NSERC Alliance grants support 1-to-5-year collaborations with organizations in the private, public, or not-for-profit sectors.
Grants are valued between $20,000 and $1 million per year and require the partner organization(s) to contribute to cost-sharing (Option 1) while playing an active role in the project. Cost-sharing options differ depending on the partner organization's size and the nature of your project.
See NSERC's tables for cost-sharing and funding leveraging/envelopes for Option 1 and Option 2 for full details, including the limit of applications per researcher.
Application Process + Eligibility
Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis with no set deadlines from NSERC. All projects with one or more partner organization(s) from the private sector must undergo a national security risk assessment and submit the completed assessment with the application.
Researchers are not limited on the number of times they can apply under either Option 1 or Option 2. Partner organizations are not limited on the number of applications they can be a part of under either Option.
Applications are adjudicated based on specific evaluation criteria and merit indicators. Decisions are communicated between 5 and 24 weeks from the date of submission, depending on the size of the project and whether or not the evaluation is supported by an existing NSERC peer review. See details of the review process on the NSERC website for more detailed estimates.
Developing Your Application
Step 1
- Review NSERC's detailed application instructions and the application checklist
- Read SPARC's NSERC Alliance Playbook to support you in developing a successful application
- Complete the application (form 101), proposal template, partner organization information form, and the personal data form (100A) with CCV attachment
- Only applicants selecting Option 2 are required to complete the public impact value proposition (PIVP)
- In your application, outline how equity, diversity and inclusion will be considered in your training plan
Step 2
- Review and complete all procedures for the risk assessment as outlined by UBC's University-Industry Liaison Office
Step 3
Support & Resources
One-on-One Consultation
Brainstorm your proposal, polish your CCV and receive individual advice to prepare your application.
Full Review
Our team can provide detailed feedback of your Alliance grant. Limited availability.
Online Resources
Our Application Webguide for preparing NSERC Alliance applications, slides from previous SPARC and NSERC-led information sessions, and our Sample Grant Library with examples of successful Alliance grants (CWL Required).
Upcoming Workshops & Info Sessions
We offer dedicated workshops throughout the year to assist UBC faculty in developing strong grant proposals.
Contacts
Erin Evoy
Research Development Officer
604.827.5282
erin.evoy@ubc.ca
SPARC support services
Alexander Unterberger (on leave)
Manager of Research Development
604.822.5386
alexander.unterberger@ubc.ca
SPARC support services
Dr. Purang Abolmaesumi
Sciences & Engineering Research Advisor (NSERC), UBC
604.827.4741
purang@ece.ubc.ca
Advocacy and advice