DND/NSERC Discovery Grant Supplements
Overview
| Value | Up to $120,000 over three years |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | November 1 |
| Application procedure | See below |
| How to apply | Apply for a DND Supplement through the Discovery Grants application process in the Research Portal. To view the Discovery Grants (individual) application instructions To view the Subatomic Physics Discovery Grants (individual) application instructions |
| For more information | Email dndsuppmdn@nserc-crsng.gc.ca |
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Objective
The DND/NSERC Discovery Grant Supplements, a joint initiative between the Department of National Defence (DND) and NSERC, aim to support unclassified university-based research dedicated to the development of non-weapon specific technologies with dual-use applications in defence and security target areas.
Description
The DND Supplement provides additional resources to researchers whose Discovery Grant applications were successful in the Discovery Grants competition and whose research addresses the DND target areas.
Each award is valued at up to $120,000 over three years (up to $40,000 annually). These funds may be used to expand the recipient’s research group (e.g., students, postdoctoral fellows, technicians), to purchase or access specialized equipment, or for other initiatives or resources that would accelerate the recipient’s research program in the targeted areas.
Eligibility
In addition to the usual NSERC eligibility criteria for applicants, the DND Supplement is only accessible to researchers who are applying to the current Discovery Grants competition and whose research falls within the DND target areas. Furthermore, adjunct professors whose primary place of employment is outside the university sector (e.g., government, industry or colleges) are not eligible for the DND Supplement.
Research security
To ensure that the Canadian research ecosystem is as open as possible and as safeguarded as necessary, the Government of Canada has introduced the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC Policy). For more information about research security at the granting agencies, refer to the Tri-agency guidance on research security.
Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern
The STRAC Policy addresses risks related to Sensitive Technology Research Areas performed with research organizations and institutions that pose the highest risk to Canada’s national security. The STRAC Policy applies to this funding opportunity as of May 1, 2024.
To comply with this policy, applicants must identify whether the grant application aims to advance a Sensitive Technology Research Area. If so, the submission of attestation forms will be required from researchers with named roles (for this funding opportunity, these are the applicants and co-applicants) to certify that they are not currently affiliated with, nor are in receipt of funding or in-kind support from, a Named Research Organization (NRO).
Note that research within scope of this supplement, as identified in the list of DND target areas, is likely to advance a listed sensitive technology research area. As a result of the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC Policy), attestation forms will be required if a grant proposal is identified as aiming to advance a listed sensitive technology research area.
Researchers should review the list of Sensitive Technology Research Areas and the list of Named Research Organizations carefully to understand which versions of the lists apply to this competition.
The Tri-agency guidance on the STRAC Policy provides more information on new applicable procedures and requirements, including responsibilities of researchers and institutions.
Application procedures
No separate application is required. Applicants must indicate their interest in being considered for a DND Supplement and provide written justification of how their proposed research falls within the DND target areas as part of the Discovery Grants application process.
Review procedures
Evaluation Groups will evaluate and rate Discovery Grants applications in accordance with established Discovery Grants evaluation criteria without evaluating the DND justification section. Following the NSERC evaluation, the applications and ratings of the successful Discovery Grants applicants who indicated interest in the DND Supplement will be forwarded to an internal DND committee. The DND committee will select the recipients of the DND Supplement based on the Discovery Grants application ratings as well as the extent to which the proposed research activity addresses the DND target areas.
Award
Each year, NSERC and DND will award up to 20 DND Supplements. Each award will have a total value of up to $120,000 (up to $40,000 annually) and will normally be paid over three years. Recipients’ contact information will be shared with DND to facilitate connections with relevant government scientists. DND Supplement recipients will be required to provide written notification to NSERC of any changes in research direction as continued funding through the DND Supplement is contingent on the supported research remaining aligned with the DND target areas.
Reporting requirements
DND Supplement recipients are required to report on their spending by completing a Grants in Aid of Research Statement of Account (Form 300) at the end of each fiscal year. Furthermore, recipients are required to submit a progress report at 18 months and a final report at the end of the DND Supplement period. These reports are shared with relevant DND scientists, presenting opportunities for collaboration.
