Details on transfer payment programs of $5 million or more

Grants and Scholarships (voted)

1978

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through estimates

2018-19

Discovery Research, Research Training and Talent Development, Research Partnerships

NSERC's class grant Grants and Scholarships program supports university-based basic and project research, college-based project research, provides scholarships and fellowships to young researchers, and facilitates links between universities, colleges, the private sector, and governments.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

Funding to the Discovery Grants program increased by 8% from the previous year, providing awards to more than 2,300 researchers. To provide additional support to researchers at small institutions, NSERC, through the Discovery Development Grants, provided $860,000 to 72 recipients.

In April 2018, NSERC awarded funding to the ATLAS-Canada subatomic physics project at the level of $18.6 million over three years, enabling Canadian particle physicists to continue to play a leading role in international research at the Large Hadron Collider at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).

NSERC further enhanced support for ECRs through the creation of the Discovery Launch Supplement. As a result of this new initiative, the total Discovery Grant funding for ECRs in 2018-19 increased to $96 million, 16% higher than the previous year.

In direct support to the next generation of scientists and engineers, STEAM Horizon Awards were presented to five young Canadians, including two candidates from Indigenous communities.

In 2018-19, through the CREATE funding opportunity, 94 awardees received $24 million, and 38% of the total CREATE internships are in industrial settings.

In 2018-19, NSERC-funded Research and Development (R&D) projects leveraged $269 million in cash and in-kind contributions from nearly 3,800 private sector research partners. In 2018-19, 20,000 full-time and part-time students worked on NSERC-funded research partnership projects.

No audit of the Grants and Scholarships transfer payment program was completed in 2018-19. An audit on the PromoScience sub-program was completed in June 2018; results are available on NSERC’s website

Evaluation of Discovery Research is planned to be completed by October 2019.

Evaluation of Collaborative Health Research Projects is planned to be completed by November 2019.

A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

• Differences between planned and actual spending relates to the implementation of Federal Budget 2018 (fundamental research funding and increase equity, diversity and inclusion in research in Canadian post-secondary institutions).
• These figures do not include operating expenses.

Canada Graduate Scholarships (voted)

2003

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through estimates

2009-10

Research Training and Talent Development

NSERC's portion of the Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) program provides financial support to high-calibre scholars who are engaged in Master's or doctoral programs in the natural sciences or engineering. This program is a tri-agency program and is administered by each respective agency (CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC).

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

Through the CGS Program, the Government of Canada invests approximately up to $133 million annually, divided among the budgets of CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC to support top research talent in Canada. The CGS Program strives to make Canada one of the world’s top countries for research training and development in order to build an innovative and competitive economy, increase future job opportunities and, ultimately, generate social, economic and cultural benefits for Canadians. As a result of investments made to the CGS program in Budget 2019, additional awards (500 Master’s and 167 Doctoral) were offered to applicants to the 2018-19 CGS competitions, and these additional awards will be reported as part of the 2019-20 Departmental Results Report.

In 2018–19, NSERC invested $42.6M to support research training in areas related to natural sciences and engineering

No audits of this transfer payment program were completed or underway in 2018-19.

Evaluation of Canada Graduate Scholarships is planned to be completed by November 2021.

Applicants and recipients are engaged through communication with academic institutions and Tri-Agency or agency specific electronic communication.

• These figures do not include operating expenses.

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship (voted)

2008

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through estimates

2014-15

Research Training and Talent Development

The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program is tri-agency program designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by offering them a significant financial award. This financial award assists students during their studies at Canadian universities. Vanier Scholars demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health-related fields. This program is administered by CIHR on behalf of CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

Through the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship Program, the Government of Canada invests up to $25 million annually, divided among the budgets of CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC, to attract and retain world-class doctoral students and establish Canada as a global centre of excellence in research and higher learning. Up to 166 scholarships are awarded annually to Canadian and international doctoral students studying at Canadian universities who demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in graduate studies in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health.

In 2018–19, NSERC invested $8.2M to support research training in areas related to natural sciences and engineering.

No audits of this transfer payment program were completed or underway in 2018-19.

An evaluation is currently underway in the data collection phase. Reporting is expected by November 2019.

Applicants and recipients are engaged through communication with academic institutions and directed Tri-Agency or agency-specific electronic communication, as well as through the Vanier CGS website.

• These figures do not include operating expenses.

Canada Excellence Research Chairs (voted)

2008

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through estimates

2016-17

Discovery Research

The Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program is a tri-agency initiative that supports Canadian universities in their efforts to build on Canada's growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation. The program awards world-renowned researchers and their teams to establish ambitious research programs at Canadian universities. This program is administered by SSHRC on behalf of CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

• In 2018-19, TIPS supported 24 chairholders through the Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) program, created to attract world renowned researchers and their teams to establish ambitious research programs at Canadian universities.
• Nine (9) start-up visits in 2018-19 illustrated that chairholders are integrating well into their respective positions, establishing their core teams and moving forward with pursuing ambitious research programs at Canadian institutions.
• Five (5) chairholders underwent a multidisciplinary, peer-reviewed midterm process in 2018-19. Chairholders and institutions received detailed feedback from panel members regarding their research programs, the level of institutional support received and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). The results show that CERCs are progressing well, achieving results and taking into account the feedback received through the midterm review process to facilitate the achievement of their expected outcomes.
• Two (2) mid-term reviews began in the fall 2018 to be completed in 2019-20.
• Eight (8) new CERCs were established as part of the third competition. The chairs specialize in areas such as sustainable technologies, precision design of cancer drugs, and Arctic ice and climate change. These chairs represent the most diverse set of new grantees to date as a result of new EDI requirements mandated by the program.

