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Discovery Research Program results announced
Over half a billion to support fundamental research and help train the next generation of scientists and engineers
General news Professors
August 29, 2023
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada is investing more than $514 million over five years through the Discovery Research Program. This funding will offer recipients the stability and freedom to pursue promising research avenues as they emerge to build the foundation for innovation and economic growth. This announcement was made as part of a series of major investments in science and research announced today by the Honourable Randy Boissonnault, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages on behalf of the Honourable Francois-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry and the Honourable Mark Holland, Minister of Health.
Over $440 million of this funding provides new awards to researchers across the country in a wide variety of natural sciences and engineering disciplines. The funded research programs will help support trainees and will focus on pressing modern issues such as climate change, protection against diseases, and green energy sources. The Discovery Research Program also helps forge international collaborations and supports Indigenous research in the natural sciences and engineering.
Quotes
The Discovery Research Program fosters research excellence by supporting the long-term goals of a diversified base of researchers at different career stages across Canada while also providing stimulating research training opportunities for the scientists and engineers of tomorrow. The people behind these explorative research programs lay the groundwork for a thriving research enterprise in Canada. They make the discoveries that ultimately improve our society and quality of life. At NSERC, we make sure this program remains relevant and impactful.
Today’s Discovery Research Program investment includes:
- $371 million in individual Discovery Grants to more than 1,640 researchers across science and engineering disciplines, including biology, mathematics and statistics, computer science, physics, chemistry, and environmental engineering.
- $71.4 million in one-time, one-year extensions with funds to existing Discovery Research grants held by more than 1,800 researchers across Canada impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- $27.4 million in grants to Subatomic Physics research projects, major resources and equipment.
- $6.9 million in grants through the Discovery Horizons pilot for 16 projects that broadly integrate or transcend disciplines to advance knowledge in the natural sciences and engineering.
- $5.9 million in Discovery Launch Supplements to 475 early-career researchers in the first year of their Discovery Grants to help them launch their careers.
- $26 million in Research Tools and Instruments Grants to give 204 researchers access to highly specialized tools needed for their investigations.
- $1.9 million in Northern Research Supplements to 28 researchers to augment and promote Canadian university-based northern research and training.
- $1.6 million in Discovery Development Grants to 40 researchers to promote and maintain a diversified base of high-quality research in small universities across Canada.
- $1 million in Ship Time grants that will allow six researchers to access vessels in support of their research programs.
