Research Portal – Frequently Asked Questions

My account

1. How do I create an account for the Research Portal?
2. What should I do if Password Recovery fails?
3. How do I reactivate a locked account?
4. How do I change my email address?
5. Why do I have two accounts, one for the Research Portal and another for the CCV?

Web browsers

6. What browsers are supported by the Research Portal?
7. How do I turn off Compatibility View for Internet Explorer 9 and 10?
8. Can I use my web browser’s menu to navigate the Research Portal?

My application

9. How do I create an application in the Research Portal?
10. What should I do if the funding opportunity I am looking for is not listed?
11. How do I change the language of my application?
12. How do I know which fields are mandatory in the Research Portal?
13. Is my data saved when I move from one step to the next?
14. Can I cut and paste information to complete text boxes?
15. What is the definition for each message to identify the status of my application?
16. How do I preview and print my application?

Feedback and support

17. I need help using the Research Portal. Who do I contact?
18. How can I submit feedback on the Research Portal?
19. What is the maintenance schedule for the Research Portal?

My account

1. How do I create an account for the Research Portal?

Go to the Create Your Account Profile page and follow the instructions.

2. What should I do if Password Recovery fails?

Contact us if you cannot recover your password. Our business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (ET).

3. How do I reactivate a locked account?

Contact us if your account has been locked. Our business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (ET).

4. How do I change my email address?

Sign into the Research Portal, click on Profile in the top menu and select Change Password.

5. Why do I have two accounts, one for the Research Portal and another for the CCV?

NSERC’s Research Portal and the CCV are two separate systems, each with its own portal, which NSERC is adopting concurrently. The Research Portal is based on a proven software platform configured to NSERC’s needs, and is administered in-house.

The CCV is a web-based application that provides a single, common approach to gathering CV information required by a network of federal, provincial and not-for-profit research funding organizations, and which facilitates application by users to participating agencies, including NSERC.

Web browsers

6. What browsers are supported by the Research Portal?

• Internet Explorer 9 and 10
• Firefox
• Google Chrome
• Safari

7. How do I turn off Compatibility View for Internet Explorer 9 and 10?

In Compatibility View, web sites are displayed as if you were viewing them in a previous version of Internet Explorer. Compatibility View will often correct display and/or functionality problems. If Internet Explorer recognizes a web page that isn’t compatible, you’ll see the Compatibility View button on the address bar.

To disable this feature, select the Compatibility View button on the address bar. This will change the icon from a solid colour to an outline.

8. Can I use my web browser’s menu to navigate the Research Portal?

To avoid losing any unsaved information, do not use your browser’s navigation tools (for example, Back, Forward, Refresh and Reload buttons).

My application

9. How do I create an application in the Research Portal?

In the Applicant tab, select Create application. Choose a funding opportunity from the list, and then select Create on the right-hand side.

10. What should I do if the funding opportunity I am looking for is not listed?

Contact us if you are having difficulty finding an application form for a funding opportunity. Our business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (ET).

11. How do I change the language of my application?

You can set your language preferences under the Application tab in the Identification section.

12. How do I know which fields are mandatory in the Research Portal?

The mandatory fields are marked as “required.” Follow the specific funding opportunity instructions for guidance.

13. Is my data saved when I move from one step to the next?

Yes. However, to avoid losing any unsaved information, do not use your browser’s navigation tools (for example, Back, Forward, Refresh and Reload buttons).

14. Can I cut and paste information to complete text boxes?

Yes. Cutting and pasting information will save you time.

Note: The Ctrl + V function does not work in the Research Portal. You must click on the  icon to paste information in the text boxes.

15. What is the definition for each message to identify the status of my application?

• In Progress: Application created but not yet completed.
• Returned: Application returned to the applicant by the administrator (research administrator, scholarship liaison officer, liaison officer) for required changes.
• Received by Administrator: Application completed and submitted by the applicant to the administrator at the university, college, CÉGEP or not-for-profit organization.
• Received by Agency: Application received by NSERC.
• Deleted: Application removed from applicant’s account.

16. How do I preview and print my application?

You can preview and print both your full application and your NSERC CCV in PDF format via the Research Portal. After selecting the Preview button at the bottom of each page, you will see the printing options.

While your data may be reorganized to serve specific needs (for example, for peer reviewers), this step confirms exactly what information you are submitting to NSERC.

NSERC Common CV (CCV)

Refer to the Canadian Common CV - Frequently Asked Questions.

Feedback and support

17. I need help using the Research Portal. Who do I contact?

Follow the specific program instructions to guide you through the Research Portal.
Contact us for support. Our business hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (ET).

18. How can I submit feedback on the Research Portal?

Your feedback on the Research Portal is important to us. Share your comments and suggestions via the Report this page link located on all pages in the Research Portal. Remember to include your contact information along with your comments.

19. What is the maintenance schedule for the Research Portal?
The Research Portal is generally unavailable during these times:

• Saturdays, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (ET)
• The second Wednesday of each month, from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. (ET)