Fresh ideas have the power to change the way we view the world and can lead to discoveries that will help solve some of our biggest challenges. When we invest in the innovative and creative work being done by our scientists and researchers, we are helping to ensure that our health, environment, communities and economy thrive.

Today, the Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport, announced an investment of $10 million to support more than 40 researchers at Polytechnique Montréal. This funding is made available through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) Discovery Grants program.

The investment stems from the historic $4 billion for research committed in Budget 2018 and will support graduate scholarships and post-doctoral fellowships for students in the natural sciences and engineering.

The funding is part of Canada’s Science Vision and the Government of Canada’s commitment of more than $10 billion to science, which includes the largest-ever increase in funding for fundamental research.

Minister Duncan also signed the Dimensions Charter at Polytechnique Montréal. Institutions that endorse the charter commit to embedding the principles of equity, diversity and inclusiveness in their policies, practices, action plans and culture.

Quotes

“The funding announced today demonstrates our strong and enduring commitment to science and researchers. Our government has worked hard to bring science and research back to their rightful place. This historic investment in the discoveries of tomorrow is just one example of how we are achieving this goal. Congratulations to all recipients at Polytechnique Montréal.” 
– The Honourable Kirsty Duncan, Minister of Science and Sport

“I am especially proud that our community is home to one of the pillars of innovation in applied sciences and technology. Polytechnique Montréal is receiving $10 million from our government to support more than 40 researchers and students, enabling them to innovate in their fields of expertise and preparing them to become key agents for change in our society.”
– Rachel Bendayan, Member of Parliament for Outremont

“NSERC’s Discovery Grants, scholarships and fellowships provide a firm foundation for the research programs of thousands of exceptional researchers at every stage in their career. These students, post-doctoral fellows and professors make up the backbone of Canada’s science and engineering research enterprise.”
– Dr. Digvir Jayas, Interim President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

“The NSERC Discovery Grants Program and related funding programs enable us at Polytechnique Montréal to further develop our researchers’ expertise. Funding permits our researchers to fully explore the depth and breadth of their creativity to pursue promising ideas in fundamental and applied sciences in sectors ranging from energy to artificial intelligence, to cybersecurity to biomedical or environmental engineering – all of this, in the effort to better serve society.”
– François Bertrand, Vice-President, Academic and Research, Senior Vice-President, Polytechnique Montréal

Quick facts

• The funding announced at Polytechnigue Montréal is part of an unprecedented investment of more than $588 million, announced by Minister Duncan on May 21, 2019, that will go to more than 4,850 researchers and students across the country.
• The $588 million includes $426 million in Discovery Grants going to more than 2,295 researchers across the full range of science and engineering disciplines.
• It also includes $6.2 million in Discovery Launch Supplements going to 499 early-career researchers in the first year of their Discovery Grants to help them launch their careers.
• And it includes $83 million in scholarships and fellowships to support nearly 1,700 graduate students and fellows in the early stages of their careers.
• The Government of Canada recently launched Dimensions: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Canada. This new pilot program, which is inspired by the United Kingdom’s internationally recognized Athena SWAN Charter, will address systemic barriers in research, particularly those experienced by members of under-represented or disadvantaged groups.

SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada