2026-27 Departmental Plan
2026-27 Departmental Plan
-
At a glance -
From the Minister -
From the President -
Plans to deliver on core responsibilities and internal services -
Department-wide considerations -
Planned spending and human resources -
Supplementary information tables -
Federal tax expenditures -
Corporate information -
Definitions
At a glance
This departmental plan details Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council’s (NSERC) priorities, plans, and associated costs for the upcoming three fiscal years.
These plans align with the priorities outlined in the
NSERC identified the following key priorities for 2026-27:
- Support research excellence that strengthens Canada.
- Expand, diversify and nurture Canada’s talent pool.
- Translate discovery into impact.
- Mobilize knowledge on a global scale through research partnerships.
- Empower our organization and our people.
The government is committed to restraining the growth of day-to-day operational spending to make investments that will grow the economy and benefit Canadians. To protect NSERC's important contributions in improving our global competitiveness and contributing to the economy of the future, Budget 2025 announced a target reduction of 2% for NSERC starting in fiscal year 2026-27.
As part of meeting this commitment, NSERC is planning the following spending reductions:
- 2026-27: $29,300,000
- 2027-28: $29,300,000
- 2028-29: $29,300,000
NSERC is currently finalizing its approach to achieving these savings, with input from relevant partners. Details will be made available once this work is completed.
The figures in this departmental plan do not reflect these reductions.
In 2026-27, NSERC will continue to support natural sciences and engineering research in Canada to strengthen the country’s research foundation. In alignment with its 2026–27 priorities, NSERC will focus on strengthening research excellence in strategic areas critical to Canada’s competitiveness; expanding and diversifying the talent pipeline through enhanced research training and experiential learning opportunities; and accelerating the translation of discovery into impact by deepening partnerships with private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, both nationally, and internationally. NSERC will contribute to the Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy by helping connect college and university research to defence priorities. Together, these efforts will support high-impact research, foster an inclusive and skilled research community, mobilize knowledge globally, and ensure NSERC delivers responsive and effective programs that benefit Canada’s economy and society.
In 2026-27, total planned spending (including internal services) for NSERC is $1,616,770,624 and total planned full-time equivalent staff (including internal services) is 537.
The following provides a summary of the results the department plans to achieve in 2026-27 under its main areas of activity, called “core responsibilities.”
Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
It is our pleasure to present the 2026–27 Departmental Plan for the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), which outlines the key priorities the Council is working on to advance for the benefit of all Canadians.
As the largest funder of natural sciencesx and engineering in Canada, NSERC contributes to the country’s prosperity by supporting novel research, promising innovations, and the talented people who drive them forward.
In 2026–27, NSERC will work with the Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada portfolio, the federal funding agencies, and other federal partners to build, protect, and empower Canada. The agency will play a key role in delivering a dynamic and innovative economy through strategic investments in strategic areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum, and defence-related technologies.
NSERC will continue to provide foundational funding to support researchers at all career stages, ensuring they have the resources needed to advance their work, partner with businesses to keep Canada competitive, and contribute to global scientific progress. It will also support students and research trainees through grants, scholarships, and postdoctoral awards that promote independent research and career development.
The coming year will see NSERC play a central role in delivering the Government’s International Talent Attraction Strategy and Action Plan, deploying investments from the $1.7 billion provided in Budget 2025 to bring highly skilled scientists and engineers to conduct their cutting-edge research in Canada. This includes funding to help top international doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers relocate to Canada to build their careers.
NSERC will also take advantage of new technology to streamline its internal operations by incorporating AI and other digital tools to enhance productivity and reduce administrative burdens. Through this work, NSERC will help translate research into practical applications and advance innovation for the benefit of all Canadians.
We invite you to read this report to learn more about how NSERC and the ISED’s portfolio partners, are supporting all Canadians in participating in, and benefitting from, a competitive and growing economy.
![Headshot of [Name of Institutional Head]](/sites/default/files/styles/gcds_small_sm/public/migrated/nserc-crsng/reports-rapports/drr/2023-2024/images/adem_1.jpg?itok=rDwjAELV)
President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council
It is my pleasure to present the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) 2026–27 Departmental Plan. NSERC’s support for research and innovation helps Canada meet today’s challenges and prepare for tomorrow’s opportunities. In Budget 2025, the Government of Canada unveiled a bold vision for Canada, one built on talent, innovation, and the promise of reaching our greatest potential as a nation. Our agency is proud to play a role in bringing this vision to life and welcomes the investments in Canada’s research community and infrastructure, which help ensure that Canada is productive and prosperous as we enter a new era of technology and discovery.
Discovery remains the bedrock of Canada’s research success, and NSERC will continue to deliver major investments from previous budgets to support foundational research and ensure we generate breakthroughs that can be developed into future innovations. NSERC will continue to translate discovery into impact by supporting the transfer of research into real-world applications that drive innovation in Canada. We will also foster collaboration among academic institutions, industry, and other partners to address pressing challenges.
NSERC will maintain strong connections with global partners to ensure our Canadian researchers remain leaders in their fields by providing opportunities to collaborate with top global talent in priority areas for Canada. We will contribute to Canada’s international competitiveness by supporting strategic partnerships and funding world-class research through international collaborations, particularly in emerging fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and clean technologies.
We will improve operational efficiency and effectiveness of our internal services. This work includes advancing a values-based culture and incorporating AI and other digital tools to enhance productivity and reduce administrative burdens. We will also continue to foster a culture that advances reconciliation, anti-racism, accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Finally, NSERC will continue to work closely with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) to support a research ecosystem that responds to the needs of researchers, students, and Canadian society. We will advance shared priorities, including talent attraction and research commercialization while bolstering Canada’s international competitiveness in the natural sciences and engineering.
Core responsibility: Funding Natural Sciences and Engineering Research and Training Internal services
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, through grants, fellowships and scholarships, promotes and supports research and research training in natural sciences and engineering to develop talent, generate discoveries, and support innovation in pursuit of economic and social outcomes for Canadians.
