NSERC/FRQNT – Chairs for Inclusion in Science and Engineering

The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature et technologies (FRQNT) are acting on the evidence that achieving a more equitable, diverse and inclusive Canadian research enterprise is essential to creating the excellent, innovative and impactful research necessary to advance knowledge and understanding, and respond to local, national and global challenges.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Overview of the NSERC/FRQNT – Chairs for Inclusion in Science and Engineering program:

The goal of the Chairs for Inclusion in Science and Engineering (CISE) program is to support teams of natural sciences and engineering (NSE) researchers across Canada who contribute to a culture of inclusion in the NSE by catalyzing networks of supporters of this work, promoting equity and inclusion in the research ecosystem, and undertaking activities to enhance awareness and understanding of barriers and inequities faced by members of underrepresented groups in these fields. Underrepresented groups include, but are not limited to, women, Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis), persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities/racialized groups and members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Intersectionality among these groups as well as with other dimensions must also be considered. Teams are responsible for proposing initiatives that are most relevant to the issues within their region.

Benefits of the NSERC/FRQNT – Chairs for Inclusion in Science and Engineering program:

Provide chairholders with the capacity and platform to undertake activities that promote cultural change in the research ecosystem by promoting the participation and retention of members of underrepresented groups in the natural sciences and engineering.
Enhance understanding and awareness of inequities and barriers to the participation and retention of members of underrepresented groups in natural sciences and engineering disciplines.
Stimulate collaborations and partnerships among relevant stakeholders
Provide diverse role models of researchers in science and engineering

Eligibility criteria of the NSERC/FRQNT – Chairs for Inclusion in Science and Engineering program:

Teams must consist of three members.
One person is designated as the applicant for administrative purposes.
All team members contribute equally and will be considered Chairs.
Team members must be from at least three different NSERC- and FRQNT-eligible universities in Quebec.
There is no limit to the number of applicants a university can support.
Each member must meet NSERC and FRQNT eligibility criteria.
All members must be active NSE researchers with current funding.
The proposal must include an initiative focused on the participation and retention of women in science and engineering.