Information for faculty applying to the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
The information presented here is intended to answer the most common questions that ORS staff receive by providing additional information not found on the NSERC website and by offering advice based on past experience. Please refer to the NSERC website (http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/index_eng.asp) for program descriptions, application forms and procedures, and competition deadlines.
Form 180:
Intent to Apply for a Discovery Grant
What is a Form 180?
Who should I list as referees?
How do I register and log in to the NSERC website?
How do I submit my Form 180?
What is a Form 180?
The Form 180 is an NSERC Discovery Grant registration document and is submitted prior to your Discovery Grant application. The deadline for Form 180s is August 1st of each year. The summary section of your Form 180 should clearly explain the objectives of your research in a manner that can be understood by someone who has a general knowledge of the field, but is not an expert in your particular area. The summary will not be used to evaluate your application later in the fall. The Chair of your Evaluation Group (formerly known as Grant Selection Committee) uses your Form 180 to select the first and second reader for your application, and the form will also be used to select external referees.
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Who should I list as referees?
Remember that your Evaluation Group (EG) may not include an expert in your area—suggesting appropriate external referees is an important step in the application process. You can provide the names of up to five potential external referees. From this list, the EG will usually choose two or three, with additional referees chosen by the first reader. Keep the following things in mind when you are selecting referees:
- Do not suggest former colleagues, students or collaborators.
- Select individuals who would be familiar with your work and can provide an objective evaluation.
- Include Canadians if possible—they are more likely to be familiar with the NSERC system.
- Suggest international experts if appropriate and if you feel they are likely to respond.
- Remember that the external referees are only one source of input into the committee's evaluation.
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How do I register and log in to the NSERC website?
- From the NSERC home page, click "On-line Services" in the side menu bar.
- Click on the "Register" link in the “On-line System Users” section.
- Follow the instructions on the "Register for eServices" page to obtain your User ID and password.
- Once you have registered, you can return to the "On-line Services" page and click the "On-line System Login" button.
For help using the online system, vist the NSERC “Frequently Asked Questions” page, accessible via the On-line Services menu. You can also contact the Helpdesk by telephone at (613) 995-4273 or by e-mail at webapp@nserc-crsng.gc.ca, or contact the Office of Research Services.
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How do I submit my Form 180?
Unlike your Discovery Grant application, the Office of Research Services does not need to review your Form 180, and we do not keep a copy on file. You submit your Form 180 to NSERC using the On-line System. Check the NSERC website for more information on the submission process.
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