Info Source

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General Information

Introduction to Info Source

Info Source describes the programs and activities, and the information holdings related to programs and activities, of government institutions subject to the Access to Information Act to facilitate the right of access. It also provides individuals, including current and former employees of the Government of Canada, with relevant information to access personal information about themselves held by government institutions subject to the Privacy Act and to exercise their rights under the Privacy Act.

An index of institutions that are subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act is available centrally.

The Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act assign overall responsibility to the President of Treasury Board (as the designated Minister) for the government-wide administration of the legislation.

Background

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is a departmental corporation that was established in 1978 by Canada’s Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Act to:

  • promote and assist research in the natural sciences and engineering, other than the health sciences; and
  • advise the Minister responsible for NSERC in respect of such matters relating to such research as the Minister may refer to NSERC for its consideration.

NSERC is funded directly by Parliament and reports to it through the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

Responsibilities

Through grants, fellowships, and scholarships, NSERC’s mandate is to promote and financially support research and research training in the natural sciences and engineering to develop talent, generate discoveries, and support innovation in pursuit of economic and social outcomes for Canadians.

NSERC is Canada’s largest funder of science and engineering, with a sterling international reputation. It supports the work of the best and most promising researchers, students and postdoctoral fellows at universities, colleges, CÉGEPs and polytechnics across the country. As an enabler, a convener and a promoter of discovery and innovation, NSERC helps forge invaluable links between researchers and key partners in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. These collaborations generate new perspectives, drive commercialization and lead to breakthroughs that benefit Canada and the world.

NSERC partners with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to deliver some of Canada’s key research funding and research support programs.

NSERC promotes the value of science, engineering and the thrill of discovery in Canada, helping to ensure our research ecosystem can meet the talent, industry and technological demands of today and the future.

In delivering on its critical mandate, NSERC places an emphasis on the overarching importance of equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion across all its programs and throughout the research ecosystem. It is also committed to developing deeper and more meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, organizations, researchers and trainees and to exploring the role of science and research in the journey towards reconciliation.

For more information see our departmental plans and departmental results reports.

Our major policies and guidelines are available on NSERC’s website.

NSERC programs and activities

Core responsibility: Funding natural sciences and engineering research and training

Through grants, fellowships and scholarships, NSERC promotes and supports research and research training in the natural sciences and engineering to develop talent, generate discoveries, and support innovation in pursuit of economic and social outcomes for Canadians.

Discovery Research

Program description

This program provides grants to researchers and universities to maintain a diverse and competitive research base in Canada and support global excellence and leadership in discovery research. The creation and advancement of knowledge generated by these grants is necessary to fuel a strong, globally competitive research and innovation system in Canada. Funding allows researchers the freedom to explore and be less risk averse, train students in the art of creative and critical thinking for tomorrow’s challenges, support research salaries, purchase or develop research equipment, and facilitate national and international research collaboration.

Discovery Research Funding Opportunities Class of Records

Notes:

  • Previously, the Program was known as Discovery: Advancement of Knowledge
  • This class of record was formerly the following classes of record:
    • Discovery Research Programs
    • Research Equipment and Resources Program

Description: Includes records related to the development, administration and delivery of the NSERC funding opportunities, including during the post-award phase, to promote and support research and research training in natural sciences and engineering to develop talent, generate discoveries, and support innovation in pursuit of economic and social outcomes for Canadians. Information on the program-specific current funding opportunities is available on NSERC’s website.

Records contain information on the description, development, planning, administration, delivery and ongoing evolution of the NSERC funding programs, including information related to program specific policies and procedures, information on the stakeholders involved in the administration of the NSERC funding opportunities, and the governance and accountability rules for these funding opportunities.

Document types: Guides and instructions; promotional materials; program management plans; application forms and procedures; completed applications; applicant notifications and endorsements; eligibility criteria; terms and conditions of funding opportunities; committee terms and conditions; agreements; business processes; project proposals; research plans and proposals; training plans; internal and external reviewer and recipient templates; completed reviewer reports; evaluation reports and assessments; Member of Parliament letters; appeal process related documents and correspondence; audit reports; committee reports; surveys; final research reports or progress reports (as applicable); reports on the use of issued funds; budgets; financial administration forms and financial statements; declaration of conflict-of-interest forms; letters of support; documents related to incorporation, briefing notes and memoranda; project charters; correspondence.

