Acknowledgement and logos
Frequently asked questions on the acknowledgement of funding in both official languages
In the terms and conditions of an award, NSERC asks that “grantees acknowledge, verbally and/or in writing, NSERC funding in both English and French whenever possible.”
- Why are grantees asked to acknowledge NSERC funding in both official languages?
- What does “whenever possible” mean?
- Does NSERC provide sample text to help grantees communicate in both official languages?
- Are there any other language requirements for NSERC grants?
- Are funds available to help with the translation costs of NSERC grantees’ websites?
1. Why are grantees asked to acknowledge NSERC funding in both official languages?
Part VII of the Official Languages Act requires that federal institutions take positive measures to enhance the vitality of the English and French linguistic minority communities and to foster the full recognition and use of both English and French in Canada.
2. What does “whenever possible” mean?
Grantees must make a reasonable effort to acknowledge agency funding in both official languages. However, NSERC understands that in some instances it is not possible or reasonable to acknowledge the funding in both official languages, such as in the case of a unilingual scientific journal. However, NSERC expects that a form of bilingual acknowledgment will be included on personal websites and/or scientific posters. More information can be found on the Acknowledgment and logos web page.
3. Does NSERC provide sample text to help grantees communicate in both official languages?
The NSERC Acknowledgment and logos web page contains bilingual acknowledgment text and logos samples.
4. Are there any other language requirements for NSERC grants?
NSERC encourages grantees that support public outreach activities such as the creation of a website or other forms of communication with the general public (other than research communications in specialized journals and conferences) to make a reasonable effort to allow Canadians from both official language communities to learn more about the research being funded by the agency.
For example, if a website is created through a grant funded by NSERC, that website could include a description of the project/initiative in English and French; therefore, providing Canadians with a synopsis of the research in the official language of their choice.
5. Are funds available to help with the translation costs of NSERC grantees' websites?
Development, maintenance and translation of websites are eligible expenses that may be covered by NSERC grant funds and can be included in the budget section of grant application. More information on eligible expenses can be found in the Use of grant funds section of the Tri-agency Guide on Financial Administration.
Canadian Heritage also offers translation services that are available to not-for-profit organizations. More information may be found on the Support for Interpretation and Translation - Promotion of Linguistic Duality web page.
