Sponsor
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada
Program
Arthur B. McDonald Fellowships
Description
Up to six Arthur B. McDonald Fellowships are awarded annually to recognize early stage academic researchers in the natural sciences and engineering and to enhance their research capacity so that they can become leaders in their field and inspire others. Prior to 2020, Arthur B. McDonald Fellowships were known as the E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowships.
Program details and timeline are not yet confirmed. This information will be updated when the program launches.
Eligibility
If you are an early-stage academic researcher, meaning that you have held an independent academic position for 10 years or less as of Dec. 14 of the year of the competition and currently hold a grant from NSERC, you can prepare a nomination for this award.
An independent academic position is a position that:
- is a university faculty appointment (tenured or non-tenured)
- requires that the researcher engages in research that is not under the direction of another individual
- authorizes the researcher to supervise or co-supervise the research of students registered in an undergraduate or graduate degree program, or postdoctoral fellows.
A candidate submitting a nomination in 2024 would would need to have started their appointment on or after Dec. 14, 2014.
The ten-year eligibility window is adjusted to consider instances where a researcher has had an eligible delay in research. For all eligible leaves of absence (e.g., maternity and parental leave, personal illness, chronic illness, mental illness, or disability associated with reduced research activity, leave taken for family-related illness, bereavement, extraordinary administrative duties, delays related to COVID-19), NSERC will credit eligible delays double their total duration. For example, a candidate who took a 7-month parental leave after starting their appointment would have their eligibility window extended by 14 months. Professional leaves (e.g., training, sabbatical, administrative) are not credited.
NSERC reserves the right to rule on the eligibility of nominees.
As an eligible candidate, you self-nominate; however, institutions are limited to 6 nominations and must certify its support for your nomination.
Prize
If your nomination is successful, you will receive a research grant of $250,000 over two years, held at a Canadian university or affiliated research institution. You will also be relieved from teaching and administrative duties so that you can devote your time and energy to research.
In addition, NSERC normally contributes up to $90,000 per year to the university toward your salary. NSERC expects the university to fund a replacement for the McDonald fellow’s teaching and administrative responsibilities, as part of the McDonald Fellowship agreement. NSERC reduces the contribution to the university if the McDonald fellow already holds another federal award that has a salary component, such as a Canada Research Chair or an Industrial Research Chair.
Special Notes
The nominations will be reviewed according to the following criteria:
- Candidate's stature in the scientific or engineering community — both national and international
- Importance and scope of the candidate's research and its impact on the field, society and, if applicable, on industry
- Candidate's specific accomplishments within his or her field
- Candidate's overall suitability for the award.
Deadlines
If College-level review is required, your College will communicate its earlier internal deadlines.
| Type | Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Internal Deadline | The University of Guelph is limited to 6 nominations. If you wish to be considered for VPR nomination:
Career interruptions due to parental leave, family care, extended illness or community responsibilities will not negatively impact the committee’s assessment of a candidate’s research productivity. These will be taken into consideration when EOIs are assessed. | |
External Deadline | Please also submit a copy of the application and your OR-5 to research.services@uoguelph.ca. |
How to Apply
The University of Guelph is limited to 6 nominations. If you wish to be considered for VPR nomination:
- We recommend discussing your interest in this award with your College Research Manager and Associate Dean (Research).
- Secure the support of your Department Chair/School Director as this award involves teaching and service release.
- Submit the Expression of Interest, a CV, and the support email from your Department Chair/School Director to ailsakay@uoguelph.ca and copy your College Research Manager.
Career interruptions due to parental leave, family care, extended illness or community responsibilities will not negatively impact the committee’s assessment of a candidate’s research productivity. These will be taken into consideration when EOIs are assessed.
For More Information
For more information, please contact ailsakay@uoguelph.ca or visit the NSERC Prizes-Arthur B. McDonalds Fellowships website.