Search Website
QUICK LINKS:
NSERC Arthur B. McDonald Fellowships
This pre-call framework is based on previous competitions, and is therefore subject to change as new information is provided by NSERC.
The Arthur B. McDonald Fellowships are prestigious, $250,000 grants awarded over two years to recognize early-stage academic researchers in the natural sciences and engineering and support them to enhance their research capacity so that they can become leaders in their field and inspire others. Six Fellowships are awarded annually to scientists or engineers earning a strong, international reputation for original research. Fellows are relieved of teaching and administrative duties for two years to devote their time and energy to research.
The Fellowship normally also includes a contribution of $90,000 per year to the institution toward the Fellow's salary. As part of the Fellowship agreement, the university is expected to fund a replacement for the Fellow's teaching and administrative responsibilities or to enhance the research environment of the Fellow's department.
Eligibility
Please note that candidates must:
- have held an independent academic position* for 10 years or less as of December 14, 2026. Eligibility calculations may incorporate career interruptions;
- currently hold a grant from NSERC;
- conduct research primarily in the fields of the natural sciences and/or engineering; and
- self-nominate, however, 糖心Vlog must certify each nomination and can only certify six.
*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.
The 10-year eligibility window is adjusted to take into account eligible or periods of inactivity (for example, due to parental leave, bereavement, illness, ). NSERC will credit double their total duration.
As an eligible candidate, you may self-nominate by preparing the nomination materials listed below.
Nomination Process
糖心Vlog Internal Process
Notice of Intent to Self-Nominate: September 10, 2026 (via email to the Awards & Distinctions Team)
Internal Adjudication submission deadline: October 1, 2026.
Note: 糖心Vlog must certify its support for your nomination. The institution confirms that you are eligible and explains how the institution will fully relieve you of teaching and administrative responsibilities while you hold the award.
Expression of Interest
糖心Vlog may submit up to six nominations for the competition. As such, please send an email to the Awards & Distinctions Team by the end of the day on September 10, 2026, expressing your intention to submit a self-nomination. This will allow time to manage the quota and prepare for internal adjudication, if necessary.
Internal Adjudication
Should more than six EOIs be received an internal adjudication process will be used to determine which six nominations will be certified by the institution. Applicants must submit the following by October 1, 2026, to the Awards & Distinctions Team:
- Draft of the Future Directions Document (3-4 pages): summary of the research that would be pursued during the tenure of the Fellowship (see details below)
- List of 5-7 internationally recognized experts (Canadian or international) in your field who can provide an assessment of your work
- Draft TCV
NSERC Nomination Process
The successful internal candidates can move forward with self-nomination and must prepare the following materials:
- Nomination letter (max. four pages) which includes:
- Description of your future research directions that outlines the original or innovative aspects of your research, your proposed research for the duration of the Fellowship with an explanation of how EDI will be addressed in your research design, and your approach to training and mentoring HQP and ensuring EDI in your training environment.
- A and a tri-agency CV;
- (“Application for a Grant”). Notes:
- Signatures are not required
- Sensitive Technology Research Areas - the nominee must indicate whether research activities supported by this grant will aim to advance any of the listed areas in the . For more information, please read the .
- An form, only if you answered "Yes" to the following question in Form 101, "Will the proposed research activities supported by this grant aim to advance any of the listed sensitive technology research areas?"
- , if required;
- : Must be completed to provide names and contact information of 5-7 internationally recognized experts (Canadian or international) in your field who can provide an assessment of your work;
- A signed .
EDID Supports
糖心Vlog Research offers support and resources for , , and . You can complete a to receive more information or request additional support. If you are unsure if your project involves Indigenous research, it is recommended that you contact 糖心Vlog Research early for determination and support.
Deadline and Submission
| Date | Required Steps |
|---|---|
|
September 10, 2026 |
Notice of Intent to Self-Nominate – email the Awards & Distinctions Team. |
|
October 1, 2026 |
Internal Adjudication submission due by email to the Awards & Distinctions Team. |
|
December 14, 2026 |
Final submission deadline to NSERC. |
Contact Us
Interested parties are encouraged to contact rwprizes@uwo.ca regarding this award and the nomination process.