Disclosure summaries: under development

Record Number: NSERC 006-01

NSERC Funding Opportunities Personal Information Bank

Description: This bank contains information related to stakeholders involved in the administration of NSERC funding opportunities. The personal information may include applicant/co-applicant/collaborator/partner organization’s contact person or reviewer/assessor status; name; contact information; year of birth; occupation; job title; workplace; language of correspondence; citizenship; Social Insurance Number; other identification number (e.g., file number); biographical details; educational background; professional experience; employment history; academic qualifications; credentials and affiliations; self-identification information; descriptions of programs of research and/or science promoting initiatives; signatures; financial information; and the opinions and views of, or about, individuals, including opinions in letters of support by partner organizations, and statements to conflict of interest or similar declarations and consents. Includes review committee evaluations, recommendations, and decisions. Includes information provided to NSERC by funding recipients who report on the outcomes of their research and/or science promoting initiatives and use of funds. May also include video and audio testimonials of successful applicants.

Notes:

  • This personal information bank was formerly the following separate personal information banks:
    • Collaborative Research Initiatives, NSERC PPU 055
    • General Support Programs, NSERC PPU 060
    • International Programs, NSERC PPU 070
    • Lists of External Referees, NSERC PPU 050
    • Research Grants, NSERC PPU 095
    • Research Partnerships Programs, NSERC PPU 090
    • Scholarships and Fellowships, NSERC PPU 065
    • Strategic Projects, NSERC PPU 080
    • Visiting Fellowships in Canadian Government Laboratories, NSERC PPU 085
    • Register of Canadians Studying Abroad, NSERC PPU 075

  • Individuals seeking access to the personal information described in this bank should indicate the name of the relevant funding opportunity (e.g., Discovery Grants, Research Tools and Instruments, PromoScience, Undergraduate Student Research Awards etc.).

Class of individuals: Applicants and co-applicants for funding opportunities, their representatives and partners; other third parties involved in the application to, and administration of, funding opportunities, including, but not limited to, reviewers, assessors, experts, as well as active and prospective NSERC Council members.

Purpose: To support the administration of the NSERC funding opportunities, including but not limited to: the receipt, review, and assessment of, and response regarding, applications for funding; the administration and disbursement of funds; monitoring the usage of funds; the identification and selection of prospective assessors/reviewers of applications submitted to NSERC; and the establishment and maintenance of a pool of potential merit review experts and committee members. Personal information is collected pursuant to subsection 4(1) of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Act. Social Insurance Numbers are collected pursuant to paragraph 237(1.1)(b) of the Income Tax Act to issue tax slips.

Consistent uses: Consistent with these purposes, personal information within this bank may also be used and/or disclosed as follows:

  • To identify if an applicant may have applied, including in the previous years, for several NSERC funding programs to determine the most appropriate source of funding and/or validate the eligibility requirements.
  • To consult with other entities including federal research funding agencies and organizations such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to determine the most appropriate review mechanism and/or source of funding.
    • In some cases, where applications are deemed to be more appropriately supported by another federal agency or organization, the completed applications may be transferred to facilitate and expedite the merit review process.
  • To share application information with CIHR and/or SSHRC for joint funding opportunities (e.g., Canada Research Chairs, Canada Excellence Research Chairs, etc.).
  • To report internally and externally on outcomes and results, including publishing certain details about successful applicants, including the name of the applicant(s), award type, amount awarded, institution and department, the discipline or field of research, the project title and, a summary of the research proposal prepared by the applicant for public reference.
  • To contact individuals to collect feedback on the success of the funded initiatives and participate in outreach activities.
  • To generate mailing lists to disseminate its publications and other information to the research community.
  • For public relations purposes, and to promote NSERC and its funding opportunities.
  • To identify and contact users of the NSERC online systems, platforms, and/or applications when routine system monitoring reveals that they may require technical assistance.
  • To promote equitable participation of members of underrepresented groups in NSERC programs and on NSERC committees – by leveraging individuals’ self-identification information but only on a voluntary basis and subject to prior express consent.
  • To share with third parties, under contract, that host technical solutions used for funding application processes and administration.
  • For research, analysis, statistical, planning, audit, and evaluation purposes.

