Implementation of GBA Plus and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) at NSERC is guided by the Tri-Agency Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Action Plan which outlines measures to increase fair access to agency funding opportunities and to promote equitable and inclusive participation in the Canadian post-secondary research community. In addition, NSERC’s strategic plan, NSERC 2030: Discovery, innovation, inclusion, emphasizes the overarching importance of equity, diversity, accessibility, and inclusion across all our programs and throughout the research ecosystem. It also commits to developing deeper and more meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities, organizations, researchers and trainees and to exploring the role of science and research in the journey towards reconciliation.

NSERC’s champions for GBA Plus/EDI and Accessibility are the Associate vice-president, Research Grants and Scholarships, and the Director, Energy, Environment and Resources, Research and Technology Partnerships. The Committee on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion is a standing committee of NSERC Council that provides advice to NSERC’s Council and vice-presidents on funding opportunities that support discovery, innovation, and equity, diversity and inclusion, as well as other related policy issues. The Interagency Committee on EDI coordinates implementation of the Tri-agency EDI Action Plan. In addition, to promote coordination and collaboration among GBA Plus practitioners, NSERC has a GBA Plus Community of Practice and a person assigned as the GBA Plus Focal Point who participates in the Interdepartmental Committee of GBA Plus Focal Points.

GBA Plus and equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA) in the workplace are operationalized through federal legislation such as the Employment Equity Act, the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, the Official Languages Act, and the Accessibility Act. There are several employee-led equity groups to foster a sense of community and belonging for equity-deserving employees.

In support of GBA Plus capacity, NSERC collects data through the Tri-agency self-identification questionnaire from people engaging in NSERC funding opportunities. This information helps NSERC to identify, understand and address systemic barriers and to design new measures to help ensure that the agency equitably supports the full pool of research talent. Aggregate results of self-identification data collection are reported through an interactive dashboard launched in June 2023 as well as in the Canada Research Coordinating Committee annual progress reports and in four related indicators in the Departmental Results Framework. Additional program-specific dashboards are linked below under Section 2.

An integral element of GBA Plus at NSERC is the GBA Plus Community of Practice through which staff can meet to share ideas and expertise regarding applying GBA Plus and using the results to inform program and policy changes. In September 2024, NSERC released the Gender Based Analysis Plus in NSERC Programs Summary Report, presenting the key findings and main themes that arise from GBA Plus assessments conducted on 14 NSERC funding opportunities over a five-year period. This public report has enabled the agency to share progress with stakeholders, partners and the research community, promoting transparency in its work.

In February 2025, NSERC staff gave a presentation on the integration of GBA Plus and EDI considerations in the research process to employees of Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Science and Technology Branch.

Mandatory training for NSERC staff includes the Introduction to GBA Plus (INC101) as well as Addressing Disability Inclusion and Barriers to Accessibility (INC115). In July 2025, 79.6% of NSERC staff had completed the Introduction to GBA Plus training course. Staff members who handle self-identification data must take the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Data and Privacy Protection course. Peer reviewers are provided with training on recognizing and mitigating unconscious bias, with updates to an expanded tri-agency "Bias in Peer Review" training module planned to be published in 2025-26. A suite of other courses related to topics such as anti-racism, anti-ableism and accessibility, gender inclusivity, reconciliation and Indigenous Rights are also available for staff.

NSERC’s Evaluation Division conducts program evaluations using a GBA Plus protocol that includes standardized sub-questions and data collection tools to identify any potential differential impacts of NSERC’s programs with respect to research, research training and research careers.

In 2024-25, an estimated 12 FTEs were dedicated to working on GBA Plus and EDI analysis at NSERC. Application of GBA Plus and EDI analyses are embedded in many functions across policy, program development/delivery and operations divisions.

Core responsibility: Funding Natural Sciences and Engineering Research and Training

Program goals: This 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 is necessary to fuel a strong, globally competitive research and innovation system in Canada. Funding allows researchers the freedom to explore and be less risk averse, train students in the art of creative and critical thinking for tomorrow’s challenges, support research salaries, purchase or develop research equipment, and facilitate national and international research collaboration.

Target population: Members of the research community in Canada

Barriers to access or participation in the Discovery Research program may be experienced by individuals from demographic groups that are underrepresented in the fields of natural sciences and engineering research, including but not limited to the following: women; 2SLGBTQI+; Indigenous Peoples; Black or other racialized/visible minority communities; Persons with disabilities.

• The Research Grants and Scholarships division has implemented the collection of applicant and committee member self-identification data within its funding opportunities as well as a mechanism to collect self-identification data from external reviewers for Discovery Grants.
• Applicants to the Discovery Grants program are asked to provide consent for NSERC to potentially use their self-identification information to improve equity, diversity and inclusion in funding decisions.

Interactive dashboards present competition statistics and include aggregate self-identification data on the population applying to and receiving funds from NSERC funding opportunities.

Applicants and peer reviewers for funding opportunities included under the Discovery Research Program are required to complete the self-identification questionnaire.

NSERC’s Chief Data Office has developed a secure repository of self-identification data in a standardized, linkable, and analysis-ready format to facilitate GBA Plus and EDI analyses using data collected in NSERC funding opportunities.

Program goals: This 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. The student support provided at all postsecondary levels helps Canada develop a talented, skilled and inclusive workforce.

