Closed
Discovery Grants (individual) program
Supports long-term research in natural sciences and engineering
Last Update: March 4, 2026
Funding available
No Condition
Timeline
- Closing date : November 3, 2025
Location
Canada
Overview
The Discovery Grants (individual) program provides long-term operating funding for up to five years to support ongoing research programs in the natural sciences and engineering at Canadian universities. This program aims to foster research excellence and innovation, with eligible activities including original research, training of highly qualified personnel, and participation in collaborative projects; there is no fixed maximum funding amount per grant, as awards are determined based on peer review and applicant category.
/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
- No Condition
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
- Long-term research programs in the natural sciences and engineering aimed at advancing knowledge in these fields.
- Innovative research initiatives supporting creativity and excellence in scientific or engineering disciplines relevant to NSERC’s mandate.
- Research training environments providing opportunities for highly qualified personnel, such as students and postdoctoral fellows.
- Collaborative research activities within the natural sciences and engineering sector.
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Canadian universities (for the benefit of eligible researchers holding faculty positions)
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 essential to the ongoing research program, as allowed by the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration.
- Costs supporting research activities in the natural sciences and engineering.
- Participation in collaborative research initiatives within NSERC’s mandate.
Eligible geographic areas
- Canadian universities
Additional information
- The application process involves two mandatory stages: submission of a Notification of Intent (NOI) and a full application, both requiring a Canadian Common CV (CCV).
- Grant recipients have flexibility to pursue new research directions during the grant period, provided these remain within NSERC’s mandate and comply with the agency’s guidelines.
- The Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC) applies as of May 1, 2024, requiring applicants to certify non-affiliation with certain organizations if applicable.
- Guidelines on the assessment of research, training, and mentoring contributions are available to support applicants in preparing their submission.
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 (individual) program provides long-term operating funding for up to five years to support ongoing research programs in the natural sciences and engineering at Canadian universities. This program aims to foster research excellence and innovation, with eligible activities including original research, training of highly qualified personnel, and participation in collaborative projects; there is no fixed maximum funding amount per grant, as awards are determined based on peer review and applicant category.
Who is eligible for the Discovery Grants (individual) program program?
To be eligible for the Discovery Grants (individual) program program, you must:
Grants are awarded to individual researchers affiliated with a Canadian university.
The research program must fall under the field of natural sciences or engineering (excluding health sciences).
Only one eligible program per candidate; the grant cannot be held concurrently with a Discovery Horizons grant.
What expenses are eligible under Discovery Grants (individual) program?
Long-term research programs in the natural sciences and engineering aimed at advancing knowledge in these fields.
Innovative research initiatives supporting creativity and excellence in scientific or engineering disciplines relevant to NSERC’s mandate.
Research training environments providing opportunities for highly qualified personnel, such as students and postdoctoral fellows.
Collaborative research activities within the natural sciences and engineering sector.
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)
More programs like this
Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) – AI Assist$750,000-$10,500,000100%
Mitacs Accelerate$7,500-$15,000
ISED — Artificial intelligence (AI)Max $2,300,000
ECO Canada — Student Work Placement ProgramMax $5,00050%
