NSERC Presentation to · NSERC Presentation to The 99th Canadian Chemistry Conference Liz Boston,...
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Transcript of NSERC Presentation to · NSERC Presentation to The 99th Canadian Chemistry Conference Liz Boston,...
NSERC Presentation to
The 99th Canadian Chemistry
Conference
Liz Boston, Director, Mathematical, Environmental and
Physical Sciences Division
Sophie Debrus, Program Officer, Chemistry
Caroline Bicker, Program Officer, Materials and Chemical Engineering
June 6, 2016
Halifax
Thank you!
Presentation Overview
NSERC News and Discovery Updates
Discovery Grants Program Overview
Discovery Grants and Research Tools and
Instrument Competition results – 2016
Discovery Grants Program – How to apply?
– How to prepare an application?
Questions & Discussion
NSERC
News and
Discovery Grants Updates
Highlights of 2016 Federal Budget
“Minister of Science will undertake a comprehensive
review of all elements of federal support for fundamental
science over the coming year”
Government developing Innovation Agenda
NSERC
SSHRC CIHR
NSERC: $30 million + $15 million (2015 Budget) = $45 million moving forward
$95 million per year to federal funding agencies
Goals:
• Fostering a science and engineering culture in Canada
• Launching the new generation
• Building a diversified and competitive research base
• Strengthening discovery-innovation dynamic
• Going global
Towards NSERC 2020
Discovery Grants Updates
Discovery Grants Program Updates
Support to Early Career Researchers:
NSERC implements two measures to ensure support:
– A different quality cut-off for funding (Bin K for 1504)
– Additional funds in the form of a $5k top up
ECR renewing for the first time will have the option of
extending their DG by one year with funds
Discovery Grants Program Updates
HQP/Training:
Maintain the 3 criteria currently used and revise the
criterion for contributions to training of HQP
Developed FAQ for members to assist in reviewing HQP
criterion
Evaluation-related improvement started, further analysis
underway aiming at further refinement
Discovery Grants Program Updates
Discovery Development Grants (DDG):
New initiative to provide additional support to researchers
at small universities - $10K/year for 2 years
Changes to NSERC Policies for New Primary
Caregivers (Pilot)
As of March 1, 2016 researchers who become primary
caregivers immediately following the birth or adoption of a
child and who are eligible for maternity or parental leave
but decline the leave, may be eligible to receive a one-year
grant extension with funds.
NSERC Updates
Discovery Grants Budget Allocation
Expert Panel has met several times
Provided with opportunity to introduce new
factors to allocate funds among the 12
Evaluation Groups
No decreases for any Evaluation Group is
expected
Discovery Grants Updates
• CCV – In several sections of the CV, subdivisions and exact dates are no
longer required.
– Help texts have been improved to convey more useful information and assist researchers in filling the CV.
– For added security, an improved captcha mechanism, developed by Google (https://www.google.com/recaptcha), has been implemented.
• Research Portal – Working on the next version of the Portal.
Discovery Grants (DG) Program Overview
NSERC Discovery Grants Funding
(millions of dollars)
* Includes additional funding received resulting from Federal Budget 2014 ** Projected expenditures for 2016-2017
300
310
320
330
340
350
360
370$
Mill
ion
s
Fiscal Year Individual, Teams and Projects Discovery Accelerator Supplements
$23 million or 7% increase
Evaluation Process Overview
Two-step process separates merit assessment from funding recommendations.
Merit assessment uses six-point scale to evaluate: – Excellence of the researcher
– Merit of the proposal
– Contributions to the training of HQP
Each application assessed by 5 reviewers in conference model setting, ensuring best possible review.
Evaluation Process Overview
Funding recommendations: similar overall ratings within an Evaluation Group (EG) receive comparable funding, with possible modulation related to the cost of research.
Applications grouped into “bins” of comparable merit.
