Research Tools and Instruments Grants Program

The RTI Grants Program provides the primary avenue for university researchers in the natural sciences and engineering to obtain up to $150,000 in support for research tools and instruments with a net cost between $7,001 and $250,000. Net cost is defined as the purchase cost of the equipment after any discount from the vendor and before taxes, customs and importation fees, transportation and shipping charges, and assembly and installation costs. Vendor discount must be free of conditions, restrictions, or limitations (e.g., cannot be offered in exchange for services from users benefiting the vendor company). Researchers can submit one RTI application per competition, either as an applicant or a co‑applicant, but not as both. This requirement does not apply to Subatomic Physics applicants as their grant applications are reviewed and supported through a different multi-program envelope.

Note: This program is intended for university researchers. College researchers should apply to the College and Community Innovation Program  Applied Research Tools and Instruments Grants.

Important information

Research Tools and Instruments

Objectives

Research Tools and Instruments (RTI) grants foster and enhance the discovery, innovation and training capability of university researchers in the natural sciences and engineering by supporting the purchase of research equipment.

Description

RTI Grants are one-year awards of up to $150,000 that assist in the purchase, fabrication or rental of research equipment with a net cost between $7,001 and $250,000 (before taxes, customs and importation fees, transportation and shipping charges, assembly and installation costs). The research community is also encouraged to explore other avenues for funding research tools and instruments, including NSERC's other programs that include the purchase of equipment as eligible expenses, such as Discovery Grants.

NSERC will only accept requests:

For tools and instruments that form a comprehensive system intended to support NSERC funded research in the natural sciences and engineering. A comprehensive system is one in which each tool or instrument forms part of an integrated system of operation to support the research program(s). Requests that bundle unrelated tools and instruments together will not be accepted.

For the purchase of new, used or refurbished equipment, the repair, upgrade or rental of equipment, or for the fabrication of equipment that is not readily available off the shelf.

For equipment that is purchased or rented after the application deadline.

Note: Equipment and items that are part of laboratory infrastructure or intended to render other equipment compliant with health and safety standards are ineligible for RTI support.

For more information on eligible expenses under the RTI program, see the instructions on how to complete an RTI application.

RTI awards must be used only for the specific type of equipment for which the grant was awarded through the peer review process. Grantees who wish to purchase equipment different from that specified in the application must obtain written permission from NSERC Finance prior to its purchase. Grantees may, however, buy a model different from that requested in the application without prior NSERC approval (e.g. newer or upgraded model).

Eligibility to apply

In addition to NSERC’s Eligibility Criteria for faculty, applicants and co-applicants must each currently hold or be applying for one of the following NSERC research grants at the time of application: Discovery Grant, Discovery Development Grant, Strategic Partnerships Grants, Collaborative Research and Development Grants, Canada Research Chairs, Canada Excellence Research Chairs or Canada 150 Research Chairs.

In the event the applicant is not successful in obtaining a Discovery Grant while concurrently applying to the RTI Program, each case will be reviewed to determine if there are ample funds from other NSERC research grants to conduct the research linked to the RTI request.

Application procedures

Researchers can submit one RTI application per competition, either as an applicant or a co‑applicant, but not as both.

To apply, applicants must submit an Application for Research Tools and Instruments through the Research Portal by the deadline date. Each applicant and co-applicant must also complete a Canadian Common CV (CCV) and link it to the Application.

If applicable, applicants should include:

Two (2) recent quotations for any individual item(s) over $25,000 (before taxes) or for any system(s) to be purchased from a single supplier and costing more than $25,000 (before taxes).

A letter from an organization (that is not the applicant’s and/or co-applicant’s institution) that clearly and exclusively explains the financial contribution towards the purchase of the equipment.

Written authorization from NSERC to use funds from Strategic, Collaborative Research and Development or other Partnership grants towards the equipment in the RTI application. Authorization is not required from NSERC in the case of cash contributions from the applicant’s and/or co-applicant’s NSERC Discovery Grant.

Letters or other attachments that do not adhere to the above guidelines should not be included and may be removed.

Applicants are encouraged to promote approaches that increase the inclusion and advancement of women and other under-represented groups in the natural sciences and engineering, as one means to foster excellence in research and training. Applicants must strive for diversity and increased gender equity when developing their group of co-applicants, collaborators and trainees. For more information, refer to the NSERC Framework on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion.

Review procedures and selection criteria

Applications for RTI grants submitted to NSERC are reviewed by experts on a competitive basis. Experts on NSERC RTI Selection Committees follow the guidelines in the Research Tools and Instruments Peer Review Manual.

Applications to the RTI Program are assessed on the basis of the three following weighted selection criteria. The onus is on the applicant to thoroughly address each criterion in the application and to provide detailed information.

Need, urgency and suitability of equipment for the research programs.1

Demonstration that the equipment is essential for the research, and that there are no other more cost-effective ways of obtaining the results;

Availability of similar equipment/facilities/services in the vicinity;

Impact of a delay in acquisition of equipment on the research and the pace of research progress;

Need to upgrade or replace obsolete or failed equipment;

Degree of utilization of the equipment by the applicant(s) and other users.

Merit of the research programs supported by the equipment and excellence of the applicant(s).

Quality and significance of research programs, including potential for major advances and impact in the discipline as a result of the equipment;

Feasibility of the plan to use the equipment;

The excellence of the applicant(s), including scientific or engineering calibre of the applicant(s) and extent to which the applicant(s) has relevant experience and demonstrated ability to fully use the equipment.

Importance of the equipment for the training of highly qualified personnel (HQP).