Discovery Accelerator Supplements program

Important information

• Discovery Grants program

Objective

The Discovery Accelerator Supplements (DAS) program provides substantial and timely additional resources to accelerate progress and maximize the impact of established, superior research programs.

Description

The DAS program provides substantial and timely resources to researchers who have an established, superior research program that is highly rated in terms of originality and innovation, and who show strong potential to become international leaders within their field. These additional resources should enable researchers to capitalize on a research opportunity or a bold idea (e.g., a recent research breakthrough, a paradigm shift or a new strategy to tackle a scientific problem or research question, etc.).

Each award is typically valued at $120,000 over three years (up to $40,000 annually) and provides recipients with additional resources to compete with the best in the world. These resources are a supplement to the NSERC Discovery Grant, which may be used to expand the recipient’s research group (i.e., students, postdoctoral fellows, technicians), to purchase or have access to specialized equipment, or to put toward other initiatives/resources that would accelerate the progress of their research program. They are only valid during the active period of the Discovery Grant through which the DAS was awarded.

Application procedures

No separate application is required. Selection is made in conjunction with the review of Discovery Grant applications each year.

Review procedures

Evaluation groups will review applications in accordance with the Discovery Grant criteria and will nominate a small number of applicants for an award according to the objective and description of the DAS program. Post-competition, the executive committee of the evaluation group will select the final recipients for the awards from amongst the nominated researchers for recommendation to NSERC. Potential recipients will

• meet the objective of the DAS program
• have an established, superior research program that is highly rated in terms of originality and innovation
• show strong potential to become international leaders within their field

Demonstration of equity, diversity and inclusion considerations in the research and training program, as outlined in the Discovery Grants criteria, can also be used as evidence of an applicant meeting the objective and description of the DAS program.

Additional considerations, such as the applicant’s career stage, may be taken into account by evaluation groups and executive committees in their recommendations to NSERC. Furthermore, NSERC may also take into account equity, diversity and inclusion in its final selection of recipients.

Award

Each award will have a maximum total value of $120,000 (up to $40,000 annually) to be paid typically over three years. Recipients may use the DAS funds throughout the term of their active Discovery Grant. Payments are made separately from the current Discovery Grant.

Reporting requirements

DAS recipients are required to complete a Grants in Aid of Research, Statement of Account (Form 300) at the end of each fiscal year. Furthermore, they are required to submit a report at the end of the DAS period.