Demystifying the review process for NSERC Discovery Grants http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Professors-Professeurs/Videos-Videos/DG_eng.asp
Two-Step Review Process Step 1 - Merit assessment Exceptional Outstanding Very Strong Strong Moderate Insufficient
Excellence of the
researcher
Merit of the
proposal
Contribution to the
training of HQP
X X X X
X X X X X
X
X X X X X
Outstanding – Very Strong – Very Strong
Funding Bin A B C D E F G H I J K ... P
Value …$ …$ …$ …$ …$ …$ …$ …$ …$ …$ …$ …$ …$
Step 2 – Funding Recommendation
Roles and Responsibilities in the EG
Members
Key participants in the
review process (5 per
application)
Act as a reviewer within
their EG and for other
EGs (joint reviews)
Input on policy issues
related to the discipline
Executive Committee
Co-Chairs and Group Chair
Ensures quality of process (consistency
and equity)
Confirms assignment of applications
including joint reviews
Balances the EG budget following
review of applications
Group Chair acts as EG representative
on Committee on Discovery Research,
CDR (formerly known as COGS)
– Acts as spokesperson on policies, scientific/
engineering issues
Discovery Grant Program The Conference Model
Several sessions occur in parallel streams.
Members are assigned to various applications on the basis of the match between their expertise and the application subject matter. – Members may participate in reviews in more than one EG.
Flexibility allows applications at the interface between Evaluation Groups to be reviewed by a combination of members with pertinent expertise from relevant groups.
Evaluation structure consists of 12 Evaluation Groups (EGs)
Evaluation Groups (EGs)
Genes, Cells and Molecules (1501)
Biological Systems and Functions (1502)
Evolution and Ecology (1503)
Chemistry (1504)
Physics (1505)
Geosciences (1506)
Computer Science (1507)
Mathematics and Statistics (1508)
Civil, Industrial and Systems Engineering (1509)
Electrical and Computer Engineering (1510)
Materials and Chemical Engineering (1511)
Mechanical Engineering (1512)
Research Topics for EG 1504
CH01 Inorganic Synthesis
CH02 Inorganic Catalysis
CH03 Physical Properties and mechanisms of Inorganic Compounds
CH04 Organic Synthesis
CH05 Organic Catalysis
CH06 Chemistry of biological systems
CH07 Characterization of biological systems
CH08 Physical Properties and mechanisms of Organic Compounds
CH09 Photochemical reactivity and dynamics
CH10 Photonics
CH11 Theoretical physical chemistry
CH12 Nuclear chemistry
CH13 Development and applications of spectroscopic and structural techniques
CH14 Atmospheric and Environmental Chemistry
CH15 Analytical chemistry
CH16 Combustion and Fuel Chemistry
CH17 Functional Materials
CH18 Polymer and Colloid chemistry
CH19 Surface and Interfacial Chemistry
CH20 Electrochemistry
CH21 Nanomaterials
CH22 Supramolecular chemistry
Chemistry Discovery Grants
Conference Model in Action
Organic
Biological Materials and
Polymers
Inorganic
Physical
Chemistry
Environmental
Atmospheric
Theoretical,
Computational
Analytical
Joint Reviews with
Geosciences
Evaluation Group
Joint Reviews with
Genes, Cells & Molecules
Evaluation Group
Joint Reviews with
Physics
Evaluation Group
Joint Reviews with
Materials and Chemical Eng.
Evaluation Group
Executive
Committee Meeting
Schematic (simplified) representation of the Stream organization
Inorganic Room 1
Analytical/Physical Room 2
Organic/Bio-Org Room 3
Joint Reviews
Applications that cross boundaries of EGs
(multidisciplinary, interdisciplinary) are reviewed by a
combination of members with pertinent expertise from
relevant groups.
EG suggested by applicant usually the closest EG related
to the research area (primary). Reviewers from other EGs
are added as necessary based on expertise.
