Research Tools and Instruments Grants Program

Important Information

• List of Evaluation Groups and Research Topics
• Peer Review Manual

Objectives

Research Tools and Instruments (RTI) grants foster and enhance the discovery, innovation and training capability of university researchers in the natural sciences and engineering by supporting the purchase of research equipment and installations.

Description

RTI Grants are one-year awards that assist buying or developing research equipment that costs more than $7,000. In exceptional cases, multiple-year requests will be accepted. The onus is on the applicant to clearly explain the rationale. While the RTI Grants Program provides the primary avenue through which to obtain support for tools and instruments costing more than $7,000, equipment of any value can be purchased using a Discovery Grant.

RTI grants are divided into three categories, according to the total net cost of the equipment, i.e., excluding taxes, shipping and handling. These categories are:

• RTI grants – Category 1: $7,001 to $150,000 (available for all disciplines that come under the Evaluation Groups);
• RTI grants – Category 2: $150,001 to $325,000 (Subatomic Physics only); and
• RTI grants – Category 3: more than $325,000 (Subatomic Physics only).

NSERC will accept applications under Category 1 for equipment whose total net cost is up to $250,000, provided that the applicant is able to secure funding from other sources to bring the amount requested from NSERC to $150,000 or less. This funding must be in place and confirmed at the time that the application is submitted. Such sources may include contributions from NSERC Discovery Grants held by the applicant or co-applicants. The use of other types of NSERC grants is permitted, provided that prior written authorization is obtained from NSERC.

NSERC will pay some or all of applicable taxes, as well as some or all of the shipping and handling expenses, as long as the overall grant does not exceed $150,000. The applicant will be responsible for any amount in excess of $150,000.

RTI grants must be used only to purchase the specific type of equipment for which the grant was awarded. Grantees who wish to purchase equipment different from that specified in the application must obtain written permission from NSERC prior to its purchase. Grantees may, however, buy a model different from that requested in the application without prior NSERC approval.

NSERC will only accept applications for equipment that is purchased after the application deadline. All applications are reviewed on a competitive basis. Grantees should explore all possible avenues with the institution to cover the cost of equipment that is purchased before the application deadline (refer to the paragraph on Residual Balances in Agency Accounts under Administrative Matters in the Financial Administration section of the Program Guide for Professors).

Application Procedures

To apply, submit an Application for a Grant (Form 101) and a Personal Data Form (Form 100) for the applicant and each co-applicant.

NOTE: Researchers can apply for only one RTI Grant at a time, either as an applicant or a co‑applicant, but not as both. This requirement does not apply to Subatomic Physics applicants as their grant applications are reviewed and supported through a different multi-program envelope.

Only applications from applicants and co-applicants who currently hold or are applying for an NSERC research grant (e.g., Discovery, Strategic, Research Partnership, Canada Research Chairs) at the time of application will be accepted.

For all RTI categories, if a cash contribution towards the purchase of the equipment is provided by an organization (other than the applicant's institution), a letter is required from the organization confirming this commitment.

A letter from the department must accompany every RTI – Category 2 or Category 3 grant application (Subatomic Physics only). The letter must indicate the importance and priority that the department places on the proposed equipment and the extent to which the department proposes to provide support.

Applications for RTI – Category 3 grants (Subatomic Physics only) must be accompanied by a letter from the university president indicating the importance and priority placed on the proposed equipment or facilities. The letter should explain the extent to which the university will provide support, such as the provision of space, financial contributions to the purchase and installation, the purchase of ancillary equipment, funding of technical support staff, etc.

Letters from supporting organizations, if submitted, should clearly explain the support that the organizations will provide, such as their involvement in the research, their financial contribution (cash or in-kind) to the purchase and installation of the equipment, etc.

Review Procedures and Selection Criteria

Applications for RTI – Category 1 grants are reviewed by experts that are drawn from NSERC’s Evaluation Groups. In the case of Subatomic Physics, all RTI grant applications (Categories 1, 2, and 3) are reviewed by the Subatomic Physics Section. External reviewers may be consulted and site visit committees may be appointed for RTI – Category 3 applications.

Criteria for review are as follows:

• excellence of the applicant(s);
• merit of the proposed research program(s);
• need and urgency for the equipment, including availability of, and access to, similar equipment¹;
• suitability of the proposed equipment for the proposed research program(s); and
• importance of the equipment for the training of highly qualified personnel.

Additional criteria for RTI – Categories 2 and 3 grant applications (Subatomic Physics only) are as follows:

• clearly defined organizational structure that will ensure the equipment is well operated and maintained;
• synergy with existing equipment or facilities. Synergy, in this context, implies the extent to which a grouping of equipment and staff enhances the value and capability of each piece of equipment and enables researchers to obtain results or carry out studies that would otherwise be very difficult or impossible. Synergy of the equipment is viewed as a positive factor, but is not a necessary requirement for funding; and
• accessibility to other users.

For more information on eligible expenses under the RTI program, see the instructions on how to complete an RTI application.

¹If you report anticipated use by, or benefit to, other sectors, you should describe the support secured from these sources or demonstrate the efforts made to obtain it.