NSERC’s core responsibility contributes to the “
This section presents details on the department’s indicators, the actual results from the three most recently reported fiscal years, the targets and target dates for for funding natural sciences and engineering research and training. Details are presented by departmental result.
Table 1 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the results under Funding Natural Sciences and Engineering Research and Training.
Departmental Result Indicators | Actual results | 2026-27 Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
Canada’s rank among Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) nations on the citation score of natural sciences and engineering | 2022-23: 18 2023-24: 16 2024-25: 17 | At most 18 | March 2027 |
Percentage of funded projects involving international collaborations | 2022-23: 51% 2023-24: 48% 2024-25: 45% | At least 44% | March 2027 |
Table 2 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the results under Funding Natural Sciences and Engineering Research and Training.
Departmental Result Indicators | Actual results | 2026–27 Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
Percentage of newly funded recipients who self-identify as women | 2022-23: 37.5% 2023-24: 38.3% 2024-25: 39.3% | At least 38% | March 2027 |
Percentage of newly funded recipients who self-identify as visible minorities | 2022-23: 35.0% 2023-24: 32.0% 2024-25: 33.4% | At least 32% | March 2027 |
Percentage of newly funded recipients who self-identify as Indigenous peoples | 2022-23: 2.4% 2023-24: 2.4% 2024-25: 3.0% | At least 2.5% | March 2027 |
Percentage of newly funded recipients who self-identify as persons with disabilities | 2022-23: 4.2% 2023-24: 5.7% 2024-25: 7.9% | At least 6% | March 2027 |
Funding allocated to support research trainees through grants | 2022-23: $526M 2023-24: $528M 2024-25: $557M | At least $500M | March 2027 |
Percentage of funds allocated to support research trainees through grants | 2024-25: 49% | At least 45% | March 2027 |
Number of research trainees supported by NSERC through scholarships and fellowships | 2022-23: 7,163 2023-24: 6,848 2024-25: 7,087 | At least 7,150 | March 2027 |
| Percentage of previously funded graduate students and postdoctoral fellows that list Research and Development as the main activity in their current position | 2022-23: 83% 2023-24: n/a 2024-25: 84% | At least 80% | March 2027 |
Table 3 provides a summary of the target and actual results for each indicator associated with the results under Funding Natural Sciences and Engineering Research and Training.
Departmental Result Indicators | Actual results | Target | Date to achieve target |
|---|---|---|---|
Non-academic partner funding for research projects | 2022-23: $323M 2023-24: $356M 2024-25: $408M | At least $350M | March 2027 |
Number of non-academic partners on research projects | 2022-23: 2,644 2023-24: 2,534 2024-25: 2,858 | At least 2,500 | March 2027 |
Percentage of funded projects reporting social and/or environmental outcomes for Canadians | 2022-23: 62% 2023-24: 72% 2024-25: 68% | At least 60% | March 2027 |
Percentage of funded projects reporting new or improved products, processes or services for Canadians | 2022-23: 64% 2023-24: 58% 2024-25: 54% | At least 50% | March 2027 |
Additional information on the
The following section describes the planned results for funding natural sciences and engineering research and training in 2026-27.
Canada's natural sciences and engineering research is internationally competitive.
In 2026-27, NSERC will continue to support natural sciences and engineering research in Canada to strengthen the country’s research foundation through its Discovery Research Program. This program supports fundamental and interdisciplinary research that advances new knowledge in an international research environment, while meeting the diverse needs of Canada’s research ecosystem.
NSERC will contribute to Canada’s international competitiveness by fostering strategic research partnerships and funding world-class research. This will be achieved through open and secure international collaborations, particularly in emerging and priority areas. NSERC will leverage its strong research connections with global partners through bilateral and multilateral research collaborations as well as engagement in global science policy, to ensure Canadian researchers are represented internationally and are provided with opportunities to remain leaders in their fields.
Results we plan to achieve
- Strengthen domestic fundamental research as the foundation for international excellence by sustaining robust support through the Discovery Research Program. This will ensure Canadian researchers generate world-leading knowledge, develop highly qualified personnel, and maintain the scientific capacity required to engage in, contribute to, and lead international research collaborations and large-scale global science initiatives.
- Enhance and diversify NSERC's international research partnerships in emerging and priority areas like AI, quantum technologies, semiconductors and wildfires, through specific international calls for joint research with G7 and emerging market partners. In 2026-27 NSERC will launch or deliver partnerships with organizations like UK Research and Innovation, the French National Research Agency, the U.S. National Science Foundation, the Taiwan National Science and Technology Council, the German Research Foundation, the Japan Science and Technology Agency, and Belmont Forum.
- Foster researcher-driven international collaborations through the Discovery Research Program. Ensure Canadian leadership through NSERC-supported researchers in large international science projects, such as the ATLAS experiment at the European Organization for Nuclear Research, and in facilitating access to major international research facilities.
- Support the implementation of the Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy through funding opportunities such as Alliance and Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE), that build on NSERC’s sustained support to the Canadian quantum ecosystem.
- Support global mobility and international research collaborations through refreshed Alliance International grants that partner Canadian researchers and international collaborators, addressing global and domestic challenges.
Canada has a pool of diverse and highly skilled people in the natural sciences and engineering.
NSERC is committed to fostering a diverse and highly skilled workforce in Canada’s natural sciences and engineering sectors. This includes attracting top-tier international researchers, supporting the development of future research leaders, and ensuring strong mobility pathways for emerging Canadian talent. In 2026-27, NSERC will continue to deliver investments in key initiatives like the recently augmented Canada Research Training Awards Suite, the CREATE and Alliance grants. These programs are crucial in building talent pipelines for strategic priority areas in Canada and promoting diversity in STEM fields.
In addition to the above measures, Budget 2025 outlines significant new investments aimed at attracting top research talent from around the world to Canada. The investments include:
- $1 billion over 13 years, starting in 2025-26, to allow the three federal funding agencies to launch an accelerated research chairs initiative that will recruit international researchers to Canadian universities.
