered as part of the previous 12 months and will not be subject to this new policy.
NSERC is currently undergoing a review of its Partnership Programs according to the directive in Budget 2018. NSERC is committed to regular communications with its stakeholder communities throughout this process. Until any changes are decided upon and finalized current policies for all NSERC’s Partnership grants remain in place and NSERC will continue to offer its partnership programs including Engage Grants.