Strategic Project Grants Program - Funding Innovation for Canada's Future

1. Strategic Project Grants Program - 2011 Competition Presented to the Simon Fraser University February 24, 2011 By Marie-Hélène Côté,Program Officer-Research Partnerships Programs

2. Research Partnerships Programs overview • Strategic Project Grants Program: • General information • Requirements • Application • Evaluation Process • Strategic Networks Program (brief overview) • Questions Agenda

3. NSERC Budget 2010-2011 ($1.080 billion) Administration ($54M- 5%) Innovation ($324M- 30%) People ($302.4M- 28%) Discovery ($399.6M- 37%)

4. StrategicPartnerships (targets national priorities) • Strategic Projects • Strategic Networks • Partnerships Workshop • Collaborative Health Research Projects Industry-Driven (Industry participation) • Collaborative R&D • Industrial Research Chairs • Chairs in Design Engineering • Interaction • Engage RPP Toolbox • Regional Offices • Bring perspectives and • intelligence from across • the country • Forge linkages at local level • Exercise more influence Technology Transfer/Commercialization • Idea to Innovation • College and Community Innovation • Innovation Enhancement Grants • Applied Research and Development Grants • Technology Access Centres • Applied Research Tools and Instrument Grants

5. Strategic Partnerships Programs (45.0%)* Industry-Driven Programs(40.7%) 2010-2011 RPP Budget ($255.9M) Technology Transfer / Commercialization Programs (14.3%) *includes Strategic Project Grants, Partnership Workshops Program, Strategic Networks, Collaborative Health Research Projects

6. Fund projects (not programs), focused on specific areas • Opportunity for university researchers to carry out innovative science and engineering work beyond the university • Opportunity to introduce students to potential employers • Opportunity for non-academic partners to access scientific expertise and specialized research equipment • NSERC will fund direct costs of a 3-year project (students, post-docs, consumables, equipment) • There must be significant involvement from the partner BUT a cash contribution is not required Why the Strategic Project Grants Program?

7. Objective To increase research and training in targeted areas that could strongly influence Canada’s economy, society and/or environment within the next 10 years. Strategic Project Grants (SPG)

8. New knowledge/technology with strong potential to strengthen Canada’s industrial base, generate wealth, create employment and/or impact Canadian public policy • Highly qualified personnel trained in the target areas • Increased participation of companies and/or government organizations in academic research • Transfer of knowledge/technology to Canadian-based organizations that are well positioned to apply the results for economic gain or to government organizations to strengthen public policy Expected Results

9. Competition Statistics

10. 2010: 37 applications received - 7 awarded • Exemple of successful applications: • An on-site, reconfigurable, multi-sample microfluidic-platform for rapid parallel sample-manipulation, by Dr. Bonnie Gray, with one co-applicant (SFU) and Environmental Biodetection Products Inc. ($330,370 over 3 years- Manufacturing) • Enabling selection for heartwood rot resistance and durability of Western red cedar lumber, a key resource for the value-added forest industry in Canada, by Dr. Jim Mattsson, with one co-applicant (UBC), FPInnovations, the Ministry of Forests and Range Western Forest Products Inc. ($506,203 over 3 years-Food and Novel Bioproducts) SFU and the Strategic Project Grants

11. Requirements of the SPG Program

12. Eligibility of Applicants and Co-applicants • Must hold, or have a firm offer of, an academic appointment at an eligible Canadian university, for: • A tenured, tenure-track or life-time professor emeritus position; or • A term position of no less than three years • College Faculty can be co-applicants (see NSERC Website for list of eligible colleges) • Co-applicants outside NSE must meet NSERC eligibility requirements

13. Co-Applicant vs. Collaborator

14. Have well-defined objectives, scope and duration (1-3 years) • Fall within one of the target areas • Have one or more supporting organizations that is actively involved in all stages of the project and can apply the results • In-kind contributions are required, but cash is not The project must:

15. Information and Communications Technologies • Environmental Science and Technologies • Manufacturing • Natural Resources and Energy Four Target Areas • Please note: 2011 is the first competition with these new Target Areas • Target areas are reviewed every 5 years. Target areas are aligned with national priorities. 2010 was the last competition for Biomedical Technologies, Quality Foods and Novel Bioproducts, and Safety and Security. Health and related life sciences and technologies will be covered under the Collaborative Health Research Projects (CHRP) Program

16. There are 3 to 8 research topics identified within each target area • At least 80% of budget is used to fund projects in these research topics • Projects that fall outside of the research topics but fit the context of the target area are termed “Exceptional Opportunities outside the research topics” • up to 20% of budget can be used to fund these projects • Research outside the 4 priority target areas will not be considered for funding Focused Research

17. Private sector • Canadian-based companies or multi-nationals with Canadian operations (R&D or manufacturing) that can apply the research results for economic gain • Public sector • Canadian government organizations that can apply the research results to strengthen policies (the proposal must clearly show how the project relates to their public policy responsibilities) Supporting Organizations

18. Supporting Organizations (continued) Do not qualify as the only supporting organization: NGO’s, venture capitalists, government research labs, foreign research institutions, implementation sites, potential customers, hospitals and clinics