- $133.6 million over three years, starting in 2026-27, to the three agencies to enable doctoral students and post-doctoral researchers to relocate to Canada.
- $120 million over 12 years, starting in 2026-27, to support universities in recruiting international assistant professors.
Together, these investments into Canada’s research funding agencies will bolster the country’s research strength and international competitiveness.
Results we plan to achieve:
- Attract and retain world-class researchers, with a focus on increasing diversity and supporting researchers from underrepresented groups in STEM.
- Through the full suite of NSERC programming, fund the training, development and skills acquisition of students and research trainees for future careers in public, private and not-for-profit sectors.
NSERC will continue to fund strong, complementary, and collaborative teams that accelerate the application of research results to drive innovation and benefits to Canada, by fostering trusted partnerships between post-secondary institutions, and private, public and not-for-profit partners. To address real-world challenges, Alliance Grants will continue to play a central role in ensuring that Canadian research contributes to technological advancements and economic growth in Canada.
Results we plan to achieve:
- Fund Alliance grants to support collaborative research partnerships between Canadian researchers and organizations in the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors, including industry partners accelerating the commercialization and practical application of Canadian innovations, with increasing engagement in advancing Defence R&D.
- Accelerate the transition of research to commercial applications through Lab to Market and Idea to Innovation (I2I) grants, which help bring academic research to the marketplace and facilitate the commercialization of innovations.
- Support college and community-based research, fostering industry partnerships and applied research to drive innovation and support local economies.
- Students and research trainees work alongside industry and other non-academic partners to solve real-world challenges, thereby gaining practical experience and developing the skills needed for the workforce.
NSERC uses standardized data collection tools and evaluation protocols to monitor the participation and success of underrepresented groups in its funding opportunities. To keep the public informed of research funding outcomes, NSERC presents aggregated data on application rates and competition outcomes for funding opportunities through
NSERC uses quantitative and qualitative evidence to inform its decision-making and including EDI considerations is integral to achieving better outcomes and impact for Canadians. GBA Plus and EDI analyses are applied to program and policy development and ongoing monitoring, including in evolving areas such as AI, talent development, research in French and open science. In addition, NSERC continues to implement its Accessibility Plan, which has been renewed for 2026-2028 as a joint plan with SSHRC.
Table 4 provides a summary of the planned spending and full-time equivalents required to achieve results.
Resource | Planned |
|---|---|
Spending | $1,592,270,345 |
Full-time equivalents | 385 |
Funding natural sciences and engineering research and training is supported by the following programs:
- Discovery Research
- Research Training and Talent Development
- Research and Technology Partnerships
Additional information related to the program inventory is available on the
Summary of changes to reporting framework since last year
- A new Departmental Result Indicator (DRI) was added: “Percentage of funds allocated to support research trainees through grants”.
- The name of the “Research Partnerships Program” in the Program Inventory, was changed to “Research and Technology Partnerships Program”.
- The Program Indicator “Percentage of partners indicating that they would recommend NSERC’s programs to others” was removed.
- A new Program Indicator was introduced: “Total number of non-academic partnerships on research projects”.
Internal services are the services that are provided within a department so that it can meet its corporate obligations and deliver its programs. There are 10 categories of internal services:
- acquisition management services
- communications services
- financial management services
- human resources management services
- information management services
- information technology services
- legal services
- material management services
- management and oversight services
- real property management services
This section presents details the department’s plans to achieve results and meet targets for internal services.
In 2026-27, NSERC will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of its internal services by leveraging digital solutions, simplifying processes and clarifying responsibilities. NSERC will continue to advance a diverse and inclusive work and research environment across operations and programs. In the context of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review, NSERC will further align internal services with program priorities to ensure a focus on our core mandate and deliver performance improvements for stakeholders.
- Focus on Delivering Government of Canada Priorities: NSERC will align its internal services with Government of Canada priorities, including executing on the results of the Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER) to strengthen efficiency and ensure resources are directed to areas of greatest impact. This targeted approach will enable NSERC to remain focused on its core responsibility of funding and supporting natural science research and training.
- Simplify Internal Processes and Leverage Digital Solutions: NSERC will continue to strengthen its internal services and operations by promoting and using the full functionality of existing productivity tools, maximizing operational efficiencies. Parallel efforts will explore and guide the organization in the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence and other digital solutions for future efficiencies. Aligned with Government of Canada digital standards and enterprise direction, these efforts will streamline operations and reduce administrative burden.
- Design and build the Tri-agency grants management solution (TGMS). NSERC will continue the multi-year implementation of this collaborative tri-agency solution with SSHRC and CIHR to optimize the management of research grants and scholarships. TGMS will enable researchers to submit applications, manage awards, and access funding opportunities through an accessible and streamlined solution, reducing administrative burden and improving service delivery.
- Clarify Organizational Accountabilities and Streamline Governance. NSERC will clarify and simplify formal organizational accountabilities, instilling a culture of personal responsibility throughout the organization. This will include enhanced performance management systems and streamlining governance processes that will lead to faster and better decisions, and clearer authorities. Clear accountabilities and streamlined governance will improve NSERC’s organizational posture, by efficiently deploying resources to meet strategic objectives.
- Advance a Values-Based Organizational Culture. NSERC will continue to instill a culture that supports reconciliation, anti-racism, accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion. Through internal leadership training, targeted programs for staff and the research community, and by embedding these principles into daily operations, NSERC will foster a diverse and inclusive work and research environment.
Table 5 Planned resources to achieve results for internal services this year
Table 5 provides a summary of the planned spending and full-time equivalents required to achieve results.
Resource | Planned |
|---|---|
Spending | $24,500,279 |
Full-time equivalents | 152 |
NSERC is committed to increasing Indigenous business participation in federal procurement, in line with the Directive on the Management of Procurement and the Procurement Strategy for Indigenous Businesses. Federal departments must allocate at least 5% of contract value to Indigenous businesses, as defined by Indigenous Services Canada. For 2026–2027, NSERC will meet this target by training procurement staff, adopting early engagement strategies, promoting internal guidance to maximize Indigenous involvement, and supporting use of the Indigenous Business Directory to assess business capacity.