Retention and disposal standards: Generally, information in this bank is retained for 6 years after the last step related to the relevant funding opportunity activities has been completed (e.g., payout of the approved funding, closing the underlying file in the NSERC system, etc.), and then securely destroyed, with two exceptions:

  • unsuccessful applications are retained for 6 years after the end of the fiscal year in which the information was collected, and then are securely destroyed, and

  • (currently under review by NSERC) – the following details are retained for 50 years after the end of the fiscal in which the information was collected, and then are securely destroyed:

    • Tombstone data on grant recipient
    • Personal information
    • Summary of academic qualifications, credentials and affiliations
    • Summary of employment history
    • Tracking of awards/grants.

RDA Number: MIDA 2015/003
Related record number: NSERC 006-01 through 006-03
TBS registration: 002574
Bank number: NSERC PPU 060

Research Partnerships

Program description

This program supports research partnerships between postsecondary researchers and businesses to bring new products and services closer to market. The program enhances the investments businesses make in research by adding value and supporting innovation on the path from ideas to commercialization. These partnerships also allow firms to access the knowledge base supported through the Discovery Research program.

Research Partnerships Funding Opportunities Class of Records

Notes:

  • Previously, the Program was known as Innovation: Research Partnerships
  • This class of record was formerly the following classes of record:
    • Research in Strategic Areas Program
    • Industry-driven Collaborative Research and Development Programs
    • Networks of Centres of Excellence Programs
    • Training in Industry Programs
    • Commercialization of Research Programs
    • College and Community Innovation Programs

Description: Includes records related to the development, administration and delivery of the NSERC funding opportunities, including during the post-award phase, to promote and support research and research training in natural sciences and engineering to develop talent, generate discoveries, and support innovation in pursuit of economic and social outcomes for Canadians. Information on the program-specific current funding opportunities is available on NSERC’s website.

Records contain information on the description, development, planning, administration, delivery and ongoing evolution of the NSERC funding programs, including information related to program specific policies and procedures, information on the stakeholders involved in the administration of the NSERC funding opportunities, and the governance and accountability rules for these funding opportunities.

Document types: Guides and instructions; promotional materials; program management plans; application forms and procedures; completed applications; applicant notifications and endorsements; eligibility criteria; terms and conditions of funding opportunities; committee terms and conditions; agreements; business processes; project proposals; research plans and proposals; training plans; internal and external reviewer and recipient templates; completed reviewer reports; evaluation reports and assessments; Member of Parliament letters; appeal process related documents and correspondence; audit reports; committee reports; surveys; final research reports or progress reports (as applicable); reports on the use of issued funds; budgets; financial administration forms and financial statements; declaration of conflict-of-interest forms; letters of support; documents related to incorporation, briefing notes and memoranda; project charters; correspondence.

Disclosure summaries: under development

Record Number: NSERC 006-02

NSERC Funding Opportunities Personal Information Bank

Description: This bank contains information related to stakeholders involved in the administration of NSERC funding opportunities. The personal information may include applicant/co-applicant/collaborator/partner organization’s contact person or reviewer/assessor status; name; contact information; year of birth; occupation; job title; workplace; language of correspondence; citizenship; Social Insurance Number; other identification number (e.g., file number); biographical details; educational background; professional experience; employment history; academic qualifications; credentials and affiliations; self-identification information; descriptions of programs of research and/or science promoting initiatives; signatures; financial information; and the opinions and views of, or about, individuals, including opinions in letters of support by partner organizations, and statements to conflict of interest or similar declarations and consents. Includes review committee evaluations, recommendations, and decisions. Includes information provided to NSERC by funding recipients who report on the outcomes of their research and/or science promoting initiatives and use of funds. May also include video and audio testimonials of successful applicants.

Notes:

  • This personal information bank was formerly the following separate personal information banks:
    • Collaborative Research Initiatives, NSERC PPU 055
    • General Support Programs, NSERC PPU 060
    • International Programs, NSERC PPU 070
    • Lists of External Referees, NSERC PPU 050
    • Research Grants, NSERC PPU 095
    • Research Partnerships Programs, NSERC PPU 090
    • Scholarships and Fellowships, NSERC PPU 065
    • Strategic Projects, NSERC PPU 080
    • Visiting Fellowships in Canadian Government Laboratories, NSERC PPU 085
    • Register of Canadians Studying Abroad, NSERC PPU 075

  • Individuals seeking access to the personal information described in this bank should indicate the name of the relevant funding opportunity (e.g., Discovery Grants, Research Tools and Instruments, PromoScience, Undergraduate Student Research Awards etc.).

