NSERC invites applications for initiatives that promote the natural sciences and engineering to Canada’s young people, particularly to groups such as girls and Indigenous peoples* that are under-represented in scientific and engineering careers. Taking equity and diversity into account, NSERC may support additional meritorious applications that focus on under-represented groups if sufficient funds become available. PromoScience supports activities and content designed for youth in elementary school, high school (including those in the equivalent first year of college in Quebec) and their teachers, and activities that will encourage Indigenous undergraduate students to pursue graduate studies in natural sciences and engineering.

Call for applications

More information on this program can be found here.

About the PromoScience Program

NSERC’s PromoScience Program offers financial support for organizations working with young Canadians to promote an understanding of science and engineering (including mathematics and technology). Organizations may request funds for up to three years at a time.

PromoScience supports hands-on learning experiences for young students and their teachers. Grants may be used to cover improvements to program content or delivery, as well as for new programs and activities. Grants can also be used to cover operational costs such as salaries, travel, postage, materials and supplies, provided that they relate to the promotion of science and engineering.

Note that grants may not be used to support research. Details on the eligibility of expenses are contained in the Use of Grant Funds section of the PromoScience Grants Guide. The information in this Guide may change without notice.

All eligible applications are peer reviewed by the PromoScience/NSERC Awards for Science Promotion Selection Committee. Members are chosen from the science and engineering promotion community, and the education community, based on their stature and expertise. Committee members are responsible for respecting the confidentiality of application material and the review process, and for declaring real, potential or apparent conflicts of interest. All members are required to sign a declaration of confidentiality and non-disclosure.

Successful applications will be screened by NSERC staff to ensure adherence to NSERC’s policies and guidelines.

Progress reports may be required. Final reports are mandatory. An outline of reporting requirements will be provided to recipients along with the notification of the grant.