Optimize your chance for Success with NSERC*

Dr. Faye Murrin

Associate Dean

School of Graduate Studies

fmurrin@mun.ca Bitters Pub Sept 24th 2013

School of Graduate Studies

Scholarships Officer

*Gail Lamkin 864-2600

glamkin@mun.ca

*Bruneau Innovation Centre

2nd Floor IIC2012

NSERC Supports

Research in Natural Sciences and

Engineering

Alexander Graham Bell CGS Masters Scholarships – Dec ½, 2013

$17,500 for 12 months nonrenewable

- from undergrad to master’s program

- directly from undergrad to doctoral program (0 to 12 months)

- roll-over while in master’s to doctoral program

Alexander Graham Bell CGS Doctoral Awards $35,000 for 36 months

and PGS Awards $20,000 for up to 48 months – October 16, 2013

- from master’s to doctoral program

- directly from undergrad to doctoral program (4 to 36 months)

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Doctoral) – Sept

27, 2013

$50,000 per year for up to 36 months

CGS - Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements - Sept 10

This presentation

1. Introduction

• Important NSERC sites

2. Master’s Program

• Eligibility Considerations

• Evaluation

• Application Process & deadlines

3. Doctoral PGS/CGS Program

• Eligibility Considerations

• Evaluation

• Application Process & deadlines

• Tips on completing Form 201/200 : Online & Free form pages

Other Funding opportunities

NSERC home

NSERC Program Guide for Students and

Fellows

NSERC Tutorial Videos *

NSERC Online services

Master’s Program

NSERC’s information and instructions for

completing a doctoral application

- NSERC blank form 201

Important NSERC sites

http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/index_eng.asp

http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-

Etudiants/index_eng.asp

http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-

Etudiants/Videos-Videos/Index_eng.asp

http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/OnlineServices-

ServicesEnLigne/Index_eng.asp

http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-

Etudiants/PG-CS/CGSM-BESCM_eng.asp

http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/OnlineServices-ServicesEnLigne/instructions/201/e.asp

http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/OnlineServices-ServicesEnLigne/pdf/F201_e.pdf

Harmonized CGS Master’s

Program

• For the first time, this year the CGS M

application process is the same for all the

three tri-agency councils: NSERC, SSHRC,

and CIHR.

• NEW Common CV and Research Portal for

online applications

• Deadline of Dec 2nd

• evaluation internal

To be eligible for a CGS M Scholarship

you must:

be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident at the time of application

be enrolled in, or intend to apply for full-time admission to an eligible graduate program at the master’s level at a Canadian university with a CGS M allocation

have completed as of December 31 of the year of application, no more than 12 months of full-time studies in:

the master’s program for which you are requesting funding; or

the doctoral program for which you are requesting funding if you were admitted into a doctoral program directly from your bachelor’s program or

enrolled in a master’s program, but are requesting funding for a doctoral program (students transferring from master’s to doctoral program)

have achieved first-class standing in each of the last 2 years of full-time study or equivalent

not be applying in this academic year to SSHRC or CIHR or received a CGS M

Submit a maximum of one CGS M application per year (this application can be submitted to up to five universities)

How do I apply for a CGS M

Scholarship? You:

go to the website: http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-

Etudiants/PG-CS/CGSM-BESCM_eng.asp

complete and link the Canadian Common CV (CCV) to the

application https://ccv-cvc.ca/indexresearcher-eng.frm

complete the on-line application form and free form

attachments using the Research Portal

email the links to two reviewers (The Letters of Appraisal must

be uploaded to the application before the application can be

submitted online)

attach the official transcripts to the application before

submitting online by the deadline date of December 1

(December 2nd since the 1st is on a Sunday)

How do I apply for a CGS M

Scholarship? (cont’d)

SGS:

receives and verifies the completed applications

contacts selected applicants

selects applications (MUN Selection Committee)

