Discovery Grant (DG)
Important NSERC Deadlines
August 2 - Notification of Intent (NOI) submission to NSERC (apply on the Research Portal and with CCV)
Your application must be received at NSERC by 8:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) on the deadline date.
If the deadline falls on a weekend or a federal holiday, then your application must reach NSERC by the next business day.
November 1 - Discover Grant application submission to NSERC (apply on Research Portal and with CCV)
The RSO internal deadline is 10 am October 20th, 2021.
The UofA internal deadlines for full applications are also set by individual departments and faculties.
NSE GAP Support Initiative for Discovery Grant (DG) Applicants
| NSE GAP Resources | Timelines | Notes |
| Request a sample of successful applications | Anytime | Click here to request samples |
| Download this resource: "The purpose of NSERC DG NOI and what is needed in the Summary" (Dr. Chuck Lucy) |
Anytime | Click here to download |
| Discovery Grant Roundtable Discussion with NSERC Evaluation Committee Members (ONLINE) | July 7,9-11AM (EGs 1501-1508 July 9, 9-11AM (EGs 1509-1512) |
Registration LINK |
| How to Prepare an HQP Plan for DG Application - Workshop (ONLINE) | July 13, 10AM-12PM |
Registration: LINK |
| Mentorship and Peer Review (full application) |
August 30 |
Check for internal support available in your Department. Registration for additional support from GAP will open in August 2020 |
| Request access to a recorded Mock NSERC Evaluation | Anytime | Click here to request access |
| NSERC Webinar - "Submission of NOI" | TBD | |
| NSERC Webinar - "Submission of Application" | TBD |
Important Note Regarding the Grant Library
We would like to extend our gratitude to researchers who contributed this valuable resource to the Grant Library.
The Discovery Grants included in our library were all placed in top ranking bins for their evaluation groups. We would like to extend our gratitude to these researchers for allowing us to create this valuable resource.
We also request that while using these sample applications to guide your own grant development you refrain from duplicating or distributing them.
Other Resources for Discovery Grant Applicants
NSERC Information Sessions and Instructions:
NSERC Instructions: Completing the NOI
NSERC Instructions: Completing the Application
NSERC Instructions: Canadian Common CV - How to complete NSERC's version
Competition Statistics
2019 NSERC Discovery Grant and RTI Competition Statistics
2018 NSERC Discovery Grant and RTI Competition Statistics
2017 NSERC Discovery Grant and RTI Competition Statistics
2016 NSERC Discovery Grant and RTI Competition Statistics
Where to apply: NSERC? CIHR? SSHRC?:
"Selecting Appropriate Funding Agency"
"Addendum to the guidelines for the eligibility of applications related to health"
Common CV
Instructions on Importing Publications from Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar
Useful Links
Research Portal
Canadian Common CV
NSERC Webinars
Merit Indicators
NSERC Consent Form for HQPs
Competition Statistics
UofA Applicants 2020 Competition