For any application, decision to hold joint review informed by:
– Content of NOI
– Consultation with EGs
– Content of full application
NOI Suggested EG
Research Topics
Keywords
Proposal Summary
Determining a Joint Review
Suggeste
d E
G
PO
Chair
Member
JR
EG
(s)
PO
Chair
Member
Applicant
Decision on Joint Review
Application
Applicant
Suggested EG
Possible
JR EGs
Implementation of the Conference
Model and the Rating Indicators
Chair
Program
Officer
First Internal
Reader
Reader
Reader
Second Internal
Excellence
Outstanding
Outstanding
Outstanding Outstanding
Very Strong
Conflicts?
Merit
Outstanding
Very Strong
Very Strong Very Strong
Very Strong
HQP
Outstanding
Outstanding
Outstanding Very Strong
Very Strong
COR Factor: N N N N N
Discovery Grants Program and
Research Tools and
Instruments
2016 Results
Number of
Applications
No. of
Awards
Amount
Awarded
Success
rate
Average
Grant
Early-Career
Researchers1 498 372 $9.95M 75% $26.7k
Established
Researchers
Applicants who
held a grant 1641 1351 $49.27M 82% $36.5k
Applicant not
previously
holding a
grant2
1052 392 $10.9M 37% $27.8k
1. Average Grant amount Includes ECR supplement.
2. Includes returning unfunded applicants and experienced researchers submitting a first application.
Overall Statistics – 2016 DG Competition
Evaluation Group Members
Steven Holdcroft (Simon Fraser)
Jeffrey Atkinson (Brock)
Bruce Arndtsen (McGill)
Thomas Baumgartner (Calgary)
Philip Britz-McKibbin (McMaster)
Alexander Brolo (Victoria)
Robert Campbell (Alberta)
Eric Fillion (Waterloo)
Edward Grant (UBC)
Daniel Guay (INRS, Varennes)
Yining Huang (UWO)
Philip Jessop (Queen’s)
Samuel Johnson (Windsor)
Daniel Leznoff (Simon Fraser)
Guojun Liu (Queen’s)
Chérif Matta (Mount Saint Vincent)
Jean-François Paquin (Laval)
Joelle Pelletier (Montréal)
Gilles Peslherbe (Concordia)
Ralf Schirrmacher (Alberta)
David Schriemer (Calgary)
Douglas Stephan (Toronto)
Alison Thompson (Dalhousie)
Rik Tykwinski (Erlangen-Nürnberg)
Tom Woo (Ottawa)
Ron Kluger (Toronto)
outgoing
Organization of the Evaluation Group
Steven Holdcroft
(Group Chair)
Jeffrey Atkinson
(Section Chair)
Alison Thompson
(Section Chair)
Ed Grant
(Section Chair)
Group’s Executive
Committee
Chaired by Group Chair
Evaluation Group Members
2016 Competition Calendar – EG1504
Submission of NOI
(Aug. 3)
*MANDATORY
August September October November
December January February March - April
Comfort Ratings
(Round 1)
1st New members’
Orientation Session
External reviewer
suggestions
Comfort Ratings
(Round 2) for
potential joint
reviews (JRs)
DG applications
received by NSERC
(Nov. 2)
Decision on JRs
2nd New members’
