NSERC Discovery Grants – Notice of Intent (NOI) 2027 Competition

Research Admin Offices:

ROADS

Funding Type:

Grant

Opportunity Type:

Grant

Value:

up to five years.

Disciplines:

DeGroote School of Business
Faculty of Engineering
Faculty of Humanities
Faculty of Science
Faculty of Social Sciences

Sponsors:

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC)

Deadlines:

Internal Deadline:

July 22, 2026

Sponsor Deadline:

August 4, 2026

Description:

Supports programs of research with long-term goals, rather than a single short-term project or a collection of projections

Five (5) years in duration and are “grants in aid” of research, providing long-term operational funds and are not meant to support the full costs of the research program

Objectives of the DG program are:

promote and maintain a diversified base of high-quality research capability in the natural sciences and engineering in Canadian universities;
foster research excellence; and
provide a stimulating environment for research training.

Researchers interested in the Sub-atomic Physics Discovery Grants Program (individual and project) should contact ROADS for additional information and requirements.

Additional Program Information:

NSERC has released a memo to all potential applicants for the 2027 competition: https://nserc-crsng.canada.ca/en/memo-potential-applicants-notification-intent-apply-discovery-grant-2027-competition

For active DG holders, if the available funds are sufficient to cover anticipated expenditures through the next fiscal year, you can request a deferral of instalment or take advantage of the automatic, no-cost one-year extension to use the accumulated funds prior to submitting a new request for funding.

If active DG holders have taken maternity, parental, medical or family medical leave during the grant period, you may request an extension of the term of the current grant, and in certain cases additional funds, for a period of up to two years.

Application/Nomination Process:

Notify ROADS of Intent to Apply – ASAP

Draft Notification of Intent (NOI) due to ROADS – July 22, 2026

NOI due to NSERC – August 04, 2026*
*Applicants must submit an NOI to be able to submit a Full Application

Applicants must submit an NOI to submit a Full Application for the DG competition

You must submit your NOI and the NSERC version of the Canadian Common CV (CCV) using the Research Portal. Refer to the instructions on how to complete the NOI and CCV.

ROADS will also provide applicants with guidance documents for completing the NOI and CCV.

Your Notification of Intent to Apply (NOI) must be submitted by the deadline date of August 04, 2026, 8:00 p.m. (ET). NSERC will not accept an NOI after the deadline date.

Resources:

Additional details.

Contact:

For more information on how to apply, contact Christine Cluney, Senior Advisor, ROADS.