Table 6 presents the current, actual results with forecasted and planned results for the total percentage of contracts the department awarded to Indigenous businesses.
5% Reporting Field | 2024–25 actual result | 2025–26 forecasted result | 2026–27 planned result |
|---|---|---|---|
Total percentage of contracts with Indigenous businesses | 9.97% | 5% | 5% |
Related government priorities
More information on NSERC’s contributions to Canada’s Federal Implementation Plan on the 2030 Agenda and the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy can be found in our
NSERC will expand the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen program delivery and internal operations. AI is a strategic opportunity and an operational imperative to enhance NSERC’s ability to perform internal analyses, improve efficiency, and support evidence-based decisions.
NSERC will adopt a phased, risk-based approach to AI enablement-starting with low-risk pilots and maturing toward a sustained capability supported by secure infrastructure, clear governance, and compliant tools. Our strategy related to tools is to start by leveraging existing tools which will help us being fiscally responsible and following rigorous piloting gradually increase our exposure.
Through targeted automation and decision-support use cases, NSERC will aim to deploy AI to:
- Increase productivity by reducing manual effort in selected workflows.
- Improve service and program timeliness by accelerating analysis and promoting consistent, evidence-informed operational decisions.
- Strengthen analytics and insight to improve program efficiency and decision-making across the research lifecycle.
To support adoption, NSERC will prioritize workforce readiness through skills development and change management and gradually implement the IT foundations required to develop, test, and deploy AI in a secure environment.
NSERC will continue to engage with the research community on responsible AI adoption and will collaborate with research funding partners to keep abreast on the evolution of AI use in the research ecosystem.
This section provides an overview of NSERC’s planned spending and human resources for the next three fiscal years and of planned spending for 2026-27 with actual spending from previous years.
This section presents an overview of the department's planned expenditures from 2023-24 to 2028-29.
Table 7 presents NSERC’s spending over the past three years to carry out its core responsibilities and for internal services. Amounts for the 2025–26 fiscal year are forecasted based on spending to date.
Core responsibilities and internal services | 2023–2024 actual expenditures | 2024–2025 actual expenditures | 2025–2026 forecast spending |
|---|---|---|---|
Funding Natural Sciences and Engineering Research and Training | $1,357,633,120 | $1,443,319,136 | $1,483,109,758 |
Subtotal(s) | $1,357,633,123 | $1,443,319,136 | $1,483,109,758 |
Internal services | $25,626,261 | $25,259,113 | $30,639,795 |
Total(s) | $1,383,259,381 | $1,468,578,249 | $1,513,749,553 |
Table 8 presents NSERC’s planned spending over the next three years by core responsibilities and for internal services.
Core responsibilities and internal services | 2026–27 Planned Spending | 2027–28 Planned Spending | 2028–29 Planned Spending |
|---|---|---|---|
Funding Natural Sciences and Engineering Research and Training | $1,592,270,345 | $1,649,170,923 | $1,649,158,342 |
Subtotal | $1,592,270,345 | $1,649,170,923 | $1,649,158,342 |
Internal services | $24,500,279 | $28,435,695 | $22,814,582 |
Total | $1,616,770,624 | $1,677,606,618 | $1,671,972,924 |
This section provides an overview of the department's voted and statutory funding for its core responsibilities and for internal services. For further information on funding authorities, consult the
Graph 1 summarizes the department's approved voted and statutory funding from 2023-24 to 2028-29.
For further information on NSERC’s departmental appropriations, consult the
The future-oriented condensed statement of operations provides an overview of NSERC’s operations for 2025-26 to 2026-27.
Table 9 summarizes the expenses and revenues which net to the cost of operations before government funding and transfers for 2025-26 to 2026-27. The forecast and planned amounts in this statement of operations were prepared on an accrual basis. The forecast and planned amounts presented in other sections of the Departmental Plan were prepared on an expenditure basis. Amounts may therefore differ.
Financial information | 2025–26 forecast results | 2026–27 planned results | Difference (Planned results minus forecasted) |
|---|---|---|---|
Total expenses | $1,505,144,079 | $1,605,661,833 | $100,517,754 |
Total revenues | $203,223 | $203,223 | 0 |
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers | $1,504,940,856 | $1,605,458,610 | $100,517,754 |
A more detailed
This section presents an overview of the department’s actual and planned human resources from 2023-24 to 2028-29.
Table 10 shows a summary of human resources, in full-time equivalents, for NSERC’s core responsibilities and for its internal services for the previous three fiscal years. Human resources for the 2025–26 fiscal year are forecasted based on year to date.
Core responsibilities and internal services | 2023–24 actual full-time equivalents | 2024–25 actual full-time equivalents | 2025–26 forecasted full-time equivalents |
|---|---|---|---|
Funding Natural Sciences and Engineering Research and Training | 354 | 351 | 378 |
Subtotal | 354 | 351 | 378 |
| Internal services | 154 | 158 | 158 |
Total | 508 | 509 | 536 |
Table 11 shows information on human resources, in full-time equivalents, for each of NSERC’s core responsibilities and for its internal services planned for the next three years.
Core responsibilities and internal services | 2026–27 planned full-time equivalents | 2027–28 planned full-time equivalents | 2028–29 planned full-time equivalents |
|---|---|---|---|
Funding Natural Sciences and Engineering Research and Training | 385 | 385 | 310 |
Subtotal | 385 | 385 | 310 |
Internal services | 152 | 150 | 146 |
Total | 537 | 535 | 456 |
The following supplementary information tables are available on NSERC’s website:
Details on transfer payment programs
Information on NSERC’s departmental sustainable development strategy can be found on
NSERC’s Departmental Plan does not include information on tax expenditures.
The tax system can be used to achieve public policy objectives through the application of special measures such as low tax rates, exemptions, deductions, deferrals and credits. The Department of Finance Canada publishes cost estimates and projections for these measures each year in the
This report also provides detailed background information on tax expenditures, including descriptions, objectives, historical information and references to related federal spending programs as well as evaluations and GBA Plus of tax expenditures.