Orientation Session
1st Calibration session
Applications are made
available to Members
Members start their
review
Members review
applications
2nd Calibration
session
Receipt of external
reviewers reports
3rd Calibration
Session Jan 31st
2016 Competition:
Week 1: Feb. 1-5
Week 2: Feb. 8-12
Week 3: Feb. 15-19
Messages to
Applicants
Announcement of
results
Chemistry – 2016 DG Competition
1. Average Grant amount Includes ECR supplement.
2. Includes returning unfunded applicants and experienced researchers submitting a first application.
Number of
Applications
No. of
Awards
Amount
Awarded
Success
rate
Average
Grant
Early-Career
Researchers1 23 18 $465K 78% $25.8K
Established
Researchers
Applicants who
held a grant 123 112 $5,819K 91% $51.95K
Applicant not
previously
holding a
grant2
55 21 $609K 38% $29K
Summary of Grant Amounts and
Application Distribution
4 DDGs offered
Discovery Development Grants (DDG)
To promote a diversified base of high-quality research
and foster a stimulating environment for research
training in small universities
$10,000 a year for 2 years
Unfunded DG applicants from Small Universities in bins
K or higher
– Small universities: $4 million or less in NSERC funding on a
annual basis
Must provide letter of support from university
May not concurrently hold a DDG and a DG
2016: 4 DDG for Chemistry
Bins ER Bin $ value
ER ECR
Bin $ value
ECR Fatal Flaw
A 0 140,000 0 0 0
B 2 125,000 0 0 0
C 4 107,000 0 0 0
D 8 90,000 0 0 0
E 19 74,000 0 0 0
F 17 60,000 0 0 0
G 20 45,000 0 0 0
H 12 35,000 0 0 0
I 28 28,000 4 33,000 1
J 23 22,000 5 27,000 0
K 9 0 9 22,000 2
L 5 0 2 0 8
M 0 0 1 0 10
N 0 0 0 0 9
O 0 0 0 0 2
P 0 0 0 0 1
Total 147 21 33
Note: Fatal Flaw includes ER and ECR.
2016 Chemistry – Bin Values
Discovery Accelerator Supplements 2016
Competition Results Evaluation Group Awards
Genes, Cells and Molecules (1501) 11
Biological Systems and Functions (1502) 11
Evolution and Ecology (1503) 9
Chemistry (1504) 8
Physics (1505) 7
Geosciences (1506) 10
Computer Science (1507) 18
Mathematics and Statistics (1508) 7
Civil, Industrial and Systems Engineering (1509) 13
Electrical and Computer Engineering (1510) 9
Materials and Chemical Engineering (1511) 9
Mechanical Engineering (1512) 12
Subatomic Physics (19) 1
Total 125
49%
33%
18%
2016 DAS recipients years from PhD
12 years or less
between 12-20 years
20 years or more
Research Tools and Instruments
Funding level increased in 2016 to $26M
Quota numbers currently 700 due to increase in
budget. Quota based on:
– number of NSERC-funded natural sciences and
engineering researchers at institutions
– minimum quota of two applications per institution
Researchers can be on more than one
application
Criteria for evaluation remain the same
2016 Competition Research Tools and Instruments
Overall Chemistry
Number of Applications 657 87
Amount Requested $79.1M $10.59M
Number of Awards 215 26
Amount Awarded $26.1M $3.55M
Funding Rate 33.03% 33.6%
2016 RTI Selection Committee Membership
Stephen Westcott (Mount Allison) Chair
Antonella Badia (Montréal) André Bandrauk (Sherbrooke)
Dan Bizzotto (UBC)
Ian Burgess (Saskatchewan)
Jean-Jacques Cadieux (Xenon Pharmaceuticals Inc.)
Travis Fridgen (Memorial)
Sandro Gambarotta (Ottawa)
Pierre Harvey (Sherbrooke) Tomáš Hudlický (Brock)
Peter Kruse (McMaster)
Richard Manderville (Guelph)
Nicolas Moitessier (McGill)
Andre Simpson (Toronto)
Derek J. Wilson (York)
Charles Wong (Winnipeg)
Yunjie Xu (Alberta)
Discovery Grants (DG) Program How to Apply?
Life Cycle of a Discovery Grant Application
August 1
Submission of Notification of Intent to Apply with CCV
September to October
Initial assignment to EG and contacting of external reviewers
November 1
Submission of grant application with CCV
Mid-November
Applications sent out to external reviewers
Early December
Evaluation Group members receive applications
February
Grants competition
March to April
Announcement of results
Eligibility to Apply
To be eligible, you must:
hold, or have a firm offer of, an academic appointment at
a Canadian institution (minimum three-year term position)
and take up the position no later than September 1 of the
year of the award
be in a position that requires independent research and
allows supervision of highly qualified personnel (HQP)
work full-time in an eligible Canadian institution (if your
primary position is outside of Canada)
Requirements can be found on NSERC website
Eligibility of Subject Matter
Discovery Grants Program supports
– Research programs in the natural sciences and
engineering (NSE); and
– Interdisciplinary research that is predominantly in the NSE • Significance, impact, advancement of knowledge or practical applications in NSE
The same proposal cannot be submitted to two federal granting agencies
Tri-agency eligibility guidelines updated
NSERC Annex with specific examples now available
Applications deemed more appropriate for another agency will be rejected
Notification of Intent to Apply for a
Discovery Grant – When and What?