No audits of this transfer payment program were completed or underway in 2018-19.

Evaluation of the Canada Excellence Research Chairs (CERC) began in 2018 and is planned to be completed by October 2019.

A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

• The variance is due to funds from terminated award.
• These figures do not include operating expenses.

Networks of Centres of Excellence (voted)

1997

2023-24

Grant

Appropriated annually through estimates

2014-15

Research Partnerships

The program supports large-scale academically led research networks that harness the creativity and inventiveness of Canadian health, natural and social scientists, and engineers. Partners from industry, government and not-for-profit organizations contribute additional expertise and bring cash and in-kind support. This program is a tri-agency program administered by NSERC on behalf of CIHR, SSHRC and NSERC.

This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions.

Strong linkages and partnerships between universities, government, industry, and other users (non-governmental organizations), resulting in the exploitation of leading-edge research results with economical and/or societal benefits to Canada

No audits of this transfer payment program were completed or underway in 2018-19.

There are no plans to evaluate this program, as the NCE is no longer an ongoing program and its funds will be gradually transferred to the New Frontiers in Innovation Fund. This program has been evaluated regularly (i.e., every 5 years) since its inception (as a sunset program) in 1985. Given the solid evaluation history, there are few lessons to be learned from an evaluation at this time.

A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

• The variance between planned and actual spending relates to the transferred fund from Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence to optimize the final results.
• These figures do not include operating expenses.

Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence (voted)

2007

2023-24

Grant

Appropriated annually through estimates

2012-13

Research Partnerships

The Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence program funds large-scale collaborative research networks that bring a wide range of research expertise to bear on specific challenges identified by an industrial sector. This tri-agency program is administered by NSERC on behalf of SSHRC, CIHR and NSERC.

This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions.

The research knowledge and technology produced by the networks and centres are transferred and used.

No audits of this transfer payment program were completed or underway in 2018-19.

There are no plans to evaluate this program as the BL-NCE was transferred to the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) managed by ISED and will be evaluated as part of the SIF. This program has been evaluated regularly (i.e., every 5 years) since its inception in 2007. Given the solid evaluation history, there are few lessons to be learned from an evaluation at this time.

A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

• The variance between planned and actual spending relates to the transferred fund from Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence to optimize the final results.
• These figures do not include operating expenses.

Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (voted)

2007

2022-23

Grant

Appropriated annually through estimates

2012-13

Research Partnerships

The Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research program bridges the challenging gap between innovation and commercialization. The program matches clusters of research expertise with the business community to share the knowledge and resources that bring innovations to market faster. Centres advance research and facilitate commercialization within four priority areas: the environment; natural resources and energy; health and life sciences; and information and communications technologies. This program is administered by NSERC on behalf of CIHR, SSHRC and NSERC.

This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions.

Pre-competitive development of promising technology and the promotion of its transfer to new or established Canadian companies is facilitated.

No audits of this transfer payment program were completed or underway in 2018-19.

There are no plans to evaluate this program as the CECR was transferred to the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) managed by ISED and will be evaluated as part of the SIF. This program has been evaluated 3 times since its inception in 2007. Given the solid evaluation history, there are few lessons to be learned from an evaluation at this time.

A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

• These figures do not include operating expenses.

College and Community Innovation Program (voted)

2007

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through estimates

2018-19

Research Partnerships

The College and Community Innovation Program is managed by NSERC in collaboration with CIHR and SSHRC. The program increases innovation at the community and/or regional level by enabling Canadian colleges to increase their capacity to work with local companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in areas of the natural and social sciences, engineering, the humanities and/or health. It supports applied research and collaborations that facilitate commercialization, as well as technology transfer, adaptation and adoption of new technologies, in areas of strategic importance to Canada.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

The new Federal Budget 2018 was extremely generous to the CCI Program investing $140 million over five years, starting in 2018–19, to increase support for collaborative innovation projects involving businesses, colleges and polytechnics.

In FY 2018-19, the CCI program invested $76.9M in grants.

Sample of Outcomes from grants: (from 979 final reports received April 2017-2019) 92% of researchers report that the project was a success.

No audits of this transfer payment program were completed or underway in 2018-19.

Evaluation of the College and Community Innovation Program (CCI) and the Community and College Social Innovation Fund (CCSIF) was completed in September 2018.

