Memorandum of Understanding on Scientific Cooperation between the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Royal Society

Following the joint declaration of bilateral relations by Prime Ministers Tony Blair and Jean Chretien on 20 June 1997:

Recognising the benefits that each country derives from increased mobility and productive collaboration of their scientists and engineers;

Wishing to:

• encourage joint British-Canadian research efforts; and
• facilitate the movement of research scientists and engineers between their countries; and
• exchange information on specific funding opportunities.

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and The Royal Society of London, hereinafter called the Sides, have reached an understanding as follows:

1. Each Side will select up to 10 postdoctoral candidates per year with the intention of making them an award from the Canada-UK Millennium Research Exchange Scheme in Natural Sciences and Engineering to be held in the partner country.

2. Each Side will have in place its own funding and selection mechanisms:

In NSERC's case, proposals will be submitted and evaluated through NSERC's Postdoctoral Fellowship Programme and in accordance with the normal programme cycle and regulations. Canadian researchers will be notified of the opportunity to apply for funding, through NSERC's normal information channels (newsletters, other publications, and Internet).

Successful NSERC applicants are eligible for a maximum of 24 months of support. The participants sponsored by NSERC under this arrangement must assume all the costs associated with their and accompanying family members' travel to, and living expenses in, the UK.

In the case of the Royal Society, awards will be made in accordance with its normal practice which is to support:

• Short-term Study Visits of up to three months which will cover the travel costs and a contribution towards subsistence costs.
• Fellowships of up to 12 months duration which will cover the international travel and local expenses in Canada.
• No provision will be made for the expenses of accompanying dependants.

Full publicity will be given to this programme.

3. It is expected that candidates selected by each side will have established prior contact with their host laboratory and have agreed upon a programme of research.

4. Neither Side will assume responsibility for medical or hospital expenses incurred by the visiting postdoctoral fellows. It is left to each awardee to obtain adequate insurance coverage in the event of illness or accident in the host country.

5. To facilitate communication between the two Sides, each Side will designate one person as a contact point. The NSERC contact point will be the NSERC International Relations Advisor; the Royal Society contact point will be within the International Exchanges Section.

Each Side will further ensure that the other is kept aware of the status of awards.

This Memorandum of Understanding is based on equality, reciprocity, and mutual benefit.

This Memorandum of Understanding will take effect from the date of signing. It will remain in operation until terminated by either Side giving six (6) months notice in writing. It may be amended at any time by either Side by mutual arrangement in writing.