Electronic Approvals

All applications and application-related documents and forms submitted to NSERC require authentication, which is a formal approval by academic institutions, before they can be reviewed by NSERC.

The traditional paper-based method of sending applications to NSERC requires a physical or wet signature as described in the Frequently Asked Questions of the Program Guide for Professors. Without changing the meaning of signatures on applications, NSERC has developed electronic approval guidelines to accommodate the on-line submission process with the goal to help reduce the administrative workload on the applicant, improve the integrity of the process, and provide more flexibility to institutions’ internal process whereby electronic submissions require an electronic approval or electronic signature.

An electronic approval consists of identification codes, prompts and date stamps of specific events activated and used in combination that are recorded by NSERC’s On-line System. It has the same significance, weight and applicability as the physical or wet signature. Electronic approval is required for:

• Applicant authentication
• Collaborators’ contribution to applications (such as personal data forms, letter of support, etc.)
• Institutional approval

Applicants and Co-Applicants’ Responsibilities

• Register to create their account
• Understand and comply with NSERC’s definition of signature – see the Program Guide for Professors

Institutions’ Responsibilities

• Designate a representative authorized to electronically approve and submit documents
• Understand and comply with NSERC’s definition of “signature” – see the Program Guide for Professors
• Notify NSERC of any changes and new appointments of authorized representatives
• Obtain approval from other institutions involved in the application process prior to submission

NSERC’s Responsibilities

• Disseminate information about the electronic approval procedure
• Set up privileged access for institution representatives upon request
• Ensure the electronic approval guidelines are followed

All NSERC forms and documents that normally require authentication by means of a physical or wet signature must be, when submitted through NSERC’s On-line System, electronically approved by the author and, when applicable, the authorized officials of postsecondary institutions to whom they are submitted for further approval.