Summary of evaluation findings

Examples of outcomes achieved:

• Enhanced R&D Capacity at Canadian Colleges, including: fostering partnerships with community organizations and SMES; adapting R&D focus to specific targets; recognition and reputation of colleges as well as enhanced knowledge mobilization.
• Enriched Curriculum & Experiential Learning for College Students, including: content of courses, more hands-on training opportunities and supporting faculty knowledge gaining through direct participation in R&D.
• Supporting Business Innovation and Economic Development Impact. Overall consensus that the projects address the needs of partners; achieve expected outcomes; result in new and improved products, services and technologies; and lead to increase revenues and a larger workforce.
• Supporting Social Innovation and Community Development. CCSIF-funded projects differed from the majority of projects funded through the CCI program in two key factors: results of these projects are expected to (a) be used to initiate social change and (b) be broadly communicated. Funded projects resulted in the development and/or enhancement of new and/or existing products and/or services within the college and/or of those offered by their partner(s). Moreover, a wide range of dissemination strategies were included.

Other key findings:

• Program Design and Delivery. Stakeholder relationships with granting agencies appear to be very positive. Aspects that could be improved include: funding in the SSH or health-related disciplines; recognition of contributions from R&D partners; issues surrounding faculty release time; turnaround time to review applications and supporting indirect costs of research.

Recommendations:

• Continue funding the CCI program, which supports innovation and bridges the research capacity of colleges and SMEs.
• Discuss alternative mechanisms for faculty release issues with eligible institutions and review the mechanism supporting the indirect costs of research.
• Examine reporting requirements to ensure that the information collected is useful, accessible and comparable, and reduce the reporting burden.

Consider a follow-up study to further examine the 2015 CCSIF projects and assess the extent to which the program achieved its expected outcomes.

A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

• Differences between planned and actual spending relates to the implementation of Federal Budget 2018.
• These figures do not include operating expenses.

Canada First Research Excellence Fund (voted)

2014

Ongoing

Grant

Appropriated annually through estimates

2014-15

Discovery Research

The Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) supports Canada’s postsecondary institutions in their efforts to become global research leaders. CFREF helps institutions: (i) compete with the best in the world for talent, for partnership opportunities and to make breakthrough discoveries; (ii) seize emerging opportunities and strategically advance their greatest strengths on the global stage; and (iii) implement large-scale, transformational and forward-thinking institutional strategies. This program is administered by SSHRC on behalf of CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC.

There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

• A total of 18 Canada First Research Excellence Fund (CFREF) grantees at 17 Canadian institutions were supported in 2018-19.
• Thirteen (13) start-up visits were conducted with institutions and CFREF teams. The feedback and results of these visits indicate that CFREF funding has been transformative and has acted as a catalyst to boost key research strengths. The CFREFs have established strong partnerships and collaborations; recruited high-quality personnel and students; hired new faculty; and leveraged funding to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives in the long term.
• In many cases, CFREFs are partnering with each other and attracting other leading researchers, such as Canada Excellence Research Chairs and Canada Research Chairs, to work with their initiatives seize emerging opportunities and strategically advance their strengths internationally.
• Funding supports several areas of which environment and agriculture; health and related life sciences; advanced manufacturing; information and communication technology and natural resources and energy.
• All grantees attended the 2019 CFREF Summit hosted at the University of Alberta. Grantees received information about equity, diversity and inclusion best practices; annual reporting requirements; and midterm review process and timelines.

An audit of the Canada First Excellence Research Fund transfer payment program is underway. The audit started in FY 2018-19 and is expected to be completed during Fall 2019.

Evaluation of the Canada First Excellence Research Fund (CFREF) is underway and is planned to be completed in April 2020.

A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

• These figures do not include operating expenses.

Canada 150 Research Chairs (voted)

2017

2025-26

Grant

Appropriated annually through estimates

2017-18

Discovery Research

The Canada 150 Chairs provides Canadian universities with a one-time investment to attract top-tier, internationally based scholars and researchers (including Canadian expatriates) to Canada. This program is administered by SSHRC on behalf of CIHR, NSERC, and SSHRC. There is no repayable contribution under this TPP.

• The Canada 150 Research Chairs Program continued its support to enhance Canada's reputation as a global centre for science, research and innovation excellence, in celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary.
• In 2018-19, the Program counted 24 active chairholders.
• Of the 24 Canada 150 Research Chairs, 58% self-identify as women, and 21% self-identify as visible minorities (In keeping with the Privacy Act, numbers lower than five are not provided to protect the privacy of chairholders; as such, data cannot be provided for persons with disabilities and Indigenous Peoples).

No audits of this transfer payment program were completed or underway in 2018-19.

Evaluation of the Canada 150 Research Chairs (C150) began in 2018 and is planned to be completed by October 2019.

A variety of engagement initiatives (webinars, site visits, telephone, email, online forums) are used as part of the regular competition cycle in order to give applicants and recipients opportunities to seek and receive information and to provide feedback on service delivery.

• The variance between planned and actual spending relates to the funding being moved to future fiscal years.
• These figures do not include operating expenses.