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From theoretical work in the sciences to applied work in engineering and health fields, over 180 University of Toronto researchers will share more than $51 million through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Discovery Grants program.
The grants, which support experts at all career stages, but are especially important for early-career researchers, were announced Friday by Minister of Foreign Affairs and MP for University-Rosedale Chrystia Freeland at an event held at U of T’s Medical Sciences Building.
“Universities occupy an essential space in our society by promoting research, innovation and debate – and the University of Toronto is an internationally recognized, premier institution of higher learning that connects Canada to the world,” Freeland told the event’s attendees.
“The support we are announcing today will help our high-calibre researchers bring new voices and new insights to their fields, leading game-changing discoveries.”
The announcement of the grants secured by researchers at U of T, which leads the country in obtaining Discovery Grants funding, followed an earlier federal government announcement in May about its plan to invest more than $558 million Canada-wide through the program.
“NSERC Discovery Grants, Scholarships and Fellowships recognize the creativity and innovation that are at the heart of all research advances,” said Vivek Goel, U of T’s vice-president of research and innovation, and strategic initiatives. “Many of these awards have gone to U of T researchers in 2019, and we are grateful for the federal government’s support.
“Our researchers our pushing the boundaries of fundamental science and discovery and applying knowledge in fields from advanced manufacturing to health to help answer some of society’s most pressing questions, boost the Canadian economy, and contribute to improving lives around the world.
“For early-career researchers, these awards also provide the foundation for important work that will continue well into the future.”