NSERC CGS M quota – 11

Competition results are announced April 1 through the Research Portal

Masters Scholarship Evaluation Criteria

Academic excellence - 50%

Research potential - 30%

Personal Characteristics and

Interpersonal skills - 20%

The CGS M Application

Applicants are required to complete the CGS M template of the

CCV from the Canadian Common CV Web site and link the

CCV to the application

Applicants are required to go to the Research Portal to sign in,

click on Create Applications to gain access to the funding

opportunities (programs) available. Select the funding

opportunity in the list and click on create

The CGS M Application Cont’d

Applicants are required to complete the following sections on the

application:

Identification

Application Title – It will be used for publication purposes. It

should describe the research for which you are seeking support

Field of Research – Select the field of research: Natural

Sciences and Engineering

This section will provide discipline codes, which will be used in

the Primary and/or Secondary Field of Study sections of the

application and provides a list of universities for the Proposed

Canadian University section of the application

The CGS M Application Cont’d

Start Date or Proposed Start Date of Program of Study –

Enter the number of months, as of December 31 of the year of

application, you will have completed in your program of study.

If you are not currently enrolled in a program of study, indicate

0 months

Proposed Host Organization – Indicated the host

organization. Indicate the organization where you are

currently enrolled in an eligible program of study and wish to

pursue your studies; or indicate the organization where you

intend to apply for full-time admission to an eligible program of

study if not currently enrolled at a university of your choice

Summary of Proposal and Lay Title – Provide a summary

and a title for your project in language clear to members of the

general public

The CGS M Application Cont’d

Activity Details

Keywords, Primary Field of Study and Secondary Field of

Study – Select the Field(s) of Study that closely correspond

to your proposed research

Use keywords to further describe your proposed field of study

CGS M Program of Study (maximum of 1 page)

Provide background information to position your proposed research within the context of the current knowledge in the field

State the objectives and hypothesis, and outline the experimental or theoretical approach to be taken (citing literature pertinent to the proposal), and the methods and procedures to be used. State the significance of the proposed research to a field of fields in the social sciences and/or humanities

If you have not yet decide on a specific project, you must still provide a detailed description of a research project that interests you. You are not bound by this project. You may change your direction during the course of the award

To have a good application:

Read program description and application instructions carefully prior to completing the application form online

Be clear, concise, coherent, error-free and complete

Have someone read and comment on your Program of Study

Check that your application is complete and correct

Let referees know the deadline date

Ensure your list of publications provides complete bibliographic information

Do not use a font size smaller than 12 pt

Do not use jargon or highly technical language

Do not exceed the page limits

CGS/PGS Doctoral Awards

Process as previous years

• On line application

• Know your departmental deadline for

transcript submission to designate

• Deadline to SGS - Dec 2nd

• Competition internal and national

CGS/PGS Doctoral Awards Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident

Single application to PGS, tops awarded CGS

Application process - Form 201

Must login, complete and submit online

(if you wish you can find pdf at http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/OnlineServices-

ServicesEnLigne/Forms-Formulaires_eng.asp)

SGS deadline: Wednesday, October 16th

Agency deadline: for direct applications: October 15

PGS-D

Academic Excellence 30

Research

Ability/Potential

50

Oral/Written

Communication

Skills, Interpersonal

and Leadership

Abilities

20

Total 100

CGS/PGS Doctoral Awards

Selection Criteria & Relative Weight

How will reviewers rate your application?

Criterion Indicators Form 201 evidence

Academic

Excellence

duration of previous study

scholarships/awards

academic record

Dept/Univ rankings and comments

P 1 (academic background), P 5 thesis completed

P 4 (scholarships table)

University transcripts

App. 2 parts II

Research

Potential

Scholarships/awards

acad. training/relevant experience

contributions to research

publications, conf., patents,

reports)

research proposal

justification for location (PDF Only)

critical thinking, initiative,

ability to complete projects

P 4 (scholarships table)

P 1,2 relevant experience, Part II sect 3, App. 1

P 4 (thesis summary), Part II sect 1 (articles

published) , sect 2 (most significant contributions –

Doc. only!), sect 3 (applicant’s statement), App. 1

Part II (outline of research)