19. A supporting organization must also: • Have a demonstrated interest in the project • Be involved in all stages of the research (help to develop the proposal, interact with researchers and students, provide input to the project) • Validate the results of the research (Progress report) • Provide guidance concerning exploitation of results Supporting Organizations (continued)

20. Refer to Guidelines for Organizations Participating in Research Partnerships Programs • Note:NSERC funds cannot flow to a supporting organization in any way (e.g. cannot purchase equipment or supplies (even at a discount) from the supporting organization) Supporting Organizations (continued)

21. The Application

22. NEW! • Application for a Grant (Form 101) Parts I and II (proposal) • Personal Data Forms (Form 100) + CVs of collaborators (6 pages max) • Form 183A (partner’s information and contributions) • Letter of support describing partner’s involvement (see instructions for specific items to be addressed) • Note: Letter of support and accompanying form 183A from government organizations must be signed by the Director General (or equivalent level) The SPG Application

23. 11 pages total: • Introduction (~1 page) – why is the research you propose strategic? Fit to target area/topic. Is the application a re-submission? How have concerns been addressed? • Section 1 (~7 pages) – objectives, approach, workplan, roles of team members • Section 2 (~1 page) – training plan • Section 3 (~1 page) – interactions with supporting organizations, capacity of supporting organizations to exploit results, Intellectual Property plan • Section 4 (~1 page) – benefits to Canada Research Proposal- Format • Additional pages – references (2 pages max), relationship to other research, budget justification, detailed breakdown of in-kind contributions, cover letter (to exclude reviewers)

24. Collaborations outside NSE: applicants are encouraged to collaborate with experts outside the natural sciences and engineering, where appropriate. Can represent up to 30% of the project costs. • International Collaborations: Concurrent calls for joint research projects with international granting agencies are part of NSERC’s international strategy to increase scientific collaboration between Canada and other countries. Two separate (but linked) proposals constitute the joint research project—one to be submitted to NSERC, and the other to be submitted to the designated program at its counterpart agency. • -Agence nationale de la recherche, France • -National Science Council, Taiwan Additional Points to Consider

25. Project Management Expenses: Costs for project management salary, training or software are now eligible. The level of funding will be up to 10% of the total cash contributions to the project, from all sources • Purchase of major equipment items or systems is limited to a maximum of $150,000 total • Budget justification: Provide as much detail as possible (Gantt chart allowed). Show all your calculations and how you arrived at totals presented. Reviewers do not take kindly to spending hours trying to figure out how figures were obtained. Refer to Use of Grant Funds Additional Points to Consider (continued)

26. Relationship to other support:the onus is on the applicant to provide as much information as to how the project differs from those currently funded • Ensure that the hours you plan to work on the project are realistic • Funding decisions are announced in October. This should be considered in the activity schedule and workplan. Additional Points to Consider (continued)

27. Reasons for being involved in the proposed collaboration • Anticipated benefits from project outcomes • Effort required to exploit results • Benefits to Canadian economy and the relevant timeframe • Anticipated interaction of personnel with the University • Company’s contribution to the project • Company profile (for small companies or start-ups) Letter of Support- Key Points

28. The Evaluation

29. April 15- Submission of Applications • May/June- Pre-Selection, if required • Preliminary review by target area selection committee • Proposals with significant weaknesses are removed • July/August- External referees • Typically three per application • Technical expertise to aid the Committee • Appendix C: your suggestions • Panel suggestions and NSERC database • September- Selection Committee • Proposals are assigned to three readers • Discussion amongst the whole group • October- Results announced-letters sent Evaluation Process- Timeline

30. Projects are evaluated against seven criteria • Each criterion is of equal weight • Projects have to be strong in all 7 criteria Evaluation Process

31. Originality of the research Quality of the research Project work plan Quality of the applicants as researchers Training potential Interactions with the supporting organizations Benefits to Canada and the supporting organizations Selection Criteria

32. The project must promise to generate new knowledge or to apply existing knowledge in an innovative manner. Selection Criteria 1. Originality of Research • Novelty • How the research relates to current state of knowledge • Potential for developing new knowledge, products or processes • Extent to which research will impact the field • Potential for major scientific breakthrough

33. Selection Criteria (continued) 2. Quality of Research The project must be scientifically sound and technically feasible. It must fall within a specific target area. • Focus and clarity of short- and long-term objectives • Appropriate methodology • Justification for approach based on existing knowledge • Feasibility of research planned • Does the research fit the Strategic Projects target areas?

