National Science Foundation Global Centres

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Research topics

Canadian researchers may suggest research topics that include the full range of disciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches that address climate change and/or clean energy issues. Please refer to the NSF website for the full description of topics accepted by the NSF and other partner funding agencies. A reminder that Canadians must collaborate with at least one NSF-eligible US researcher and that the proposal submitted to NSF must focus on a clear research area within the themes of climate change and/or clean energy (refer to sections D1a and D1b of the NSF program literature for more information).

Environment and Climate Change Canada is leading the development of Climate Science 2050: Advancing Science and Knowledge on Climate Change (CS2050), Canada's climate change science and knowledge plan. This is a national Canadian effort to identify and understand climate change science and knowledge gaps, and to guide the collaborative and interdisciplinary scientific efforts needed to inform climate action. For example, “a carbon-neutral society” is one of four outcomes identified within CS2050, and net-zero pathway science has been selected as a critical research priority. This work involves understanding the technological, economic, ecological, social and behavioural shifts associated with anticipated transformations of the Canadian economy to net-zero emissions by 2050, including the potential use of carbon dioxide removal to net zero. In identifying pathways to decarbonization, topics may include net-zero pathway science, integrated assessment models that consider social and economic drivers, and clean energy sources and technologies, such as hydrogen. CS2050 may be helpful to researchers in determining their topics and direction of research; however, researchers may propose any climate change or clean energy topic.

For research proposals that involve Indigenous Peoples or groups, you are encouraged to consult the Tri-agency Indigenous Research guidelines.

Collaborating outside the natural sciences and engineering fields

While climate change science has traditionally focused on the natural sciences, this initiative recognizes the need to include the social and behavioural sciences and the humanities fields, as these, often working alongside natural sciences and engineering, have important contributions to make in informing the transformation needed in society. We welcome researchers and research collaborations from outside the natural sciences and engineering fields who have relevant research topics. Such researchers may be either applicants or co-applicants, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

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