Details on transfer payment programs
Details on transfer payment programs
-
TPPs with total planned spending of $5million or more -
TPPs with total planned spending of less than $5million
| Start date | 2008 |
|---|---|
| End date | Ongoing |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2023-24 |
| Name of program terms and conditions: | Canada Excellence Research Chairs |
|---|---|
| Type of transfer payment | Grant |
| Type of appropriation | Appropriated annually through Estimates |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | The Canada Excellence Research Chairs transfer payment program is a tri-agency program that includes the following initiatives:
The The Canada Impact+ Research Chairs (Impact+) and the Canada Impact+ Emerging Leaders programs are one-time initiatives designed to support Canadian universities in attracting world-leading researchers whose work addresses critical national and global challenges. Impact+ Chairs will receive long-term funding and institutional support to advance ambitious and transformative projects in Canada’s strategic priority areas, build and maintain exceptional research teams, and collaborate with partners across sectors and borders. Universities may also request additional funding to recruit international early career researchers as part of the Emerging Leaders initiative. The CERC and Impact+ initiatives are administered by SSHRC on behalf of CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC. This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions. |
|---|
| General targeted recipient groups | Academia and public institutions |
|---|
| Link to departmental result(s) | Canada’s natural sciences and engineering research is internationally competitive, Canada has a pool of diverse and highly skilled people in the natural sciences and engineering, Canada’s natural sciences and engineering research knowledge is used. |
|---|---|
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Discovery Research |
| Expected results |
|
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2029-30 |
|---|
| Type of transfer payment | 2025-26 forecast spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending | 2028-29 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 30,207,334 | 77,505,420 | 72,519,186 | 72,479,542 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 30,207,334 | 77,505,420 | 72,519,186 | 72,479,542 |
| Start date | 2014 |
|---|---|
| End date | Ongoing |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2023-24 |
| Name of program terms and conditions: | Canada First Research Excellence Fund |
|---|---|
| Type of transfer payment | Grant |
| Type of appropriation | Appropriated annually through Estimates |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | The This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions. |
|---|
| General targeted recipient groups | Academia and public institutions |
|---|
| Link to departmental result(s) | Canada’s natural sciences and engineering research is internationally competitive, Canada has a pool of diverse and highly skilled people in the natural sciences and engineering. |
|---|---|
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Discovery Research |
| Expected results |
|
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2029-30 |
|---|
| Type of transfer payment | 2025-26 forecast spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending | 2028-29 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 78,627,871 | 78,703,633 | 78,703,633 | 78,666,068 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 78,627,871 | 78,703,633 | 78,703,633 | 78,666,068 |
| Start date | 2003 |
|---|---|
| End date | Ongoing |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2020-21 |
| Name of program terms and conditions: | Canada Graduate Scholarships |
|---|---|
| Type of transfer payment | Grant |
| Type of appropriation | Appropriated annually through Estimates |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | NSERC's portion of the The decrease in 2026-27 results from the transfer of funds to the Canada Research Training Awards Suite. Transfers planned for 2027-28 and 2028-29 will be completed at a later date.” There is no repayable contribution under this TPP. |
|---|
| General targeted recipient groups | Individuals or sole proprietorships |
|---|
| Link to departmental result(s) | Canada has a pool of diverse and highly skilled people in the natural sciences and engineering. |
|---|---|
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Research Training and Talent Development |
| Expected results |
|
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2027-28 |
|---|
| Type of transfer payment | 2025-26 forecast spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending | 2028-29 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 64,515,000 | 32,500,000 | 53,030,000 | 51,330,000 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Total program | 64,515,000 | 32,500,000 | 53,030,000 | 51,330,000 |
| Start date | 2026 |
|---|---|
| End date | Ongoing |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2024-25 |
| Name of program terms and conditions: | Canada Research Training Award Suite |
|---|---|
| Type of transfer payment | Grant |
| Type of appropriation | Appropriated annually through Estimates |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | NSERC’s portion of the Canada Research Training Award Suite (CRTAS) supports the next generation of innovators in natural sciences and engineering by providing funding and high-quality research training, cultivating research skills, fostering creativity, and empowering researchers to make significant contributions to Canada’s research ecosystem, economy and prosperity. Three types of funding opportunities are offered through the suite:
Under CRTAS, the The CRTAS program, including the Impact+ awards, is a tri-agency program and is administered by each respective agency (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC). This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions. |
|---|
| General targeted recipient groups | Individuals or sole proprietorships |
|---|
| Link to departmental result(s) | Canada has a pool of diverse and highly skilled people in the natural sciences and engineering. |
|---|---|
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Research Training and Talent Development |
| Expected results |
|
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2027-28 |
|---|
| Type of transfer payment | 2025-26 forecast spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending | 2028-29 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 72,713,057 | 66,710,797 | 67,676,661 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 0 | 72,713,057 | 66,710,797 | 67,676,661 |
| Start date | 2007 |
|---|---|
| End date | Ongoing |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2024-25 |
| Name of program terms and conditions: | College and Community Innovation |
|---|---|
| Type of transfer payment | Grant |
| Type of appropriation | Appropriated annually through Estimates |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | The objective of the The suite of CCI Program grants support applied research, training, and knowledge and technology transfer activities. The colleges collaborate with partners in areas where the college has recognized expertise and that meets local or regional needs and have the potential to increase innovation in the community. Supported activities range from applied research and training to knowledge and technology transfer, providing assistance in adaptation and adoption of research outputs by partners, and technology demonstration and development projects for these partners. |
|---|
| General targeted recipient groups | Academia and public institutions |
|---|
| Link to departmental result(s) | Canada’s natural sciences and engineering research knowledge is used. |
|---|---|
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Research Partnerships |
| Expected results |
|
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2029-30 |
|---|
| Type of transfer payment | 2025-26 forecast spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending | 2028-29 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 95,196,594 | 71,713,469 | 75,989,302 | 80,091,991 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 95,196,594 | 71,713,469 | 75,989,302 | 80,091,991 |
