NSERC
Overview
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is a federal agency that provides funding for research in the natural sciences and engineering. It is one of the three federal granting agencies that oversee government funding for research in Canada, alongside the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC).
History
NSERC was established in 1978 by the Government of Canada under the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council Act. The establishment of NSERC was part of a broader restructuring of federal support for research and development, which also saw the creation of the CIHR and SSHRC. NSERC's mandate is to "promote and assist research" in the natural sciences and engineering, excluding the health sciences, which fall under the purview of CIHR.
Funding
NSERC provides funding for research through a variety of programs. These include the Discovery Grants Program, which supports ongoing programs of research with long-term goals; the Research Tools and Instruments Grants Program, which assists with the purchase of research equipment; and the Collaborative Research and Development Grants Program, which encourages collaboration between university researchers and industry.
Discovery Grants Program
The Discovery Grants Program is NSERC's largest program. It provides funding for research projects in the natural sciences and engineering for up to five years. The program is designed to support researchers who have a proven record of research excellence and who have a well-defined research program.
Research Tools and Instruments Grants Program
The Research Tools and Instruments Grants Program provides grants for the purchase of research equipment. These grants are intended to improve the quality of research in the natural sciences and engineering by providing researchers with the tools and instruments they need to conduct their research.
Collaborative Research and Development Grants Program
The Collaborative Research and Development Grants Program is designed to foster collaboration between university researchers and industry. The program provides funding for research projects that are jointly undertaken by university researchers and private sector partners.
Impact
NSERC-funded research has led to numerous scientific breakthroughs and technological innovations. These have had significant impacts on the Canadian economy, as well as on society more broadly. For example, NSERC-funded research has contributed to advancements in fields such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, and information technology.
Criticisms
Despite its successes, NSERC has faced criticism. Some critics argue that the agency's focus on industry collaboration and commercialization of research undermines the fundamental role of universities in generating new knowledge. Others contend that NSERC's funding mechanisms favor established researchers and discourage innovative, high-risk research.