Competition launch for Networks of Centres of Excellence

The Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) is pleased to announce the launch of a competition for NCE networks. The funding available is $75 million over five years.

Networks must be challenge-focused and solution-driven. They are expected to foster innovative research, training and the co-creation of new knowledge on critical issues of intellectual, social, economic and cultural significance. They must engage partners in the design and execution of all network activities, including knowledge creation, mobilization and exploitation.

Both new and established networks are eligible to apply for funding in this competition. Established networks are defined as NCE networks that have been awarded NCE funds for all available funding cycles and whose final NCE funding term has ended or will end by March 2019.

Networks are expected to promote equity, diversity and inclusion within the structure of the proposed network and its activities.

The NCE Secretariat will host webinars in late August and mid-September following the launch of the competition. In order to participate in the webinar(s), all potential applicants must indicate their intention to submit an LOI by August 23, 2017 (by email to info@nce-rce.gc.ca). Please include the following information:

• The name, affiliation and email address of the Scientific Director, and co-Scientific Director if applicable;
• The name of the proposed host institution;
• The working title of the network;
• The challenges the proposed network will address and its anticipated impacts (250 words or less); and
• The subject line of the email should be: NCE LOI

The NCE secretariat will use this information to inform potential applicants of planned webinars, and for other important communications about the competition.

The deadline for letters of intent is November 15, 2017.

For information on the competition, including how to apply, consult the competition documents and frequently asked questions.

Update October 16, 2017: The frequently asked questions section is being revised periodically to address questions and comments from potential applicants. We encourage you to regularly check the link above for updates.