| Start date | 1978 |
|---|---|
| End date | Ongoing |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2022-23 |
| Name of program terms and conditions: | NSERC Grants and Scholarships |
|---|---|
| Type of transfer payment | Grant |
| Type of appropriation | Appropriated annually through Estimates |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, through grants, fellowships and scholarships, promotes and supports research and research training in natural sciences and engineering to develop talent, generate discoveries, and support innovation in pursuit of economic and social outcomes for Canadians. The purpose of the Grants and Scholarships transfer payment program is to support: Research Training and Talent Development program provides grants, scholarships and fellowships to attract, retain and develop the next generation of scientists and engineers, as well as to promote science to Canadian youth to encourage an early interest in science and engineering. The training support provided at all postsecondary levels helps Canada develop a talented, skilled and inclusive workforce. The Discovery Research program provides grants to researchers and universities to maintain a diverse and competitive research base in Canada and support global excellence and leadership in discovery research. The creation and advancement of knowledge generated by these grants are necessary to fuel a strong, globally competitive research and innovation system in Canada. Funding provides researchers with the flexibility to explore and innovate, train students in the art of creative and critical thinking for tomorrow’s challenges, purchase or develop research equipment, and facilitate national and international research collaborations. The Research and Technology Partnerships program supports research partnerships between postsecondary researchers and public, private, and not-for-profit sector partner organizations to bring new ideas, products and services closer to market. The program enhances the investments in research by adding value and supporting innovation on the path from research-to-research users. These partnerships also allow partner organizations to access the knowledge base supported through the Discovery Research program. |
|---|
| General targeted recipient groups |
|
|---|
| Link to departmental result(s) | Canada’s natural sciences and engineering research is internationally competitive, Canada has a pool of diverse and highly skilled people in the natural sciences and engineering, Canada’s natural sciences and engineering research knowledge is used. |
|---|---|
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Discovery Research, Research Training and Talent Development, Research Partnerships |
| Expected results | The expected results of the program include:
|
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2026-27 |
|---|
| Type of transfer payment | 2025-26 forecast spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending | 2028-29 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 1,133,914,392 | 1,168,413,123 | 1,220,964,179 | 1,223,946,703 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 1,133,914,392 | 1,168,413,123 | 1,220,964,179 | 1,223,946,703 |
| Start date | 2023 |
|---|---|
| End date | Ongoing |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2023-24 |
| Name of program terms and conditions: | Lab to Market |
|---|---|
| Type of transfer payment | Grant |
| Type of appropriation | Appropriated annually through Estimates |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | The There is no repayable contribution under this TPP. |
|---|
| General targeted recipient groups | Academia and public institutions |
|---|
| Link to departmental result(s) | Canada’s natural sciences and engineering research knowledge is used |
|---|---|
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Research Partnerships |
| Expected results |
|
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | 2027-28 |
|---|
| Type of transfer payment | 2025-26 forecast spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending | 2028-29 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 13,443,137 | 18,679,346 | 18,860,869 | 18,860,869 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 13,443,137 | 18,679,346 | 18,860,869 | 18,860,869 |
| Start date | 2008 |
|---|---|
| End date | 2028-29 |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2014-15 |
| Name of program terms and conditions: | Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships |
|---|---|
| Type of transfer payment | Grant |
| Type of appropriation | Appropriated annually through Estimates |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | The As announced in Budget 2024, Tri-Agency administered scholarship and fellowship programs have been streamlined into the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS). The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program was discontinued in 2025-26, and its resources will be incrementally consolidated into the CRTAS. There is no repayable contribution under this TPP. |
|---|
| General targeted recipient groups | Academia and public institutions |
|---|
| Link to departmental result(s) | Canada has a pool of diverse and highly skilled people in the natural sciences and engineering. |
|---|---|
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Research Training and Talent Development |
| Expected results |
|
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | Not applicable. The Vanier CGS program was discontinued in 2025-26 and an evaluation was completed to maintain compliance with section 42.1 of the Financial Administration Act as per the Policy on Results. No evaluations are planned for the Vanier CGS program as it is no longer an ongoing program and the average annual planned spending over 5 years is less than $5 M. |
|---|
| Type of transfer payment | 2025-26 forecast spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending | 2028-29 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 8,350,000 | 5,600,000 | 8,350,000 | 8,350,000 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 8,350,000 | 5,600,000 | 8,350,000 | 8,350,000 |
| Start date | 2017 |
|---|---|
| End date | 2025-26 |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2017-18 |
| Name of program terms and conditions: | Canada 150 Research Chairs Program |
|---|---|
| Type of transfer payment | Grant |
| Type of appropriation | Appropriated annually through Estimates |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | The This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions. |
|---|
| General targeted recipient groups | Academia and public institutions |
|---|
| Link to departmental result(s) | Canada’s natural sciences and engineering research is internationally competitive, Canada has a pool of diverse and highly skilled people in the natural sciences and engineering. |
|---|---|
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Discovery Research |
| Expected results |
|
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | There are no plans to evaluate this program as it has ended in 2025-26. The program has been evaluated within the 5-year period since its establishment. |
|---|
| Type of transfer payment | 2025-26 forecast spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending | 2028-29 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 1,600,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 1,600,000 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Start date | 2025 |
|---|---|
| End date | 2029-30 |
| Fiscal year for terms and conditions | 2024-25 |
| Name of program terms and conditions: | Indigenous Leadership in Research Network Grants |
|---|---|
| Type of transfer payment | Grant |
| Type of appropriation | Appropriated annually through Estimates |
| Purpose and objectives of transfer payment program | The Indigenous Innovation and Leadership in Research Network Grants grant program is to support Indigenous-led research and increase self-determination and/or capacity in federally-funded research activities. This program is administered by SSHRC on behalf of CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC. This transfer payment program does not have repayable contributions. |