P 5 (justification for tenure)

Part II sect 3 (applicant’s statement), App. 1, 2

P 1 (academic background, P 5 (theses), App. 1

Communication,

Interpersonal

and Leadership

Abilities

awards for papers, presentations

application quality

rating and candidate evaluation

participation in publication

preparation

professional & extracurricular

activities, collaborations,

mentoring, supervision, project

management, committee chairs,

elected offices etc, ratings

P 4 (scholarships table)

Part II (outline of research), P 5 (justification for

tenure - PDF), Part II sect 3 (applicant’s statement)

App. 1 and 2 (Parts II and III)

Part II sect 2 (most significant contributions – Doc.

only!), App. 1

P 1,2 (relevant experience)

Part II sect 3 (applicant’s statement)

App. 1

Eligibility considerations

Citizenship/Award

Area of research (NSE)

Program of study / University

Academic standing

Time in program

Only one Tri-Agency at a time

for eligibility details http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/NSERC-

CRSNG/Eligibility-Admissibilite/students-etudiants_eng.asp

Citizenship

To Apply for CGS/PGS Support You Must Be:

A Canadian citizen OR Permanent Resident of Canada eg. CGS/PGS

The following are also open to International students

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program (Vanier CGS)

Industrial Postgraduate Scholarships Programs (IPS)

Visiting Fellowships in Canadian Government Laboratories (VF)

Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE)

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (BPDF - NEW)

Eligibility of Program of Study and Proposed Research

Eligibility: also you should

hold or expect to hold (at take-up date) a degree in NSE from a

University recognized by NSERC

intend to pursue full time* grad studies and research in NSE in

the following year

maintained 1st class average in last two years (MUN GPA 3.5

or better; some leniency for IPS)

*PGS/CGS part time possible in special circumstances; IPS part

time possible for FT employees

Eligibility: “Your registration status, and the number of months

completed in the program for which you are requesting funding, will

have an impact on your eligibility to apply.” NSERC Video 2012

* Please note that the PGS M program is discontinued as 2013

*

How do I apply? You the applicant:

1. Read/heed NSERC web site – important links on second slide!

2. Provide University designate in your department with copies of all transcripts by departmental deadline (this will be before the SGS deadline for submission of the completed application) ;

3. Contact two reviewers, and provide them with relevant information about you

4. Register and log in

• add designate’s name and email information to the application. (Designate will instantly and automatically be sent an e-invitation to upload your transcripts)

• provide contact information of two referees. (Referees will instantly and automatically be sent an e-invitation to complete and submit their letter /”report on the applicant” - all online)

• complete on-line form 201 & attach free form pages

• Print it out and ask mentors and colleagues for comments – for sure; don’t bore your the reviewers as they only have a very limited time per application.

• verify and submit by SGS deadline of Oct 16th 2013

your referees (two needed for submission to SGS):

Referees complete and submit reference letter online

• Do give the referee time, and information about yourself, so that s/he can

personalize the reference, and address each of the main criteria: Academics,

Research and Leadership

your academic unit:

University designate attaches transcripts

• Ensure that the designate has all the appropriate transcripts in good time

prior to the departmental deadline (which is earlier than the final submission

of your application online by the SGS deadline of October 16 2013) .

How do I apply? con‘t

SGS:

1. receives and verifies completed applications (may contact you)

2. ranks all Memorial applications (MUN selection committee meets in camera)

3. forwards quota to NSERC (22 in 2013) by NSERC’s deadline and notifies

applicants if they have or have not been forwarded; plus alternative list

NSERC:

1. receives applications

2. reviews applications and selects successful applications (12 committees in

Ottawa – Feb.)

3. notifies applicants (March)

How do I apply? -what happens next

What are my chances?

Very good if:

•your marks are 1st class (mostly A’s & maybe a few B’s!!)

