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Discovery Horizons

Interdisciplinary research funding for NSE projects

Offered by
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
Official source: nserc-crsng.canada.ca

Source change captured

Funding available
$ 50,000 - $ 100,000
Deadline
Unspecified
Location
Canada
Who can apply
University faculty researchers
See full eligibility

Overview

Discovery Horizons supports interdisciplinary research projects that advance knowledge in the natural sciences and engineering. It provides up to $100,000 per year for eligible research teams and projects that are reviewed through the tri-agency interdisciplinary process.

At a glance

Funding available

Maximum funding
$100,000
Minimum funding
$50,000
Financing goals
  • Develop strategic partnerships
  • Develop team skills
  • Attract or retain talent
  • Conduct research and development activities
  • Conduct research or evaluation activities

Eligible candidates

Location
  • Canada
Eligible Industries
All industries
Annual revenue
All revenue ranges
Organisation size
All organization sizes
Audience
All groups
Legal structures
Public or Parapublic institution

Receipt of requests is now closed

Get notified about updates to this grant.

Availability timeline

2026
Periods: 5

Latest changes

Discovery Horizons Reopened

The Discovery Horizons page now shows the funding opportunity as open instead of closed.

See more

The Discovery Horizons funding opportunity page now shows the program status as Open instead of Closed. No opening or closing dates are shown on the page, so the change confirms availability without indicating whether this is a scheduled reopening.

Official source: nserc-crsng.canada.ca
September 30, 2026

Eligibility

Who is eligible?

  • University faculty researchers
  • Canadian university researchers eligible for NSERC funds
  • Eligible co-applicants from universities and colleges

Who is not eligible

  • Active Discovery Grant holders
  • Applicants holding an SAP Discovery Grants award
  • Projects entirely within one agency's research areas

Eligible expenses

  • Project expenditures in line with the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration.

Eligible geographic areas

  • Canada

Activities funded

  • Interdisciplinary research projects that advance knowledge in the natural sciences and engineering.
  • Research that bridges disciplines through collaboration across academic fields.
  • Projects that provide training opportunities for highly qualified personnel.

How to apply

  • All stages of the application must be submitted through the Convergence Portal.
  • As the applicant, you must create, complete and submit your LOI using the Convergence Portal.
  • Select Funding Opportunities, then the Discovery Horizons funding opportunity labelled Stage: Letter of intent, and select Create Application.
  • Click the Submit button at the bottom of the Finalize Application page and accept the terms and conditions.
  • If selected, create, complete and submit your full application using the Convergence Portal.

Documents Needed

  • CV Documents (attachment—five pages)
  • Proposal (10 pages)
  • References (two pages)
  • Proposed expenditures (downloadable template) and Budget justification (two pages)
  • Relationship to other research support (10 pages) and STRAC Attestation Attachment (downloadable template), if applicable

Selection criteria

  • Need for interdisciplinary tri-agency review.
  • Essential role of the interdisciplinary approach in achieving the project goals.
  • Integration of interdisciplinary elements.
  • Contribution to HQP training.

Processing and Agreement

  • LOIs will be reviewed for relevance and program fit.
  • Reviewers will identify a limited number of LOI applicants who will be invited to submit a full application.
  • All full applications submitted to NSERC’s Discovery Horizons program will be assessed by the Tri-Agency Interdisciplinary Peer Review committee.
  • After clicking on Submit, your application is sent to your research administrator for approval and submission to NSERC.
  • Notification of results is expected mid-April.

Additional information

  • Research involving Indigenous Peoples and communities is especially welcome.
  • The program uses a two-stage application process: letter of intent, then full application by invitation.
  • Applicants may need to complete a self-identification questionnaire.
  • Applications are submitted through the Convergence Portal.

Contacts

horizons@nserc-crsng.gc.ca
1-855-275-2861

Official sources

nserc-crsng.canada.ca
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Discovery Horizons Program

What is the Discovery Horizons?

Discovery Horizons supports interdisciplinary research projects that advance knowledge in the natural sciences and engineering. It provides up to $100,000 per year for eligible research teams and projects that are reviewed through the tri-agency interdisciplinary process.

How much funding can be received?

Discovery Horizons Funds up to $100,000 of admissible expenses.

Who is eligible for the Discovery Horizons program?

To be eligible for the Discovery Horizons program, you must: Canadian university researcher Interdisciplinary NSE project Eligible NSERC applicant or team

What expenses are eligible under Discovery Horizons?

Project expenditures in line with the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration.

Who can I contact for more information about the Discovery Horizons?

You can contact Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) by email at horizons@nserc-crsng.gc.ca or by phone at 1-855-275-2861.

Where is the Discovery Horizons available?

The Discovery Horizons program is available across Canada.

Is the Discovery Horizons a grant, loan, or tax credit?

Discovery Horizons is a Grant and Funding