Tips for Preparation of NSERC Grant Applications
W. Brodland, W. Loucks E. Weckman
Life of a Grant Application
• August - Form 180 – defines research area and
preliminary choice of reviewers
• November - Form 100/101 – submitted and
processed at NSERC
• December – sent to committee to review – 2
members close to research area and up to 7 others in general field
• February – committee meets for 3 days to 1
week - decides on all funding recommendations • March – decisions approved and sent out
Context
Peer review process by volunteers
- research grants, equipment grants and personal data forms reviewed - read ~ 6000 pages in 4-6 week period - ranking done on relative scale
• variation in applicants, proposed research, career paths
- new (~ first time) applicants – separate category – if you need equipment apply to RTI also
General
• Read guidelines • Try to include information on all areas suggested in the guidelines • Take time to organize and present material
- clearly, logically and concisely (efficiently) - lay it out carefully – easy to read / follow
• Make it interesting to read – Sell your ideas • Cover all pertinent information – Sell yourself, what you have done, what you have to offer
The Research Proposal
Include
• CLEAR objectives – long and short term • BRIEF literature review to put proposed research and methods in perspective
• WELL DEFINED methodology
• INDICATION of originality, feasibility, significance, applicability, technological impact, HQP, budget justification…
The Personal Data Form
Demonstrate your excellence
• Publications – ALL TYPES - reports, chapters, books, conferences,
journals
• Technical Activity / Contributions - patents, software, codes / standards,
technology/user transfer efforts - chairs, advisory / editorial boards, reviewing, workshops, etc.
The Personal Data Form (cont’d)
Demonstrate
• Quality and significance of research • Appropriate dissemination of results • Diversity of activity
Explanation of
• Collaborative interactions and contributions • Delays in research
Training
• Comment on students and their fit in the research work - all levels of students - theses, publications - student placements, etc. • Comment on any other educational initiatives in which you are involved
Research Tools and Instruments
• Describe research and significance • Explain - Budget - Suitability, need, time frame - Utilization – researchers, management team - Relation to proposed research, training • Link to Personal Data Form, other funding, etc.
Justification
• Justify your need for research funds, equipment, etc. • Justify your proposed research topic in the “global” perspective
• Justify your aptitude / potential as a researcher
• Justify your training efforts