|---|
| General targeted recipient groups | Not-for-profit organizations and charities Academia and public institutions Indigenous recipients |
|---|
| Link to departmental result(s) | Canada has a pool of diverse and highly skilled people in the natural sciences and engineering, Canada’s natural sciences and engineering research knowledge is used. |
|---|---|
| Link to the department’s Program Inventory | Research Training and Talent Development |
| Expected results |
|
| Fiscal year of next planned evaluation | No evaluation is planned for this initiative. Expenditures are below the requirement for evaluation. |
|---|
| Type of transfer payment | 2025-26 forecast spending | 2026-27 planned spending | 2027-28 planned spending | 2028-29 planned spending |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total grants | 0 | 1,904,762 | 1,904,762 | 1,904,762 |
| Total contributions | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total other types of transfer payments | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Total program | 0 | 1,904,762 | 1,904,762 | 1,904,762 |
Unaudited Future-Oriented Statement of Operations: For the year ending March 31, 2027
Unaudited Future-Oriented Statement of Operations: For the year ending March 31, 2027
-
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research CouncilFuture-Oriented Statement of Operations (unaudited)For the year ending March 31(in thousands of dollars) -
Notes to the Future-Oriented Statement of Operations (unaudited)
| - | Forecast results 2025–26 | Planned results 2026–27 |
|---|---|---|
| Expenses | ||
Funding Natural Sciences and Engineering Research and Training | 1,486,253 | 1,589,871 |
Internal Services | 18,891 | 15,791 |
Total Expenses | 1,505,144 | 1,605,662 |
| Revenues | ||
Miscellaneous revenues | 203 | 203 |
Total Revenues | 203 | 203 |
| Net cost of operations | 1,504,941 | 1,605,459 |
The accompanying notes form an integral part of this Future-Oriented Statement of Operations.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) was established in 1978 by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Act, and is a departmental corporation named in Schedule II to the Financial Administration Act. NSERC’s purpose is to help make Canada a country of discoverers and innovators for the benefit of all Canadians, by supporting students, postdoctoral fellows, university professors and university-industry research partnerships. NSERC delivers its objectives under two Core Responsibilities which are described in the Departmental Plan.
NSERC’s grants, scholarships and operating expenditures are annually funded by voted budgetary authorities. Employee benefits are funded by statutory authorities.
The Future-Oriented Statement of Operations has been prepared based on government priorities and departmental plans as described in the Departmental Plan.
The information in the forecast results for fiscal year 2025-26 is based on actual results as at December 31, 2025 and on forecasts for the remainder of the fiscal year. Forecasts have been made for the planned results for fiscal year 2026-27.
The main assumptions underlying the forecasts are as follows:
- NSERC’s activities will remain substantially the same as in the previous year, except for increases in funding received from Budget 2025 for Canada Global Impact + Research Talent Initiative and continued investments on Canada Research Training Awards Suite, the Collaborative Research and Training Experience and Alliance grants.
- Expenses and revenues, including the determination of amounts internal and external to the government, are based on experience. The general historical pattern is expected to continue.
These assumptions are made as at December 31, 2025.
Although every attempt has been made to forecast final results for the remainder of 2025-26 and for 2026-27, actual results achieved for both years are likely to differ from the forecast information presented, and this variation could be material.
In preparing this Future-Oriented Statement of Operations, NSERC has made estimates and assumptions about the future. These estimates and assumptions may differ from the subsequent actual results. Estimates and assumptions are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, and are continually evaluated.
Factors that could lead to material differences between the Future-Oriented Statement of Operations and the historical statement of operations include:
- the timing and the amount of acquisitions and disposals of property, plant and equipment, which may affect gains, losses and amortization expense;
- the implementation of new terms and conditions of employment;
- economic conditions, which may affect both the amount of revenue earned and the collectability of loan receivables; and
- other changes to the operating budget, such as new initiatives or technical adjustments later in the fiscal year.
After the Departmental Plan is tabled in Parliament, NSERC will not be updating the forecasts for any changes in financial resources made in ensuing supplementary estimates. Variances will be explained in the Departmental Results Report.
The Future-Oriented Statement of Operations has been prepared using the Government of Canada’s accounting policies in effect for fiscal year 2025-26 and is based on Canadian public sector accounting standards. The presentation and results using the stated accounting policies do not result in any significant differences from Canadian public sector accounting standards.
Significant accounting policies are as follows:
Grants and scholarships (transfer payments) are recognized as an expense in the year in which the entitlement of the recipient has been established, the transfer is authorized and all eligibility criteria have been met.
Other expenses are generally recorded when goods are received or services are rendered and include expenses related to personnel, professional and special services, repair and maintenance, utilities, materials and supplies, as well as amortization of tangible capital assets. Provisions to reflect changes in the value of assets or liabilities, such as provisions for bad debts, loans, investments and advances and inventory obsolescence, as well as utilization of inventories and prepaid expenses, and other are also included in other expenses.
Expenses also include provisions to reflect changes in the value of assets, including provisions for bad debt on accounts receivable and amortization of tangible capital assets which is done on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the asset as follows:
| Asset class | Amortization period |
|---|---|
Computer hardware | 3 years |
Computer purchased and developed software | 5 years |
Machinery and equipment | 5 years |
Other equipment (including furniture) | 7 years |
Motor Vehicles | 7 years |
Leasehold improvements | Lesser of the remaining term of lease or useful life of the improvement |
Revenues are recognized in the period in which the related transactions or the event that gives rise to the revenues occurred. Respendable revenues are revenues provided under a revolving fund or a net-voting authority and are netted against the costs of operations.
Funds received from external parties for specified purposes are recorded upon receipt as deferred revenue. These revenues are recognized in the period in which the related expenses are incurred.
Deferred revenue consists of amounts received prior to the provision of goods or services that will be recognized as revenue in a subsequent fiscal year as the performance obligations are met.
Other revenues are recognized in the period the event giving rise to the revenues occurred and future economic benefits are expected to be received.
Revenues that are non-respendable are not available to discharge the department’s liabilities. Although the deputy head is expected to maintain accounting control, he or she has no authority over the disposition of non-respendable revenues. As a result, non respendable revenues are earned on behalf of the Government of Canada and are therefore presented as a reduction of the department’s gross revenues.