Class of individuals: Applicants and co-applicants for funding opportunities, their representatives and partners; other third parties involved in the application to, and administration of, funding opportunities, including, but not limited to, reviewers, assessors, experts, as well as active and prospective NSERC Council members.

Purpose: To support the administration of the NSERC funding opportunities, including but not limited to: the receipt, review, and assessment of, and response regarding, applications for funding; the administration and disbursement of funds; monitoring the usage of funds; the identification and selection of prospective assessors/reviewers of applications submitted to NSERC; and the establishment and maintenance of a pool of potential merit review experts and committee members. Personal information is collected pursuant to subsection 4(1) of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Act. Social Insurance Numbers are collected pursuant to paragraph 237(1.1)(b) of the Income Tax Act to issue tax slips.

Consistent uses: Consistent with these purposes, personal information within this bank may also be used and/or disclosed as follows:

  • To identify if an applicant may have applied, including in the previous years, for several NSERC funding programs to determine the most appropriate source of funding and/or validate the eligibility requirements.
  • To consult with other entities including federal research funding agencies and organizations such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to determine the most appropriate review mechanism and/or source of funding.
    • In some cases, where applications are deemed to be more appropriately supported by another federal agency or organization, the completed applications may be transferred to facilitate and expedite the merit review process.
  • To share application information with CIHR and/or SSHRC for joint funding opportunities (e.g., Canada Research Chairs, Canada Excellence Research Chairs, etc.).
  • To report internally and externally on outcomes and results, including publishing certain details about successful applicants, including the name of the applicant(s), award type, amount awarded, institution and department, the discipline or field of research, the project title and, a summary of the research proposal prepared by the applicant for public reference.
  • To contact individuals to collect feedback on the success of the funded initiatives and participate in outreach activities.
  • To generate mailing lists to disseminate its publications and other information to the research community.
  • For public relations purposes, and to promote NSERC and its funding opportunities.
  • To identify and contact users of the NSERC online systems, platforms, and/or applications when routine system monitoring reveals that they may require technical assistance.
  • To promote equitable participation of members of underrepresented groups in NSERC programs and on NSERC committees – by leveraging individuals’ self-identification information but only on a voluntary basis and subject to prior express consent.
  • To share with third parties, under contract, that host technical solutions used for funding application processes and administration.
  • For research, analysis, statistical, planning, audit, and evaluation purposes.

Retention and disposal standards: Generally, information in this bank is retained for 6 years after the last step related to the relevant funding opportunity activities has been completed (e.g., payout of the approved funding, closing the underlying file in the NSERC system, etc.), and then securely destroyed, with two exceptions:

  • unsuccessful applications are retained for 6 years after the end of the fiscal year in which the information was collected, and then are securely destroyed, and

    (currently under review by NSERC) – the following details are retained for 50 years after the end of the fiscal in which the information was collected, and then are securely destroyed:

    • Tombstone data on grant recipient
    • Personal information
    • Summary of academic qualifications, credentials and affiliations
    • Summary of employment history
    • Tracking of awards/grants.

RDA Number: MIDA 2015/003
Related record number: NSERC 006-01 through 006-03
TBS registration: 002574
Bank number: NSERC PPU 060

Research Training and Talent Development

Program description

This program provides grants, scholarships and fellowships to attract, retain and develop the next generation of scientists and engineers, as well as to promote science to Canadian youth to encourage an early interest in science. The student support provided at all postsecondary levels helps Canada develop a talented, skilled and inclusive workforce.

Research Training and Talent Development Funding Opportunities Class of Records

Notes:

  • Previously, the Program was known as People: Research, Talent
  • This class of record was formerly the following classes of record:
    • Science and Engineering Promotion Programs
    • Scholarship and Fellowship Programs
    • Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarships Program
    • Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship Programs
    • Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship Programs
    • Canada Research Chairs Program
    • Canada Excellence Research Chairs Program

Description: Includes records related to the development, administration and delivery of the NSERC funding opportunities, including during the post-award phase, to promote and support research and research training in natural sciences and engineering to develop talent, generate discoveries, and support innovation in pursuit of economic and social outcomes for Canadians. Information on the program-specific current funding opportunities is available on NSERC’s website.

Records contain information on the description, development, planning, administration, delivery and ongoing evolution of the NSERC funding programs, including information related to program specific policies and procedures, information on the stakeholders involved in the administration of the NSERC funding opportunities, and the governance and accountability rules for these funding opportunities.