34. The project must have a clear and coherent work plan that demonstrates a high probability of achieving the objectives in the proposed time frame. Selection Criteria (continued) 3. Project Work Plan • Clarity of project description • Coherence of deliverables in work plan • Probability of success within proposed time frame • Availability of necessary equipment • Roles and time commitment of research co-applicants (collaborative roles) • Collaboration and communication plans • Justification and need for funds • Demonstrated management plan

35. The research team must have all the expertise to address the defined objectives competently and to complete the project successfully. Selection Criteria (continued) 4. Quality of the Applicants as Researchers • Does the team (including company researchers, if applicable) have all the required expertise? • Form 100 very important • Recognition of researchers’ achievements and contributions • Appropriateness of skill sets of individual researchers in the proposed areas • Roles and time commitment of research co-applicants (collaborative roles)

36. The project must provide opportunities to train students and other highly qualified personnel with skills relevant to the needs of Canadian organizations. Selection Criteria (continued) 5. Training Potential • Who will do the work? Graduate (M.Sc, Ph.D), undergraduate, and/or co-op students; technicians, post-docs and research associates? Is the type and number of HQP proposed appropriate for the project? • Is the training relevant to the needs of Canadian organizations? • Will the HQP have the opportunity to work in the non-academic partner’s facility? • Workshops and training of industrial personnel at the applicant’s lab • Track record of applicants in training HQP • Suitability of the training environment

37. The supporting organizations must have the capacity to apply the results of the research and must be actively involved in all stages of the project. Selection Criteria (continued) 6. Interactions with Supporting Organizations • Is the supporting organization an appropriate partner? • Do the project objectives fit with the priorities of the non-academic partner? Remember that the partner organization will have to comment on the progress report midway through the project! • How will the technology and knowledge be transferred? • Is the non-academic partner able to assimilate new technology? • What is the degree of involvement of the non-academic partner in developing the proposal and throughout the project? • What kind of a track record do the applicants have in transferring knowledge and technologies?

38. The proposal must identify how the work will benefit the supporting organization and must demonstrate that exploitation of the research results will benefit Canada within a 10-year time frame. Selection Criteria (continued) 7. Benefits to Canada and Supporting Organizations • Delineate probable socio/economic/health/environmental benefits in a quantitative way…far more convincing! Where possible, describe the benefits in terms of an existing or future value chain. • Is there a potential benefit in creating significant public policy as a result of the research? • Is there potential to increase the numbers and/or quality of personnel working in an area of strategic importance?

39. All sections are clear and well described: • Clear summary, proposal easy to read • Roles well defined (students, applicants …) • Benefits to Canada clearly demonstrated • Guidelines followed and requirements addressed • Strong partner(s): • Involvement from the start (writing of application) • Clear expectations (including IP) • Good communication • On-going interaction Signs of a Good Proposal

40. In conclusion

41. Start early! (Application deadline : April 15) • Read carefully the program literature and the instructions and take full advantage of the Research Office and NSERC staff. • Make the application comprehensible to people outside your field and position your project within the current literature/state of the art - Literature review should not be Task 1 of project! • Pay full attention to all aspects of the application, not just the research proposal (i.e. budget justification, in-kind contributions, relationship to other support). • Make sure the partner is going to benefit actively from the research and not just be an end user. Top Ten Tips

42. Explain the fit to the target area clearly. • Ensure that all partners and co-applicants are fully involved. • Understand how your proposal will be evaluated (all criteria are equally weighted!). • Explain both the applied and basic aspects of the project. • Have a peer review your proposal against the program evaluation criteria. Top Ten Tips (continued)

43. Strategic Network Grants Program

44. Strategic Network Grants Program For large-scale, multi-disciplinary research projects in targeted research areas that require a network approach and that involve collaboration between academic researchers and Canadian-based organizations. The applicant should be an established researcher with a solid track record in collaborative research, student training and grant management, and who demonstrates the leadership and other skills necessary for managing a complex, interdisciplinary, multi-institutional project.

45. Objective: To increase research and training in Strategic targeted areas that could enhance Canada’s economy, society and / or environment within 10 years • Expected Results: • Generate new knowledge / technology • Increase number of HQP in targeted areas • Foster increased participation of Canadian-based companies/government in academic research • Transfer knowledge / technology & expertise to Canadian-based companies that can apply results for economic gain or to government to strengthen public policy Strategic Network Grants Program

46. Preliminary applications: Application deadline: June 1 Strategic Panels will invite a full application or not • Full proposal preparation – 4-6 months • Recommendations from: • - External reviewers (4) • - Site Visit Committee (5 to 7 members) • Multi-disciplinary Committee will review and recommend funding to NSERC • NSERC: final decisions Evaluation Process

47. Preliminary applications must propose a network within which most of the research (minimum 80%) will investigate one or more of the research topics listed under the Strategic Network target areas. Strategic Network target area • Environmental Science and Technologies • Information and Communications Technologies • Manufacturing • Natural Resources and Energy

48. Need for a network approach • Merit of the research proposal • Interactions and partnerships • Training • Management and budget • Benefits to Canada and the partners Strategic Network criteria

49. Establish Board of Directors • Create Research Agreement • NSERC Program Officer is non-voting member of BOD and attends Scientific Advisory Committee meetings • Mid-term report is required (Continuation of funding is contingent on satisfactory progress) • NSERC Strategic Network should have a long-term strategy if continuting networking is desired. If the Network is funded

50. For questions relating to fit to target area, eligibility of partners or applicants or Programs requirements, please send your query to: STRGR@nserc-crsng.gc.ca For questions/support regarding the on-line application process, please contact: Helpdesk: (613) 995-4273 webapp@nserc-crsng.gc.ca Resources