• Purpose
• Membership
• Chair

The Program Committee (PC) guides the strategic direction of the Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) training initiative in an advisory capacity. It does not assess the research program; rather, it challenges the research team to think innovatively as they lead the trainees participating in the initiative. It provides input and guidance in the conduct of program reviews, any related major changes in the program, for example, grantee team composition changes, trainee recruitment and distribution, and in the setting of performance indicators and program evaluation. Progress reports must first be presented to the PC for their input and approval before they are submitted to NSERC. Progress report evaluation letters should also be reviewed by the PC to consider any action required or feedback provided by NSERC. 

CREATE teams should strive for a diverse PC. Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) considerations should be reflected in the rationale of the PC composition and in the designated roles.

If the CREATE grant has been identified as aiming to advance a Sensitive Technology Research Area (STRA), PC members must comply with the requirements under the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC Policy) and must not hold any active affiliations with, nor be in receipt of funding or in-kind support from, a Named Research Organization during their mandate as a member of the PC.

Five to six members would typically serve on the PC. The composition of the PC should include a variety of stakeholders relevant to the objectives of the training program, from among the following (non-exhaustive list):

• A representative from industry is mandatory.
• Senior executives of private/public sector organizations who would be potential recruiters of trainees.
• Curriculum developers and educators.
• Deans and department heads from universities and colleges.
• Graduate student and/or postdoctoral researcher representation is encouraged.
• Co-applicants (limit of two).
• Researchers from other fields—business, finance, etc.
• The CREATE grantee and program coordinator may participate as non-voting members.

The PC should hold a minimum of two meetings per academic year.

The Chair of the PC is chosen from among the membership and may not be the applicant, a co-applicant, the Program Coordinator, a trainee, or a direct collaborator (for example, financial stakeholder, internship host, trainee supervisor, research collaborator or joint author).

The PC should be distinct from any scientific or management committee that may be put into place to oversee the research activities that are being conducted as part of the CREATE initiative. Such a committee is not required by NSERC. It should also be noted that the CREATE grantee and the respective university are accountable for the management of the NSERC funds and responsible for the outcome of the program.