Applied Research and Development grants

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Equity, diversity and inclusion

NSERC is acting on the evidence that achieving a more equitable, diverse and inclusive Canadian research enterprise is essential to creating the excellent, innovative and impactful research necessary to advance knowledge and understanding, and to respond to local, national and global challenges. This principle informs the commitments described in the Tri-agency statement on equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and is aligned with the objectives of the Tri-agency EDI Action Plan.

Colleges applying for ARD grants are encouraged to embed EDI considerations at each stage of the research process and to increase the inclusion and advancement of underrepresented groups as one way to enhance excellence in research and training. EDI considerations should be integrated into the rationale of the composition of research teams and into the training, mentorship, and professional development opportunities for students and trainees, with an aim of removing barriers to the recruitment and full participation of individuals from underrepresented groups, including women, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities, members of visible minority/racialized groups and members of LGBTQ2+ communities.

For information on how to integrate EDI considerations into the rationale of the research team composition and into training plans, and for links to additional resources, see the Guide to addressing EDI in CCI grant applications.

Research involving Indigenous Peoples and communities

The College and Community Innovation program is committed to supporting research that respectfully involves and engages with First Nations, Inuit, Métis or other Indigenous nations, communities, societies or individuals, and their wisdom, cultures, experiences or knowledge systems, as expressed in their dynamic forms, past and present. This commitment reflects, and aligns with, the three federal research granting agencies' support for Indigenous research and research training models that lead to meaningful new relationships with First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples, as outlined in the strategic plan Setting new directions to support indigenous research and research training in Canada 2019–2022. The plan identifies four strategic directions guided by the following key principles:

• Self-determination: fostering the right of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples to set their own research priorities
• Decolonization of research: respecting Indigenous ways of knowing and supporting community-led research
• Accountability: strengthening accountability in respecting Indigenous ethics and protocols in research and identifying the benefits and impacts of research in Indigenous communities
• Equitable access: facilitating and promoting equitable access and support for Indigenous students and researchers

Applicants whose projects involve Indigenous Peoples or communities must:

• consult and take into consideration the CCSIF guide for research involving Indigenous Peoples and communities
• answer “Yes” to the “Does the proposed research respectfully involve Indigenous Peoples or communities?” question of the application form

What's next?
Role of partner organizations