Target population: All Canadians, students, members of the research community

• In 2024-25, NSERC extended the Indigenous Scholars Awards and Supplements Pilot Initiative to increase the number of awards offered to Indigenous applicants. This pilot leverages the Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS M) program by awarding meritorious Indigenous applicants with a scholarship and a supplement. Eleven full awards and 22 supplements were awarded.
• Black scholars are largely underrepresented as recipients of NSERC’s scholarship and fellowship funding. Budget 2022 provided funds to increase the number of Black research trainees directly supported by the three federal granting agencies’ scholarships and fellowships programs. In 2024-25, NSERC provided 126 additional awards to meritorious Black students and fellows.

• The Research Grants and Scholarships division has implemented the collection of applicant and committee member self-identification data within its funding opportunities as well as a mechanism to collect self-identification data from external reviewers for Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) grants.
• In 2024-25, new interactive dashboards were launched for Undergraduate Student Research Awards and Canada Graduate Scholarships – Master’s (CGS M) awards.

Interactive dashboards present competition statistics and include aggregate self-identification data on the population applying to and receiving funds from NSERC funding opportunities.

Applicants to funding opportunities included under the Research Training and Talent Development program are required to complete the self-identification questionnaire.

NSERC’s Chief Data Office has developed a secure repository of self-identification data in a standardized, linkable, and analysis-ready format to facilitate GBA Plus and EDI analysis using data collected in NSERC funding opportunities.

Program goals: This program supports research partnerships between postsecondary researchers and partner organizations from the private, public or not-for-profit sectors to generate new knowledge and accelerate the application of research results to create benefits for Canada. The program enhances the investments partners make in research by adding value and supporting innovation on the path from ideas to commercialization. These partnerships also allow organizations from the private, public or not-for-profit sectors to access the knowledge base supported through the Discovery Research program.

Target population: All Canadians, members of the research community

Barriers to access or participation in the Research Partnerships program may be experienced by individuals from demographic groups that are underrepresented in the fields of natural sciences and engineering research, including but not limited to the following: women; 2SLGBTQI+; Indigenous Peoples; Black or other racialized/visible minority communities; Persons with disabilities.

In 2024-25, NSERC continued to advance the GBA Plus of the Alliance funding opportunity and completed the second phase of the GBA Plus for the College and Community Innovation funding opportunity.

Interactive dashboards present competition statistics and include aggregate self-identification data on the population applying to and receiving funds from NSERC funding opportunities.

Applicants to funding opportunities included under the Research Training and Talent Development Partnerships program are required to complete the self-identification questionnaire.

NSERC’s Chief Data Office has developed a secure repository of self-identification data in a standardized, linkable, and analysis-ready format to facilitate GBA Plus and EDI analysis using data collected in NSERC funding opportunities.

Program goals: Internal Services are groups of related activities and resources that are administered to support the needs of programs and other corporate obligations of the agency, such as communications services, financial management, human resources management, information management, information technology, management and oversight services, material, travel and other administrative services. Internal Services include only those activities and resources that apply across an organization and not to those provided specifically to a program.

Target population: All Canadians, NSERC staff

One of the pillars of NSERC’s Strategic Plan, NSERC 2030, is to empower our organization and our people. By promoting GBA Plus, EDI, bilingualism and accessibility in the workplace, and by identifying and removing barriers so employees can achieve their full potential, NSERC cultivates a working environment that fosters creativity and excellence, promotes employee well-being and rewards all forms of success.

NSERC is committed to taking meaningful action to combat all forms of racism, discrimination, and hate, while fostering a culture of inclusiveness at work. A key part of this commitment involves using data and evidence to guide EDI priorities and ensure that progress is measured and monitored.

NSERC also leverages a variety of mandatory and voluntary EDI-focused training courses to equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to develop their competencies and align with the organization’s commitments. This training is also integrated into the onboarding programs for new employees.

The internal Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Advisory Committee (EDIA-AC), a bi-agency committee co-chaired by an EDIA Champion from both NSERC and SSHRC, is comprised of representatives from various divisions and employee networks representing different equity-deserving groups. EDIA-AC serves as the principal consultation forum at NSERC and SSHRC, informing and supporting the implementation and advancement of EDIA initiatives. In 2024-25, the committee actively participated in reviewing and updating the agencies Employment Equity (EE) policy, making recommendations on the implementation approach of the Mentorship Plus Program, engaging on the Study on the Black Executive Community in the Federal Public Service, co-developing and launching a new self-directed Anti-Black Racism Learning Pathway, and renewing the annual Cultural Calendar.

NSERC promotes GBA Plus and EDI internally and externally. Initiatives that supported education and awareness in 2024–25 include:

• Promoting GBA Plus Awareness Week and associated events to all NSERC staff (May 2025)
• Publishing Research Stories on NSERC’s web site to promote and raise awareness about the contributions of people from diverse groups to natural sciences and engineering research as well as the challenges these groups may face.

In October 2024, the expert panel assessment by the Council of Canadian Academies on “Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the Post-Secondary Research System”was released. Sponsored by NSERC and other government departments and agencies, the findings from the assessment are being used to inform the agencies’ GBA Plus analysis and approaches to addressing EDI in their policies and programs.

• First group: predominantly men (80% or more men)
• Second group: 60% to 79% men
• Third group: broadly gender-balanced
• Fourth group: 60% to 79% women
• Fifth group: predominantly women (80% or more women)

• First group: strongly benefits low-income individuals (strongly progressive)
• Second group: somewhat benefits low-income individuals (somewhat progressive)
• Third group: no significant distributional impacts
• Fourth group: somewhat benefits high-income individuals (somewhat regressive)
• Fifth group: strongly benefits high-income individuals (strongly regressive)

• First group: primarily benefits youth, children or future generations
• Second group: no significant intergenerational impacts or impacts on generations between youths and seniors
• Third group: primarily benefits seniors or the baby boom generation