National Security Guidelines for NSERC Alliance Grants
In an effort to mitigate risk and protecting intellectual property developed at Canada's post-secondary institutions, the Government of Canada is introducing new national security guidelines for federally funded research partnerships.
These changes currently only apply to the NSERC Alliance program; however, the intention is to roll them out for all granting councils and the Canada Foundation for Innovation in the near future.
NSERC Alliance Grants
- How to apply when proposals involve one or more partner organizations from the private sector
- Alliance Grant Risk Assessment Form
- Alliance Grant Frequently Asked Questions
As a first step, any new applications to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council’s (NSERC) Alliance Grants program involving private sector partners must include a completed risk assessment form and a risk mitigation plan where appropriate.
In addition to performing a scientific merit review, NSERC will assess these risks in consultation with national security agencies and departments on a case-by-case basis. Projects deemed to be of high national security risk will not be funded.
August 2021: Please also note that for any Alliance application currently in the online system and not yet submitted to NSERC by the university, the applicant must invite (or re-invite, if previously done) the contact person at each of their partner organizations in order for them to complete the partner organization form (if not previously done), and to submit the information about the organization while agreeing to the new terms and conditions of applying for partner organizations.
