Over 140 UCalgary researchers receive funding as part of 'unprecedented' half-billion-dollar federal investment

More than 140 University of Calgary researchers and graduate students have received funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) as part of an unprecedented federal government investment.

The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, minister of science and sport, above, announced the $588-million investment at a news conference in Ontario on Tuesday. This investment tops last years’ NSERC Discovery funding package, which was the largest in Canadian history at the time.

NSERC Discovery Grants typically provide funding over a five-year term, and are awarded through peer review based on research excellence, merit of the proposal, and contributions to training of highly-qualified personnel. 

“Important discoveries don’t often happen overnight — in most cases, years of commitment and dedication to a body of work are required,” says Dr. André Buret, interim vice-president (research). “This tremendous investment will give our researchers the ongoing support required to pursue long-term projects, providing them with stability and freedom to focus on their research as it develops, leading to impactful outcomes.”

“The funding announced today demonstrates our strong and enduring commitment to science and researchers,” says Minister Duncan. “Since taking office, our government has worked hard to bring science and research back to their rightful place and this historic investment in the discoveries of tomorrow is just one example of how we are achieving this goal.” 

This funding includes 87 Discovery Grants for UCalgary researchers, as well as four Discovery Accelerator Supplements providing additional resources to established research programs, 11 Discover Launch Supplements for early-career researchers in the first year of their Discovery Grant, six Research Tools and Instruments grants, and one Ship Time grant.

In addition, 47 graduate students have received support through the NSERC Postgraduate and Canada Graduate Scholarships programs, as well as one UCalgary PhD who has received an NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship.

Read the NSERC news release.