Document types: Guides and instructions; promotional materials; program management plans; application forms and procedures; completed applications; applicant notifications and endorsements; eligibility criteria; terms and conditions of funding opportunities; committee terms and conditions; agreements; business processes; project proposals; research plans and proposals; training plans; internal and external reviewer and recipient templates; completed reviewer reports; evaluation reports and assessments; Member of Parliament letters; appeal process related documents and correspondence; audit reports; committee reports; surveys; final research reports or progress reports (as applicable); reports on the use of issued funds; budgets; financial administration forms and financial statements; declaration of conflict-of-interest forms; letters of support; documents related to incorporation, briefing notes and memoranda; project charters; correspondence.

Disclosure summaries: under development

Record Number: NSERC 006-03

NSERC Funding Opportunities Personal Information Bank

Description: This bank contains information related to stakeholders involved in the administration of NSERC funding opportunities. The personal information may include applicant/co-applicant/collaborator/partner organization’s contact person or reviewer/assessor status; name; contact information; year of birth; occupation; job title; workplace; language of correspondence; citizenship; Social Insurance Number; other identification number (e.g., file number); biographical details; educational background; professional experience; employment history; academic qualifications; credentials and affiliations; self-identification information; descriptions of programs of research and/or science promoting initiatives; signatures; financial information; and the opinions and views of, or about, individuals, including opinions in letters of support by partner organizations, and statements to conflict of interest or similar declarations and consents. Includes review committee evaluations, recommendations, and decisions. Includes information provided to NSERC by funding recipients who report on the outcomes of their research and/or science promoting initiatives and use of funds. May also include video and audio testimonials of successful applicants.

Notes:

  • This personal information bank was formerly the following separate personal information banks:
    • Collaborative Research Initiatives, NSERC PPU 055
    • General Support Programs, NSERC PPU 060
    • International Programs, NSERC PPU 070
    • Lists of External Referees, NSERC PPU 050
    • Research Grants, NSERC PPU 095
    • Research Partnerships Programs, NSERC PPU 090
    • Scholarships and Fellowships, NSERC PPU 065
    • Strategic Projects, NSERC PPU 080
    • Visiting Fellowships in Canadian Government Laboratories, NSERC PPU 085
    • Register of Canadians Studying Abroad, NSERC PPU 075
  • Individuals seeking access to the personal information described in this bank should indicate the name of the relevant funding opportunity (e.g., Discovery Grants, Research Tools and Instruments, PromoScience, Undergraduate Student Research Awards etc.).

Class of individuals: Applicants and co-applicants for funding opportunities, their representatives and partners; other third parties involved in the application to, and administration of, funding opportunities, including, but not limited to, reviewers, assessors, experts, as well as active and prospective NSERC Council members.

Purpose: To support the administration of the NSERC funding opportunities, including but not limited to: the receipt, review, and assessment of, and response regarding, applications for funding; the administration and disbursement of funds; monitoring the usage of funds; the identification and selection of prospective assessors/reviewers of applications submitted to NSERC; and the establishment and maintenance of a pool of potential merit review experts and committee members. Personal information is collected pursuant to subsection 4(1) of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Act. Social Insurance Numbers are collected pursuant to paragraph 237(1.1)(b) of the Income Tax Act to issue tax slips.

Consistent uses: Consistent with these purposes, personal information within this bank may also be used and/or disclosed as follows:

  • To identify if an applicant may have applied, including in the previous years, for several NSERC funding programs to determine the most appropriate source of funding and/or validate the eligibility requirements.
  • To consult with other entities including federal research funding agencies and organizations such as the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) to determine the most appropriate review mechanism and/or source of funding.
    • In some cases, where applications are deemed to be more appropriately supported by another federal agency or organization, the completed applications may be transferred to facilitate and expedite the merit review process.
  • To share application information with CIHR and/or SSHRC for joint funding opportunities (e.g., Canada Research Chairs, Canada Excellence Research Chairs, etc.).
  • To report internally and externally on outcomes and results, including publishing certain details about successful applicants, including the name of the applicant(s), award type, amount awarded, institution and department, the discipline or field of research, the project title and, a summary of the research proposal prepared by the applicant for public reference.
  • To contact individuals to collect feedback on the success of the funded initiatives and participate in outreach activities.
  • To generate mailing lists to disseminate its publications and other information to the research community.
  • For public relations purposes, and to promote NSERC and its funding opportunities.
  • To identify and contact users of the NSERC online systems, platforms, and/or applications when routine system monitoring reveals that they may require technical assistance.
  • To promote equitable participation of members of underrepresented groups in NSERC programs and on NSERC committees – by leveraging individuals’ self-identification information but only on a voluntary basis and subject to prior express consent.
  • To share with third parties, under contract, that host technical solutions used for funding application processes and administration.
  • For research, analysis, statistical, planning, audit, and evaluation purposes.