•you read/heed NSERC program guide/form 201 instructions

•you take advice from experienced faculty and others

•you submit a “clean”, error-free, self-consistent application

•you submit a clear, succinct research proposal

•your reference letters are personalized

•you meet deadlines

CGS/PGS MUN quota = 22 in 2013

CGS Master’s = 11 0n 2013

IPS – higher 90%, less stringent, no deadlines

Vanier MUN (NSERC) quota:–2008, 2012

PDF – 10-15%

Tips on completing the application

Form 201*

Part 1

ONLINE PAGES

• online forms

• Final 6-8 pages (depending

on the award)

• Plus referees reports and

transcripts

Part 2

FREE-FORM PAGES

• Complete in word processor

& attach

A. Outline of Proposed Research

– 1 page B. Justification for Eligibility

of proposed research C. Contributions and Statement –

1 or 2 pages (M or D) *Yes - PGS/CGS IPS PDF no - USRA,Vanier, Banting

Part 1 – not free form

ONLINE FORM-PAGES

http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/OnlineServices-ServicesEnLigne/Index_eng.asp

Consent Form

1. Cover page

2. Academic background

3. Academic research and other relevant work experience

4. Proposed Location of tenure

5. Scholarships and other awards offered

6. Theses completed or in progress (not M)

7. Justification for location of tenure (not M)

Transcripts

Report on the applicant (2!!)

Form 201 tips

What you see online

Form 201 tips

Up to date address Notify if a change

If you list a degree you

need to include the

transcript

Form 201 tips

NSE relevant. Demonstrate leadership,

research ability & communication skills.

Indicate if experience was gained in

program of study (lab demo, teaching

etc., internships, placements)

Do not include your graduate program in

this section.

Form 201 tips

These are very important…. choose carefully

PGS specify max of three institutions; IPS specify University and industry partner

Form 201 tips

List competitive, university level awards only, declined awards OK; 0$ value

awards OK; max 10, most recent first, list award value per year

Form 201 tips

CGS/PGSD and PDF only!

Provide full title and summary of most recent thesis

completed or in progress in plain language (modify thesis

abstract if necessary); if no thesis, summarize research

project or research-related work experience.

Do not repeat the information provided in the outline of

proposed research.

Form 201 tips

Only applicable for PDF applicants.

PGS M and PGS D are no longer required to make a special request to hold their award

abroad (CGSM/CGSD not eligible).

Time sensitive. Contact reference in person if possible, establish that they will give you a “good” reference, provide good information (remind them of your achievements and goals), give them a copy of your completed form 201 and

your CV. Direct them to the “how to complete Appendix 1” NSERC

URL: http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/OnlineServices-ServicesEnLigne/Forms-Formulaires_eng.asp

Two needed (one from supervisor/mentor); they should

address: research ability, communication skills, interpersonal and leadership abilities. GIVE THEM THE INFORMATION

(specific examples) TO MAKE IT PERSONAL! (not required for IPS)

Form 201 tips

You MUST check the box to be considered for supplements (additional funds, $5,000 - $17,300,

from other organizations)! for detailed information/requirements on specific

supplements see: http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/PG-

CS/Supplements-Supplements/index_eng.asp

Optional

Form 201 tips

Part 2 A

FREE FORM PAGE(S)* (attachments)

A. Outline of Proposed Research – 1 page

B. Justification for Eligibility of proposed research – 1

page

C. Contributions and Statement –2 pages (D, IPS) (4

PDF)

*Follow the format standards of the General

Presentation found in the instructions.

Write in plain language

White space is missed opportunity

But do not crowd it – make it easy for the reviewers

Error free, sensible headings and format

Readable by non-expert

Limited acronyms or abbreviations

Do not duplicate thesis summary on p 4

Provide brief introduction/background (why is the research important?)

List clear objectives (what are you going to do?)

Outline methodology (how are you going to do it?)

Add figures and literature citations if appropriate (b&w)

If a continuation of your previous work, why is it worth continuing?

No specific project? PGS M applicants may describe a project that interests you.

IPS applicants should outline benefits to the company

A. Outline of Proposed Research (free form, maximum one page)

Write for an intelligent non-expert

They want to know that scarce public funds are wisely used

Ask an non-expert to review it

Ask others too

Listen to advice and take what is useful ……. don’t take criticism

personally.

