NSERC Discovery + RTI Grant Key Details
The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry supports applicants to the National Science & Engineering Council of Canada (NSERC) Discovery Grant and NSERC Research Tools & Instruments (RTI) programs through internal deadlines, RAS review, and tailored guidance from the College of Health Sciences Research Partner Network.
Discovery Grants support ongoing, long-term (up to five years) research programs in the natural sciences and engineering. RTI grants support the purchase of new research equipment, tools, and/or instruments needed to conduct that research.
Below are the internal FoMD and RAS deadlines, NSERC portal deadlines, and support contacts for the 2026 Discovery and RTI competitions.
Updated: NSERC DG Grant Enrolment Registry
The deadline to submit this form is June 30, 2026
Discovery Grant (Fall 2026)
Discovery Grants support researchers conducting an ongoing, long-term (up to 5 years) research program in the natural sciences and engineering (NSE).
Discovery Grant Enrolment Registry
The program uses a two-step process. Applicants must first complete a non-competitive Notification of Intent (NOI) by August 1. After the NOI is submitted through the NSERC Research Portal, the full application form becomes available and must be submitted by the NSERC deadline.
Deadlines – Notification of Intent (NOI)
-
- RAS Internal Review Deadline: None
-
- NSERC Deadline: August 1, 2026
Sign Up/Sign in to NSERC Research Portal to Submit NOI »
Deadlines – Full Application
-
- FoMD Internal Deadline: October 19, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. MT
-
- RAS Internal Review Deadline: October 21, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. MT
Deadline for complete application to be received at RAS in Researcher Homepage »
- RAS Internal Review Deadline: October 21, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. MT
- Final Version Submission Deadline (NSERC):
October 30, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. MT
Submit your final approved version through the NSERC Research Portal »
Research Tools and Instruments (RTI) Grant
NSERC RTI grants are intended for researchers looking to purchase new research equipment, tools, and/or instruments to support an ongoing research program.
- RTI grants are valued up to $150,000 for a duration of one year.
- Total equipment cost can be up to $250,000, but NSERC will fund a maximum of $150,000.
- Applicants are encouraged to seek additional funding sources outside of NSERC.
Visit the NSERC RTI Grant website »
Deadlines – Full Application
-
- FoMD Internal Deadline:
October 18, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. MT - RAS Internal Review Deadline:
October 20, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. MT
Deadline for complete application to be received at RAS in Researcher Homepage »
- FoMD Internal Deadline:
- Final Version Submission Deadline (NSERC Portal):
October 27, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. MT Submit your final approved version through the NSERC Research Portal »
Support for NSERC Applicants
The Research Partner Network provides personalized support and coordinates expert guidance on how to apply for these grants and how to manage the funds if you are successful.
Discovery Grant Support
- For questions about applying for a Discovery Grant, please reach out to the designated Research Partner: Chris Kazala
- If you decide to withdraw from the competition after submitting your NOI, please notify the affiliated Research Partner.
- To assist in identifying internal reviewers, applicants may consult a list of U of A NSERC Discovery Grants in their research area and contact suitable reviewers directly.
- The Research Partner Network hosts roundtables and other resources specifically for Discovery applicants. Check the Discovery Grant Webpage for further information.
RTI Support & Infrastructure
- If you're interested in applying for RTI, please reach out to the designated Research Partner: Hui Wang.
- The Research Partner Network hosts RTI-focused roundtables and provides templates, examples, and budget guidance.
- The Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry maintains list of research infrastructure >$25,000. We recommend consulting this resource as you prepare your application.