Retention and disposal standards: Generally, information in this bank is retained for 6 years after the last step related to the relevant funding opportunity activities has been completed (e.g., payout of the approved funding, closing the underlying file in the NSERC system, etc.), and then securely destroyed, with two exceptions:

  • unsuccessful applications are retained for 6 years after the end of the fiscal year in which the information was collected, and then are securely destroyed, and

  • (currently under review by NSERC) – the following details are retained for 50 years after the end of the fiscal in which the information was collected, and then are securely destroyed:

    • Tombstone data on grant recipient
    • Personal information
    • Summary of academic qualifications, credentials and affiliations
    • Summary of employment history
    • Tracking of awards/grants.

RDA Number: MIDA 2015/003
Related record number: NSERC 006-01 through 006-03
TBS registration: 002574
Bank number: NSERC PPU 060

Internal Services

Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of an organization. These groups are: Acquisitions; Communications Services; Financial Management;  Human Resources Management ; Information Management; Information Technology; Legal Services; Management and Oversight Services; Material; Real Property; Travel and Other Administrative Services. Internal Services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.

Acquisitions

Acquisition Services involve activities undertaken to acquire a good or service to fulfil a properly completed request (including a complete and accurate definition of requirements and certification that funds are available) until entering into or amending a contract.

Communications Services

Communications Services involve activities undertaken to ensure that Government of Canada communications are effectively managed, well-coordinated and responsive to the diverse information needs of the public. The communications management function ensures that the public – internal or external – receives government information, and that the views and concerns of the public are taken into account in the planning, management and evaluation of policies, programs, services and initiatives.

Financial Management

Financial Management Services involve activities undertaken to ensure the prudent use of public resources, including planning, budgeting, accounting, reporting, control and oversight, analysis, decision support and advice, and financial systems.

Human Resources Management

Human Resources Management Services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction, allocating resources among services and processes, as well as activities relating to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and/or plans.

Information Management

Information Management Services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective information management to support program and service delivery; foster informed decision making; facilitate accountability, transparency, and collaboration; and preserve and ensure access to information and records for the benefit of present and future generations.

Information Technology

Information Technology Services involve activities undertaken to achieve efficient and effective use of information technology to support government priorities and program delivery, to increase productivity, and to enhance services to the public.

Legal services

Legal services involve activities undertaken to enable government departments and agencies to pursue policy, program and service delivery priorities and objectives within a legally sound framework.

Management and Oversight Services

Management and Oversight Services involve activities undertaken for determining strategic direction, and allocating resources among services and processes, as well as those activities related to analyzing exposure to risk and determining appropriate countermeasures. They ensure that the service operations and programs of the federal government comply with applicable laws, regulations, policies, and/or plans.

NSERC Governance Class of Record

Description: Records related to the coordination of legal, regulatory, and parliamentary requirements; to the management of NSERC Council meetings and the administration of the network of committees that form the basis of NSERC's operations; to the coordination of NSERC Council membership and the approval of appointments to standing and selection committees; to the coordination of NSERC program literature, of the administration of the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act at NSERC, of policies on eligibility of researchers and research institutions; and to NSERC’s role in the operations of the Interagency Advisory Panel on Research Ethics, the Interagency Advisory Panel on Responsible Conduct of Research and the Secretariat on Responsible Conduct of Research (formerly the Secretariat on Research Ethics), which include records related to allegations filed under the Tri-agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research and involving research funded by NSERC and other ethical and regulatory issues related to research.

Document types: Correspondence, briefing notes, memoranda, terms of reference, membership nominations, curricula vitae (CVs), agenda, minutes of the NSERC Council and its committee meetings, institutional reports, training materials, formal complaints, policy records related to program literature, eligibility, environmental assessment, ethics, access to information and privacy, and other legal and regulatory matters.