Deadline: August 1st
Electronic submission only through the
Research Portal
– Mandatory: if not submitted by deadline, full
application will not be accepted
Includes:
– Notification of Intent to Apply, listing up to five
research topics in priority order
– CCV
Notification of Intent to Apply for a
Discovery Grant – Why?
Facilitates preliminary assignment:
– to an Evaluation Group;
– of internal reviewers; and
– of external reviewers.
First indication of need for joint review
– Informed by choice of Research Topics, keywords
and proposal summary
First review of subject matter eligibility
Notification of Intent to Apply for a
Discovery Grant – Research Topics
Important to select appropriate research topics
– First must be from the suggested EG
– Up to 4 others from suggested EG or other EGs
Play an important role in the determination of a
joint review with other EGs
Submitting a Discovery Grant Application
Deadline November 1st through Research
Portal
– Check institutional internal deadline
A full Discovery Grant submission includes:
– Application for a Grant
– NSERC Researcher CCV for the applicant
– Samples of research contributions (reprints, pre-prints,
thesis chapters, manuscripts, patents, technical reports,
etc.)
Discovery Grants (DG) Program How to prepare an application?
Discovery Grants Evaluation Criteria
Training of
HQP
Merit Indicator Grid found in the Peer Review Manual
Merit of the
Proposal
Excellence of
the Researcher
1The Discovery Grants Merit Indicators should be used in conjunction with the Peer Review Manual which outlines how reviewers arrive at a rating.
Excellence of Researcher
Knowledge, expertise and experience.
Contributions to, and impact on, proposed and other areas of research. – Focus on Natural Sciences and Engineering
Assessment based on the quality and impact of contributions.
Assessment based on achievements demonstrated over past six years. – Contributions made more than six years ago may be
included if they still have a significant impact (e.g., exploitation of patent).
Excellence of Researcher - Advice
Describe up to five most significant research
contributions (now in application) and highlight quality &
impact
List all types of research contributions (from 2010-2016)
Explain your role in collaborative research activities
List all sources of support
Give other evidence of impact
Explain delays in research activity (See Peer Review
Manual)
Excellence of Researcher Location of Information
In CCV – Recognitions (honors, prizes and awards, etc.)
– Activities (international collaborations, event administration, editorial activities, organizational review, knowledge and technology transfers, etc.)
– Memberships (service on committees)
– Contributions (publications, books, patents, etc.)
In Application – Most Significant Contributions (discusses most
significant contributions)
– Additional Information on Contributions (discusses choice of venues, order of authors, etc.)
Merit of the Proposal
Originality and innovation
Significance and expected contributions to research; potential for impact
– Must describe a program of research that will advance knowledge in the Natural Sciences and Engineering
Clarity and scope of objectives
Clarity and appropriateness of methodology
Feasibility of program
Extent to which the scope of the proposal addresses all relevant issues
Appropriateness of budget
– Relationship to other sources of funds must be clearly explained
Merit of the Proposal - Advice
Write summary in plain language
Keep in mind that two audiences read your application:
expert and non-expert
Can provide a progress report on related research
Position the research within the field and state-of-the-art
Clearly articulate short- and long-term objectives
Provide a detailed methodology and realistic budget
Consider comments/recommendations you may have
received for previous applications
Additional Recommendations
Be original and creative, but also show you
have the expertise to carry out the program
Avoid referencing only your own publications
Have long term vision and short term plan
Propose a feasible number of objectives
Propose a program instead of a single short-
term project or collection of projects
Provide clear, precise description of
methodology
Integrate HQP into the proposal
Merit of the Proposal Location of Information
In Application – Proposal
– List of References
– Budget Justification
– Relationship to Other Sources of Support Explanation
– Other Support Sources – Supporting Documents (if applicable)
In CCV – Research Funding History (to assess possible
conceptual or budgetary overlaps)
Contributions to the Training of HQP
Quality and impact of past contributions to training during the last six years (2010-2016).