NSERC is financed by the Government of Canada through parliamentary authorities. Financial reporting of authorities provided to NSERC differs from financial reporting according to generally accepted accounting principles because authorities are based mainly on cash flow requirements. Items recognized in the Future-Oriented Statement of Operations in one year may be funded through parliamentary authorities in prior, current or future years. Accordingly, NSERC has different net cost of operations for the year on a government funding basis than on an accrual accounting basis. The differences are reconciled in the following tables:
| - | Forecast results 2025–26 | Planned results 2026–27 |
|---|---|---|
Net cost of operations before government funding and transfers | 1,504,941 | 1,605,459 |
| Adjustments for items affecting net cost of operations but not affecting authorities: | ||
Revenues | 203 | 203 |
Amortization of tangible capital assets | (557) | (443) |
Services provided without charge by other government departments | (11,612) | (11,573) |
Increase in vacation pay and compensatory leave | (368) | (119) |
Decrease in employee future benefits | 96 | 90 |
Refund of previous years' expenditures | 9,014 | 9,014 |
Total items affecting net cost of operations but not affecting authorities | (3,224) | (2,828) |
| Adjustments for items not affecting net cost of operations but affecting authorities: | ||
Acquisitions of tangible capital assets | 8,912 | 14,140 |
Decrease in prepaid expenses | (254) | - |
Total items not affecting net cost of operations but affecting authorities | (8,658) | 14,140 |
| Requested authorities | 1,510,375 | 1,616,771 |
| - | Forecast results 2025–26 | Planned results 2026–27 |
|---|---|---|
| Authorities requested: | ||
Vote 05 – Grants & scholarships | 1,425,794 | 1,527,733 |
Vote 01 – Operating expenditures | 78,659 | 79,183 |
| Statutory amounts: | ||
Contributions to employee benefits plan | 9,077 | 9,652 |
Spending of revenues pursuant to subsection 4(2) of the NSERC Act | 203 | 203 |
Total statutory amounts | 1,513,733 | 1,616,771 |
| Less: | ||
Lapsed: Operating | (3,358) | - |
| Total authorities requested | 1,510,375 | 1,616,771 |
Vision, mission, raison d’être and operating context
Vision, mission, raison d’être and operating context
-
Raison d’être -
Mandate and role -
Operating context
As Canada’s largest funder of science and engineering research, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) supports research and research training at universities, colleges, CÉGEPS and polytechnics across the country. Through its funding, NSERC supports a range of research programs that contribute to a strong and competitive research ecosystem and strengthen Canada’s prosperity, resilience and security.
NSERC plays a central role in Canada’s innovation ecosystem by supporting collaboration between academic researchers and partners in the private, public and not-for-profit sectors. NSERC enables partners to access expertise, infrastructure and capacity within Canada’s academic institutions and to apply new knowledge and technologies to advance commercialization, productivity and economic growth. NSERC supports research that advances quality of life of Canadians and contributes to a competitive, innovative and sustainable economy. NSERC strengthens Canada’s international competitiveness by positioning Canadian researchers to participate in global research efforts in priority areas such as artificial intelligence, quantum, clean technologies and defence-related technologies, while safeguarding the research ecosystem through research security measures.
A diverse and inclusive research community is essential to maintaining research excellence in the natural sciences and engineering. Through its funding programs, NSERC contributes to equitable access to research training and career development across Canada, helping to ensure that the research ecosystem is positioned to meet current and future talent, industry and technological needs.
NSERC is a separate agency of the Government of Canada created in 1978. It is funded directly by Parliament and reports to it through the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions. NSERC’s Council is composed of a President and up to 18 other distinguished members selected from the private, and public sectors. NSERC’s President is the Chief Executive Officer. The elected Vice-President is the Chair of the Council and of its Executive Committee. NSERC’s Council is advised on policy and program matters by various standing committees. Funding decisions are made by the President, or designate, on the basis of recommendations made by peer review committees.
The functions of NSERC, based on the authority and responsibility assigned to it under the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Act (1976-1977, c.24), are to:
- promote and assist research in the natural sciences and engineering, other than the health sciences; and
- advise the Minister in respect of such matters relating to such research as the Minister may refer to the Council for its consideration.
For more general information about the agency, see the
With funding from the Government of Canada, NSERC supports research and research training at universities, colleges, CÉGEPS and polytechnics across the country. Canada’s post-secondary education sector is facing financial pressures, including budget shortfalls linked to declining international student enrolment, pressure to maintain domestic tuition fees, and limited fiscal capacity. Institutions are increasingly challenged to maintain program delivery and research capacity within existing funding models, while responding to growing expectations related to work-integrated learning, research impact and labour market alignment and adapting to disruptions associated with the increasing use of artificial intelligence in teaching, learning and research. Students are also experiencing heightened cost-of-living pressures, including challenges related to housing, food security and access to learning materials.
Within this context, NSERC is positioned to support the post-secondary education sector through its funding of research, and research training in the natural sciences and engineering. NSERC programs provide institutions with flexible support for research capacity, enable collaboration with public, private and not-for-profit partners, and support work-integrated and applied research opportunities that help students and trainees develop skills relevant to the labour market.
NSERC works closely with the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI) to align policies, programs and investments across the federal research funding system in support of Government of Canada priorities. In this context, the granting agencies and the CFI recognize the importance of research security in the conduct of research and research training and are implementing measures that contribute to safeguarding Canada’s national security while maintaining an open and collaborative research ecosystem.
NSERC’s workforce supports the effective delivery of its mandate. NSERC maintains an agile, adaptable, and accessible workplace and is implementing its long-term strategic plan, NSERC 2030: Discovery, Innovation and Inclusion. NSERC is implementing initiatives to modernize internal services by leveraging digital tools such as artificial intelligence and aims to strengthen organization capacity in a context of heightened expectations for efficiency and service delivery, in line with expenditure reductions across the federal government.