Disclosure summaries: under development

Record Number: NSERC 006

NSERC Compliance - Responsible Conduct of Research Personal Information Bank

Description: This bank includes correspondence and reports collected and generated in the course of monitoring institutional and individual compliance with NSERC's pertinent policies, including but not limited to the former Tri-Council Policy Statement: Integrity in Research and Scholarship and the current Tri-agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research. Personal information may include name, contact information, educational background and professional experience, employment history, academic qualifications, credentials and affiliations, allegations of non-compliance, requests from NSERC to research institutions to explore allegations, summaries of institutional findings, recommendations and opinions, as well as details about recourse actions taken by the Secretariat on Responsible Conduct of Research.

Class of individuals: Individuals who make allegations of misconduct or non-compliance with pertinent policy instruments, individuals who are the object of allegations, stakeholders in research institutions or in the academic community involved in determining whether allegations are well-founded.

Purpose: The purpose of this bank is to monitor the compliance of research institutions and individual researchers with the Tri-agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research and NSERC’s other pertinent policy instruments.

Consistent uses: Information may be shared with academic institutions, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR’s Compliance - Integrity in Research and Scholarship Personal Information Bank, CIHR PPU 050) or Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC’s Compliance—Research and Scholarship Personal Information Bank, SSHRC PPU 082) and other granting agencies for the purpose of monitoring the compliance of research institutions and individual researchers with the Tri-agency Framework: Responsible Conduct of Research and NSERC’s other pertinent policy instruments.

Retention and Disposal Standards: Under development
RDA Number: MIDA 2015/003
Related Record Number: NSERC 006
TBS Registration: 003940
Bank Number: NSERC PPU 023

Materiel

Materiel Services involve activities undertaken to ensure that material can be managed by departments in a sustainable and financially responsible manner that supports the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs.

Real Property

Real Property Services involve activities undertaken to ensure real property is managed in a sustainable and financially responsible manner, throughout its life cycle, to support the cost-effective and efficient delivery of government programs.

Travel and Other Administrative Services

Travel and Other Administrative Services include Government of Canada travel services, as well as those other internal services that do not smoothly fit with any of the internal services categories.

Classes of personal information

Classes of personal information describe personal information which is not used for administrative purposes (a decision-making process that directly affects the individual to whom the personal information pertains) nor is it intended to be retrievable by personal identifiers.

NSERC's records, organized on a program activity and/or subject basis, contain a certain amount of personal information neither used for decision-making directly affecting individuals, nor arranged or retrievable by personal identifiers. Typically, this includes names and contact details associated with routine requests for information or opinions expressed by individuals when corresponding with NSERC on program matters.

This kind of personal information is normally retrievable only if the requester gives details about the activity/subject, date, and circumstances under which the information was provided to NSERC. The retention period for this kind of information is specific to the files in which it is stored.

Manuals

See the list of NSERC ’s manuals, policies and guideline for more information. Additional manuals, instructions, and similar materials are available as a part of the program-specific literature on NSERC’s website.

Additional information

For general information about making a request for access to information or personal information, see Make an access to information or personal information request.

To make a request for information online, access the Access to Information and Personal Information Online Request Service.

To make a request for information under the Access to Information Act or the Privacy Act by mail, mail your letter or completed Access to information request form (Access to Information Act) or Personal information request form (Privacy Act), along with any necessary documents (such as consent or the $5 application fee for a request under the Access to Information Act), to the following address:

    ATIP coordinator
    NSERC
    125 Zaida Eddy Private, 2nd floor
    Ottawa, ON, K1R 0E3

In accordance with the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act, an area on the premises will be made available to review original materials on site if that is the applicant’s preference (and it is practical to do so), or if it is not practical to create copies of the material.

Please note: Each request made to NSERC under the Access to Information Act must be accompanied by an application fee of $5. For requests made online, this is paid at the time of application via credit card. For requests made by mail, this should be paid by enclosing cheque or money order made payable to the Receiver General for Canada.

The Government of Canada encourages the release of information through requests outside of the formal request processes. To make an informal request, contact us.

You may also wish to search summaries of completed access to information requests for which NSERC has already provided responses, as this information may be more easily obtained. You may also wish to review available open data regarding NSERC.

NSERC conducts privacy impact assessments (PIAs) to ensure that privacy implications will be appropriately identified, assessed and resolved before a new or substantially modified program or activity involving personal information is implemented. Summaries of completed PIAs are available.

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Modified: 2025-06-10