Appropriateness and quality of proposed training in the Natural Sciences and Engineering.
Enhancement of training arising from a collaborative or interdisciplinary environment, where applicable.
Contributions to the Training of HQP -
Advice
Past Contributions to Training:
Use an asterisk to identify students who are
co-authors on the listed contributions
Explain any delays that might have affected
your ability to train HQP
Describe nature of HQP studies
– HQP ranges from undergraduate theses and
summer projects to postdoctoral levels
Clearly define your role in any co-supervision
Do not select “Academic Advisor”
Contributions to the Training of HQP -
Advice
Training Plan:
Describe the nature of the training (e.g.,
length, specific projects) in which HQP will be
involved, the HQP’s contributions and
pertinence to the research program proposed
Discuss the training philosophy and the
expected outcomes
Clearly define your role in any collaborative
research and planned joint HQP training
Additional Recommendations
Describe your involvement and interaction with HQP
Describe the nature (PhD, master’s, undergraduate), length of time (summer project vs. thesis) and type of training (course-related or thesis)
Fully describe the nature of co-supervision
Include present position for past HQP
Include all levels of HQP, including undergraduates
Make sure projects are appropriate for level of HQP proposed
Contributions to the Training of HQP Location of Information
Record of Training
In CCV – Supervisory Activities
– Publications: Co-authors who are trained HQP are to be identified by an asterisk (*)
In Application – Past Contributions to HQP Training
Plan for Training
In Application – HQP Training Plan
We suggest…
Ask colleagues and/or your RGO for
comments on your application
Read other successful proposals
Consult the Peer Review Manual
Plan ahead and check institution deadlines Give yourself time: CCV
Discovery Grants
Insights from
Former Committee Members
Jeffrey Atkinson, Brock University
Jason Clyburne, St Mary’s
Bruce Arndtsen, McGill
June 7, 12:20-14:00
WTCC, Suite 203
Application Process for
Discovery Grants
Instructions are available on NSERC’s Web site.
– http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/ResearchPortal-
PortailDeRecherche/Instructions-Instructions/index_eng.asp
Applicants are encouraged to carefully read the
instructions on how to complete the NSERC CCV, NOI
and application (including page/character limits).
Applicants are encouraged to complete their CCV as soon
as possible as it can be time consuming to populate its
fields the first time.
Support Tools for the
Discovery Grants Program
Discovery Grants Information Centre
– http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Professors-
Professeurs/DGIC-CISD_eng.asp
– Includes links for the Peer Review Manuals (DG
and RTI) , Merit Indicators, DAS program
Resource Videos
– http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Professors-
Professeurs/Videos-Videos/Index_eng.asp
Webinars on How to apply (NOI and Full
Application stages)
Sophie Debrus (Program Officer)
613-996-6217
Jen Bailey (Program Assistant)
613-996-4944
Madeleine Bastien (Team Leader)
613 944-7527
NSERC Staff Contact Information Chemistry Evaluation Group
NSERC Contacts
NSERC Staff First Name.Last Name@nserc-
crsng.gc.ca
Deadlines, acknowledgement of
applications and results
Your university RGO
Your account, Grants in Aid of
Research Statement of Account
(Form 300)
Your university Business Officer (BO)
NSERC Web site www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca
Discovery Grants Program
(including eligibility)
E-mail: [email protected]
Tel.: 613-995-5829
Use of Grant Funds E-mail: [email protected]
On-line Services Helpdesk E-mail: [email protected]
Questions?
Thank you!
www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca
