Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca
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Appeals of decision on NSERC Grant Applications
An appeal of a decision on an NSERC grant application must be based on a compelling demonstration of error or procedural unfairness in the review process. The appeal procedure is designed to ensure that the applicant has been treated fairly and consistently in the context of a program that has limited funds. NSERC strives to provide equitable treatment of applications and fair assessments in accordance with the selection criteria and existing budgetary constraints.
Appeal Process
The following principles apply to appeals:
- Appeals must be submitted within two months of receipt of the decision letter or by May 31 for Discovery Grants, whichever is earlier.
- The onus is on the applicant to demonstrate that an error or procedural unfairness has occurred; note that differences in opinion between external reviewers and selection committees/panels do not necessarily constitute an error or procedural unfairness.
- New supporting material or information (e.g., papers published since the deadline date, or illness or other extenuating circumstances that should have been reported on Form 100) will not be taken into consideration.
- For Discovery Grants, the level of an award cannot represent the basis on which to file an appeal of the decision. The basis on which to file and evaluate an appeal will be the “Message to Applicant” form and the
Discovery Grants Indicators
corresponding to the ratings given to the application and indicated on the Message to Applicant.
Historically, less than 25 percent of appeals of Discovery Grants results lead to a change of decision. If NSERC does change its original decision, the outcome is normally a one-year grant to enable the appellant to submit a new application in the following year’s competition. - The level and/or duration of a grant are subject to modification (increase or decrease) as a result of an appeal.
The appeal process may vary according to the program, or under special circumstances. Appeals may be reviewed by external appeal advisors who are senior members of the research community with experience in NSERC peer review. The final decision on an appeal is made by NSERC. Appeals are normally resolved within two to three months after they are received by NSERC. For more information, contact the appropriate program officer.
