Closed
Discovery Grants (individual) program
Long-term research funding for NSE at universities
Last Update: May 28, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : November 3, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
The Discovery Grants program provides long-term operating support for up to five years to help sustain research in the natural sciences and engineering at Canadian universities. It supports ongoing research programs, training of highly qualified personnel, and collaborative research efforts.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Conduct research and development activities
- Conduct research or evaluation activities
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Closing date : November 3, 2025
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Professional, scientific and technical services
- Educational services
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Ongoing research programs with long-term goals in the natural sciences and engineering
- Collaborative research efforts within NSERC’s mandate
- Research training environments for highly qualified personnel
Documents Needed
- Notification of intent to apply
- NSERC version of the Canadian Common CV
- Full application
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- University faculty
- University researchers
Who is not eligible
- Companies and organizations outside the natural sciences and engineering sectors.
- Businesses whose primary research activities fall under health, social sciences, or humanities sectors.
- Entities seeking funding for projects already supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) or the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
Eligible expenses
- Operating expenses for the research program
- Expenses covered under the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration
- Costs linked to collaborative research activities
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Research outside NSERC’s mandate, including health, social sciences, and humanities
- Research already supported by CIHR or SSHRC
- The full costs of a research program
Eligible geographic areas
- Canadian universities
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed by an evaluation group and may also include external reviewer input.
- NSERC assigns the application to the appropriate evaluation group.
- The final rating and applicant category determine the grant level.
- Results are shared annually in April.
Additional information
- The applicant must complete a self-identification questionnaire in the Research Portal.
- An Indigenous Engagement and Collaboration Agreement is required if the research includes Indigenous research.
- Applications using a sensitive technology research area may require attestation forms.
- Results are shared annually in April.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Discovery Grants (individual) program Program
Here are answers to the most common questions about the Discovery Grants (individual) program. This section explains what the program is, how much funding is available, eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and other important details to help you determine if this grant is right for your business.
What is the Discovery Grants (individual) program?
The Discovery Grants program provides long-term operating support for up to five years to help sustain research in the natural sciences and engineering at Canadian universities. It supports ongoing research programs, training of highly qualified personnel, and collaborative research efforts.
Who is eligible for the Discovery Grants (individual) program program?
To be eligible for the Discovery Grants (individual) program program, you must:
Eligible university faculty or researcher
Research in natural sciences and engineering
Only one Discovery Grant at a time
What expenses are eligible under Discovery Grants (individual) program?
Ongoing research programs with long-term goals in the natural sciences and engineering
Collaborative research efforts within NSERC’s mandate
Research training environments for highly qualified personnel
Who can I contact for more information about the Discovery Grants (individual) program?
You can contact Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) by email at resgrant@nserc-crsng.gc.ca.
Where is the Discovery Grants (individual) program available?
The Discovery Grants (individual) program program is available across Canada.
Is the Discovery Grants (individual) program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Discovery Grants (individual) program is a Grant and Funding
Who are the financial supporters of the Discovery Grants (individual) program?
Discovery Grants (individual) program is funded by Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)