NSERC Research Tools and Instruments Grants

Research Tools and Instruments Grants (RTI)

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

1 year

RTI Grants are one-year awards that assist buying or developing research equipment that costs more than $7,000. In exceptional cases, multiple-year requests will be accepted. The onus is on the applicant to clearly explain the rationale. While the RTI Grants Program provides the primary avenue through which to obtain support for tools and instruments costing more than $7,000, equipment of any value can be purchased using a Discovery Grant.

RTI grants are divided into three categories, according to the total net cost of the equipment, i.e., excluding taxes, shipping and handling. These categories are:

• RTI grants – Category 1: $7,001 to $150,000 (available for all disciplines that come under the Evaluation Groups);
• RTI grants – Category 2: $150,001 to $325,000 (Subatomic Physics only); and
• RTI grants – Category 3: more than $325,000 (Subatomic Physics only).

NSERC will accept applications under Category 1 for equipment whose total net cost is up to $250,000, provided that the applicant is able to secure funding from other sources to bring the amount requested from NSERC to $150,000 or less. This funding must be in place and confirmed at the time that the application is submitted. Such sources may include contributions from NSERC Discovery Grants held by the applicant or co-applicants. The use of other types of NSERC grants is permitted, provided that prior written authorization is obtained from NSERC.

NSERC will pay some or all of applicable taxes, as well as some or all of the shipping and handling expenses, as long as the overall grant does not exceed $150,000. The applicant will be responsible for any amount in excess of $150,000.

RTI grants must be used only to purchase the specific type of equipment for which the grant was awarded. Grantees who wish to purchase equipment different from that specified in the application must obtain written permission from NSERC prior to its purchase. Grantees may, however, buy a model different from that requested in the application without prior NSERC approval.

NSERC will only accept applications for equipment that is purchased after the application deadline. All applications are reviewed on a competitive basis. Grantees should explore all possible avenues with the institution to cover the cost of equipment that is purchased before the application deadline (refer to the paragraph on Residual Balances in Agency Accounts under Administrative Matters in the Financial Administration section of the Program Guide for Professors).