Scientific research is the key to Canada’s progress as an economic leader on the world stage. By consistently identifying and addressing economic challenges, the country continues to fulfill a key mandate known as, “Canada’s Science Mission”. Organizations, such as the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council’s (NSERCs) help drive this success through government funded programs which allocate funds to such initiatives.
“Scientific research expands our basic understanding of the world, generates new ideas, leads to new jobs for our children and grandchildren and helps to build a workforce that is better able to respond to challenges with creativity and confidence. This doesn’t just have economic benefits—it also makes Canada a safer, healthier, better place to live.”
-Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
The NSERC is providing the research community in Canada the opportunity to leverage grant funding to resolve newly emerged difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as look forward towards capitalizing on emerging research opportunities. This opportunity is being presented through their new initiative called the NSERC Alliance Missions grants (AMG). AMG provides an opportunity to address and overcome common science and technology challenges facing the Canadian economy today.
“We work with universities, colleges, businesses and not-for-profits to remove barriers, develop opportunities and attract new expertise to make Canada’s research community thrive. We give Canadian scientists and engineers the means to go further because we believe in research without borders and beyond frontiers.”
-Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
The two core objectives of the AMG initiative are: (1) increase efficiencies in bringing Canadian research results to real-world economic commercialization and benefits and (2) provide relevant information for policy making that may benefit the Canadian economy.
Funding Amount
Successful applicants may receive a grant covering up to 100% of eligible costs ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 in support per year for up to two years.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants for the NSERC Alliance Missions grant may be eligible if they meet the following stream requirements:
- Eligible Canadian University Researchers (both eligible individuals or teams may apply);
- Principal applicants must hold an active peer-reviewed grant from the NSERC at time of application; and
- Applicants may apply for only one Alliance Mission grant.
To learn more about the NSERC’s AMG initiative, visit the NSERC Alliance program page.
Eligible Projects
Grant applicants for the NSERC’s Alliance Missions should meet the following criteria for project proposals:
- Bring together academic researchers with private, public, and not for profit organizations;
- Collaborative teams can facilitate collaboration between one or more researchers with any number of partnered organizations; and
- Address research and development activities between a network of researchers and organizations that address new economic opportunities.
If your organization is looking to complete a research and development project and is not eligible for AMG, there are many more programs available. Take a moment to review this list of research and development funding.
Program Deadlines
The NSERC Alliance Missions grant program is accepting applications until November 30, 2021. Projects receiving funding from AMG may not exceed two years in length.
Want to Learn More About Government Funding?
Canadian businesses and research organizations should consider pursuing government funding programs for research and development projects. To increase your chances at submitting a successful application, get in touch with a Mentor Works representative.
Mentor Work’s has also compiled a comprehensive government funding list to make exploring various programs simple. Looking to apply for government funding programs? Read this free Collaborative Research Project Guide to learn the ins and outs of collaborative research in Canada.