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NSERC Awards for Science Promotion
This pre-call framework is based on previous competitions, and is therefore subject to change as new information is provided by NSERC.
The NSERC Awards for Science Promotion honour individuals and groups who make an outstanding contribution to the promotion of science in Canada through activities encouraging popular interest in science or developing science abilities. Two recipients (one individual and one group) may be selected for the awards each year.
The NSERC Awards for Science Promotion recognize individuals and groups who inspire others by promoting science to the general public.
Examples of science promotion activities that could be considered for the award include:
- organizing science camps, fairs, clubs or mentorship programs with youth organizations
- enhancing equity, diversity and inclusion in existing programs
- creating new learning materials
- sharing best practices for science and engineering outreach
- developing co-op programs or job shadowing opportunities related to science and engineering
- arranging demonstrations, visits or lectures
- writing books or articles
- creating radio or television programs
- engaging the public through multimedia programs
Eligibility
Candidates must be nominated by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada. Nominators may include people who have benefited from the nominee’s contributions, such as teachers, parents or community members. However, nominators cannot be individuals from the same organization as the nominee.
For nominations within postsecondary institutions, senior administrators from the same institution may nominate an individual or group, as long as the award does not directly benefit the nominators. NSERC strongly encourages nominators to consider equity, diversity and inclusion in their nomination process.
Nominees must:
- be Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada
- be registered non-profit organizations, postsecondary institutions, non-federal museums or science centres within Canada (nominees for the group award)
- have made a successful and sustained effort to encourage public interest in, and understanding of, the natural sciences and engineering (including math and technology)
Nomination Process
A nomination consists of:
- A completed NSERC Award for Science Promotion nomination form
- A document (maximum three pages) that describes:
- the nominee’s sustained efforts to inspire public understanding and foster skills development in science and engineering in Canada
- the impact and duration of the nominee’s activities (nominators are encouraged to include specific measures of impact)
- the content, originality and target audience of the nominee’s activities
- Three signed letters of recommendation, dated within six months of the nomination deadline. Letters from individuals with first-hand knowledge of the nominee’s activities, especially participants in the outreach activity, are strongly encouraged. Letters must demonstrate the impact of the activities.
- Supporting documentation, such as promotional material, participant feedback, media coverage, publications or awards (maximum four pages)
- A terms and conditions form for nominees, signed by the nominee or the representative of the nominated group
- A terms and conditions form for nominators, signed by the nominator
The Government of Canada has published its Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern. This funding opportunity is in scope of this new policy. Grant applications that involve conducting research that aims to advance a sensitive technology research area will not be funded if any of the researchers involved in activities supported by the grant are currently affiliated with, or in receipt of funding or in-kind support from, a named research organization. If the prize will support research activities that aim to advance a listed sensitive technology research area, prize recipients will be required to comply with the policy and submit attestation forms to NSERC. Please read the Tri-agency Guidance on the STRAC Policy to understand how this policy may impact your grant.
Program Resources
Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the prize, nominators should consult NSERC's Guidelines for the Preparation and Review of Applications in Interdisciplinary Research when preparing the nomination package.
Nominators should also consult NSERC's Guidelines on the Assessment of Contributions to Research, Training and Mentoring.
EDID Supports
Western Research offers support and resources for knowledge mobilization, Indigenous Research, and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization. You can complete a request for support form to receive more information or request additional support. If you are unsure if your project involves Indigenous research, it is recommended that you contact Western Research early for determination and support.
Deadline and Submission
| Date | Required Steps |
|---|---|
|
September 14, 2026 |
Notice of Intent to Apply – email the Awards & Distinctions Team if you wish to have Research Awards & Distinctions support and coordination of your nomination. |
|
November 2, 2026 |
If you are receiving institutional coordination and support on your nomination, submit drafts (Word version) of all of your required nomination documents noted above to the Awards & Distinctions Team. |
|
November 16, 2026 |
Nomination submission deadline. |
Contact Us
Interested parties are encouraged to consult with Awards & Distinctions (rwprizes@uwo.ca) at Research Development & Services regarding this award and the nomination process.