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Source verified August 14, 2026
Discovery Horizons
Interdisciplinary research funding for NSE projects
Latest source updateLast Update: September 30, 2026Latest change: The Discovery Horizons page now shows the funding opportunity as open instead of closed.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: September 30, 2026
Latest change: The Discovery Horizons page now shows the funding opportunity as open instead of closed.
Discovery Horizons Reopened
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.
Funding available
$ 50,000 - $ 100,000
Deadline
October 19, 2026
Opened August 18, 2026
Location
Canada
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.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Develop team skills
- Attract or retain talent
Eligible Funding
- Maximum amount : 100,000 $
- Minimum amount : 50,000 $
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- Public or Parapublic institution
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 5
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
What is the deadline to apply?
The application deadline for this grant program is October 19, 2026. Applicants must submit their complete application before this date to be considered for funding.
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?
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.
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.