Closed
Discovery Horizons
Interdisciplinary research funding for NSE projects
Last Update: June 4, 2026
Funding available
$ 50,000 - $ 100,000
Timeline
- Open Date : August 18, 2026
- Closing date : October 19, 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 $
Timeline
- Open Date : August 18, 2026
- Closing date : October 19, 2026
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Educational services
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
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
- Letter of intent
- Full application
- Self-identification questionnaire
- Reviewer suggestions for the full application
Official resources
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
- Step 1: Prepare the letter of intent
- Create and complete the LOI in the Convergence Portal.
- Invite co-applicants and complete the required LOI sections.
- Submit the LOI and accept the terms and conditions.
- Step 2: Await LOI review and invitation
- LOIs are reviewed for relevance and program fit.
- Only selected applicants are invited to submit a full application.
- Step 3: Complete the full application
- Prepare the full application in the Convergence Portal.
- Enter the required application details, collaborators, and reviewer suggestions.
- Submit the full application through the portal.
Processing and Agreement
- LOIs are reviewed for relevance and program fit.
- Only a limited number of applicants are invited to submit a full application.
- Full applications are assessed by the TAIPR committee.
- Successful applicants receive notification of results, expected in 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?
Applications will open on August 18, 2026.
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.