Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca
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Selection criteria
The following table describes the criteria that the selection committee will use to evaluate each submission. Note that your submission must clearly demonstrate how your proposal meets each specific criterion. It is highly recommended that you address all indicators and provide all relevant requested evidence in your application.
In your application, use the criteria and indicators as headings and subheadings to structure your proposal.
Criterion – Excellence of the organization (30%)
| Indicator | Evidence to be provided in application |
|---|---|
| Ability of organization and its staff to deliver the proposed program(s) successfully | Relevant background of the organization Previous awards/grants received Education/experience of staff and how this supports the organization’s science or engineering promotion to young people |
| Continuity of the organization | Commitment to attaining goals
Evidence of sustainability Contributions to the science, engineering and education communities |
| Communication | Publicity activities of the organization and its program(s) aimed at the public Examples of networking with and/or mentoring others involved in science and engineering promotion to share best practices |
| Financial status (not included in five-page limit) | Realistic budget forecast and budget justification Ability to raise funds from non-federal sources Letters of commitment from outside sources Letter of commitment from the host organization (for post-secondary institutions only) |
Criterion – Quality of the program (30%)
| Indicator | Evidence to be provided in application |
|---|---|
| Program objectives | Objectives consistent with those of PromoScience Plans to show how objectives will be attained |
| Program content | Detailed description of program(s) and what participants will do Brief description of COVID-19 mitigations for the activity(ies) Suitability for intended audience Focus on the natural sciences and engineering |
| Originality/creativity | Differences from other groups Need for activity(ies) |
Criterion – Impact and reach (40%)
| Indicator | Evidence to be provided in application |
|---|---|
| Impact of program(s) on target groups | Quality of the program interaction (number of participants, number of interactions with program per participant) Success stories Evaluation plan and highlights from past program evaluations Participant feedback (testimonials, survey results, numbers of repeat participants, increased demand for program, etc.) Carefully selected letters of reference |
| Impact of PromoScience funding | Explanation of the added value or benefits that funding will bring to the organization, its program(s) and, ultimately, its participants For applicants with past or current PromoScience funding: one-page activity report |
| Target audience | Profile of participants (age, background, numbers reached) Geographical reach (i.e., national, provincial) Transferability to other geographical areas |
| Focus on under-represented and disadvantaged groups (include evidence relevant to your strategy) | Plans and strategies to make activities inclusive for participants1 Specific groups targeted based on gender, ethnicity, language, geographical location or economic status Letter of reference from organization linked to under-represented target audience |
1Inclusive programming consists of activities in which all people are respected and have access to the same opportunities, and where each individual—including those from under-represented and disadvantaged groups— can reach their full potential, unimpeded by inequitable practices. Organizations should describe specific actions that acknowledge and address barriers to participation (such as physical, procedural, visible, invisible and unintentional barriers) in order to broaden access to the largest pool of potential participants and to improve the impact of the activities.