B. Justification for Eligibility of Proposed Research - NEW

1 page

Complete if your research falls under the

mandate of more than one federal granting

agency

Psychology, management studies, geography,

phys education, bio-med engineering, health,

bioinformatics, biostatistics etc

Answer: Why predominantly NSE?

c. Contributions and Statement

c. Contributions and Statement –2 pages (D, IPS) (4 PDF)

Part I: Contributions to research and development

Part II: Most significant contributions to research

development (complete only if applying for a PGS

D)

Part III: Applicant’s statement

a) Research Experience

b) Relevant Activities

c) Special Circumstances (Include if warranted!)

Deadline for 2013 NSERC PGS/CGS doctoral Applications

1. ? - Transcripts to your (departmental) University

designate - check with your department for the date

2. Oct 16 Completed applications submitted online (and

accessible to School of Graduate Studies) (Oct. 15 - Students submitting directly to NSERC)

Maximum of FOUR (4) years total support possible

for grad program

Total = Master’s (1) + PhD support

Exceptions : Vanier CGS, IPS (2 + 3)

5. Industrial Postgraduate Scholarships (IPS)

6. CGS Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements

7. Postdoctoral Fellowships – NSERC or Banting PDF

8. USRA – Undergrad student research awards

9. etc!

What other funding opportunities are

available?

2. Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) Master’s program

3. Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) doctoral program

4. NSERC Postgraduate Scholarships (PGS)

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships (Vanier CGS)

$50,000 a year for 3 years

outstanding doctoral student at a Canadian university

no citizenship restrictions

leadership & scholarship

Harmonized Tri-Agency process

Application details at www.vanier.gc.ca

On-line application submission via

ResearchNet

SGS deadline: Sept 27, 2013

Memorial NSERC Quota: 5

Vanier CGS Awards

Gain work experience while completing degree

$21,000 min for M level

international students may be eligible

quick turn-around

industry partner required

Application process - Form 200

via pdf http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/OnlineServices-

ServicesEnLigne/Forms-Formulaires_eng.asp

or login complete online & print hardcopy to send in

cannot be submitted online

SGS deadline: none

Agency deadline: none

IPS Industrial Postgraduate

Scholarship

The Canada Graduate Scholarship (CGS) –

Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplement (FSS)

This supplement program provides additional funding for current

recipients of the Joseph-Armand Bombardier Scholarships or

Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships so that they may obtain

research experience outside of Canada

Funding will be awarded for a maximum of six months. The related

research study period abroad normally lasts between three and

six months.

SGS deadlines: Sept 10 and May 10 2013

For complete eligibility details:

http://www.sshrc-crsh.gc.ca/funding-financement/umbrella_programs-programme_cadre/talent-eng.aspx

NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship

$40,000 year for 2 years

Canadian Citizen or PR; Canada or abroad

Application process - Form 201

Must login, complete, submit online Can access pdf http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/OnlineServices-

ServicesEnLigne/Forms-Formulaires_eng.asp

(SGS deadline: none, submit directly to NSERC)

Agency deadline: Oct. 15, 2013

emphasis on research potential

NSERC Postdoc cont.

New: NSERC has decided to reduce the maximum

number of applications an individual may submit in a

lifetime to its PDF program from two to one.

(www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Students-Etudiants/PD-

NP/PDF-BP_eng.asp).

As a transition measure, applications from individuals

who have previously submitted an application for an

NSERC PDF and who remain eligible to apply in the

upcoming competition will be accepted.

Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship

$70,000 a year for 2 years

nominated by university

no citizenship restriction

http://banting.fellowships-bourses.gc.ca/home-accueil-

eng.html]

ResearchNet Application System

Internal deadline – Office of Research Services : 12:00

p.m. (noon) Sept 27, 2013

SGS

GSU

SGS is here to help you! Gail Lamkin 864-2600

glamkin@mun.ca

School of Graduate Studies

Brunneau Innovation Centre

2nd Floor

IIC2012