Alliance Advantage

How to apply

You can apply at any time. Follow the instructions for completing an Alliance grant application, fill out the proposal template and complete the other sections of your application.

If your application involves one or more partner organizations from the private sector, including when they participate alongside other partner organizations from the public and/or not-for-profit sectors, also complete the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships’ risk assessment form.

Before submitting your application, use the Alliance grant application checklist to ensure it is complete.

Submit your completed application and supporting documents, including the personal data form with CCV attachment for the applicant and all co-applicants, through NSERC’s online system. Your partner organization’s contact person will be invited through the online system to provide information about the organization following the partner organization instructions.

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Merit evaluation criteria

The merit of your application is evaluated using the following four equally weighted criteria. The proposal must address all criteria and sub-criteria to be considered for funding.

1. Partnership

1.1 Partner organizations’ roles in the project and value of their involvement and any other in-kind contributions

1.2 Relevance of the partnership and capacity of the partner organizations to translate, mobilize and/or apply the research results 

2. Research plan and team

2.1 Clarity of the research objectives and expected results, appropriateness of the research plan, and suitability of the budget

2.2 Appropriateness of the expertise of the team (academic and partner organization participants) for carrying out the planned research activities, as well as for managing the project and providing training 

3. Training

3.1 Opportunities for enriched learning experiences for research trainees (undergraduate and graduate students, postdoctoral fellows) to develop relevant research skills, as well as professional skills (e.g., leadership, communication, collaboration and entrepreneurship)

3.2 Consideration of equity, diversity and inclusion in the training plan

4. Impact and benefits to Canada

4.1 Innovativeness of the proposed research and its potential to lead to advancements or new knowledge in the natural sciences or engineering disciplines

4.2 Significance of the outcomes and the economic, environmental and/or other societal benefits for Canada and Canadians

NSERC uses established merit indicators to rate each evaluation criterion/sub-criterion.

What's next?
Review of your application