Note: The Policy and Guidelines on Contributions to Research and Training and the Guidelines for the Preparation and Review of Applications in Engineering and Applied Sciences (this page) have been merged into the revised Guidelines on assessment of contributions to research, training and mentoring. These revised guidelines incorporate DORA principles by recognizing a broad range of contributions, emphasizing the quality and impacts of these contributions; the revised guidelines also provide updated language about delays and interruptions to research and reflect recent EDI policy advances. As programs transition to the revised guidelines, applicants and evaluators are asked to ensure they refer to the policies and/or guidelines referenced in the instructions of the specific funding opportunity.
Engineering is concerned with the application of knowledge for practical purposes, wealth creation and quality of life. It is recognized that engineering is very broad and includes a wide range of research areas. Research in engineering ranges from the creation of fundamental new knowledge through to novel design or innovative approaches to improve existing processes, products and services capable of major improvements in performance. The same is often true for research in the applied sciences.
The indicators of excellence and contributions to research in engineering and the applied sciences reflect the different nature of that research and may be significantly different from those in the natural sciences. Specific guidelines have been issued by NSERC for use by the research community in preparing applications and by selection committees and panels that review applications in these areas.
All NSERC research programs include among their selection criteria:
The following guidelines address these two criteria with respect to engineering and the applied sciences. It should be remembered that there are other criteria which must also be addressed. Refer to the Review Procedures and Selection Criteria for the applicable program.
The assessment of excellence is based on the expertise and track record over the past six years of the applicant and co-applicant(s), focusing on their contributions to and impact on the field and profession. In the case of new researchers, less emphasis is placed on their track record; however, it is important that their potential for research be clearly demonstrated in the application.
Contributions in engineering and the applied sciences may take the form of any of the following. All applicants are expected to demonstrate excellence in these contributions:
Committees will assess the contributions as they relate to:
Many contributions to industry or other end-users take the form of technical and internal reports, some of which may be confidential to protect proprietary information. In such cases, the user of the contribution may write a letter to attest to its importance and cover the above aspects. Whether or not such a letter is provided, applicants should give the report title, the name of the recipient, the date submitted, a concise description including a summary of the results acceptable to the research partner, and an explanation of the technical significance of the work. Describe the importance of the industrial contribution in terms of the novelty and innovation of the research as opposed to the simple provision of a service, and explain how the work is related to the NSERC proposal.
Applicants should document the above information on the Personal Data Form (Form 100), making the strongest possible case in the space provided.
This criterion is a composite of the following factors:
The major emphasis in engineering and applied sciences proposals is on the degree of innovative content of the research program or design activity and the potential to make a significant contribution to the field. Consideration is given to the potential for technological impact and the degree to which the proposal addresses present or future socio-economic needs. Applicants should discuss the importance of the specific problem being addressed and the potential applications of the research.