Communications, computing, materials, sensing, health care, navigation, and other critical industries benefit from quantum science and innovation. By supporting Canada’s quantum sector and creating leadership in this developing and revolutionary domain, the Government of Canada is dedicated to helping define the future of quantum technology. The Honorable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, announced today that the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) would invest $137.9 million in Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) and Alliance awards.
These awards are an essential step forward in the National Quantum Strategy. They will strengthen Canada’s quantum science research capabilities while also developing a talent pipeline to support the building of a robust quantum community. NSERC has granted about $384 million in financing for quantum research at Canadian post-secondary institutions over the previous ten years, and these additional investments will add to that.
Context of the Fund
The study, manipulation, and control of systems at the atomic and subatomic levels are known as quantum science. Quantum technologies are at the forefront of science and innovation in Canada and worldwide. They will assist in the growth and transformation of critical industries, creating new economic opportunities, and the advancement of a variety of societal advantages. Canada is a world leader in quantum research, and its scientists are ideally positioned to take advantage of these opportunities. Canada committed to launching a National Quantum Strategy (NQS) in Budget 2021 to magnify the country’s substantial capabilities in quantum research, build quantum-ready technology, firms, and talent, and cement the country’s global leadership in this field.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) helps execute the NQS by providing funding opportunities that expand on NSERC’s long-term commitment to quantum research. Alliance International Quantum grants will help Canadian academics start and grow international research collaborations that will improve research excellence in Canada and overseas and boost Canada’s research strengths and leadership in quantum science and technology. Alliance International Catalyst Quantum grants will provide up to $25,000 for one year to support Canadian academic researchers in initiating and developing research collaborations with international academic researchers in quantum science and quantum technologies using NSERC’s newly launched Alliance International Catalyst grants. In the fiscal year 2022–23, around 100 Catalyst Quantum awards are projected to be awarded, and these awards will lay the groundwork for more fantastic collaborations in the future.
How Much Fund Is Available?
For a year, you might get up to $25,000 in funding.
What Are Application Deadlines?
Up until January 31, 2023, applications will be accepted.
Applications will be divided into batches based on when they are received:
From April 1 through June 15, 2022
From June 16 through August 31, 2022
The dates are September 1, 2022, through November 14, 2022.
November 15, 2022 – January 31, 2023
Every quarter, funding decisions will be communicated.
What Should Proposals for the Fund Focus on?
Proposals must focus on one or more of the following quantum technology areas:
Encryption/quantum algorithms
quantum data transmissions
computing using quantum mechanics
materials with quantum properties
quantum physics
Collaborations that synergistically link these quantum technology thrusts to other natural science and engineering research subjects would be welcomed.
The Alliance International grants website has all the program information and rules for Catalyst Quantum funding. Potential applicants should review this material for information on applicant eligibility criteria, application limits, the review process and merit indicators, award conditions, and directions for preparing your application.
How to Apply?
You have until January 31, 2023, to submit your application. As a principal applicant, you and any Canadian co-applicants must have a current NSERC peer-reviewed grant at the time of application. As an applicant or co-applicant, you are limited to one application under this initiative.
To begin your application,
Log in to the online system and make your selection. Create a new form
For the Proposal type field, select Research partnerships programs, then Alliance grants; for the Type of call field, pick Full proposal;
Select International – Catalyst – Quantum drop-down box for the International – Catalyst – Quantum.
Fill out the proposal form and the remaining sections of your application according to the guidelines for completing an Alliance International application.
*Please take note of the following:
Under Relevance and Expected Outcomes, you should describe the proposed international collaboration’s goals and probable outcomes and consequences in the proposal template.
Explain how the international partnership will address significant scientific challenges in the natural sciences and engineering (NSE) disciplines, quantum science and technology, and build on areas where Canada excels. Describe the topic’s worldwide significance and how the projected consequences might benefit Canada. Follow the instructions and bullets in the proposal template to complete the remaining sections of your proposal.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
NSERC is acting on the evidence that a more fair, diverse, and inclusive Canadian research enterprise is critical to producing the high-quality, innovative, and impactful research needed to increase knowledge and understanding and address local, national, and global concerns. The promises outlined in the Tri-agency statement on equity, diversity, and inclusion are guided by this idea (EDI).
In the research design, applicants are expected to address sex, gender, and diversity. When forming the research team and evaluating ways to promote and support various forms of mentoring to ensure trainees’ fair involvement and advancement, diversity and gender equity should be considered. For more information, applicants should see the Guide for Applicants: Considering Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion in Your Application.
Reporting
You will be informed of the reporting obligations when you receive your award letter. Within three months of completing your project, you must submit a final report. For more information, please see the Alliance International Post-award page.
Leave a Reply