Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is a Canadian government agency that provides grants for research in the natural sciences and in engineering. Its mandate is to promote and assist research.

NSERC supports postsecondary students and postdoctoral fellows in their advanced studies. The agency promotes discovery by funding research conducted by postsecondary professors and students and fosters innovation by encouraging Canadian companies to participate and invest in postsecondary research and training.

History

NSERC came into existence on May 1, 1978. University-based research had previously been supported through the National Research Council. It is a separate employer of the Government of Canada and reports to Parliament through the Minister of Industry. It is governed by a Council composed of the president and up to 18 members appointed from the private and public sectors.

The current Chief Operating Officer is Janet Walden. On June 17, 2014, B. Mario Pinto was appointed President of NSERC, effective fall 2014.