Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Building on the Government of Canada’s $1 billion quantum investments since 2009, and in the spirit of the National Quantum Strategy announced in Budget 2021, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) is pleased to announce its partnership with the European Commission on a call for research proposals on quantum technologies under Horizon Europe. 

The joint EU-Canada projects are expected to address a mix of quantum technology challenges in the areas of quantum communication, computing, simulation and sensing. A multidisciplinary approach is also expected, including the integration of different aspects like physics, engineering, computer science, theory, algorithms, software, manufacturing, control, infrastructures, etc. Projects must identify the added value and/or mutual benefit for both European and Canadian partners. 

Under this call, Canada and Europe will each provide up to €4,000,000 (approximately ~C$6,000,000) in funding to support joint research projects.

Eligibility: 

The full requirements for the team composition of eligible EU-Canada consortia are described in the Horizon Europe Work Programme General Annexes and HORIZON-CL4-2021-DIGITAL-EMERGING-01-23: International cooperation with Canada (RIA). Proposals must include eligible applicants from both Canada and Europe. The requirements are described below.

For Canada:

A team of Canadian researchers with at least one university applicant in Canada who is eligible to receive funding from NSERC. Researchers should refer to NSERC’s Eligibility criteria for faculty to see if they are eligible to apply for and hold funds. College faculty members who meet NSERC’s eligibility criteria can participate as co-applicants.

If selected for funding, the Canadian team will be asked to provide NSERC with the name of the Canadian principal applicant and the names of the co-applicants. Only co-applicants who meet NSERC’s eligibility requirements will receive funding.

Other researchers and organizations (e.g., from the public and/or private sector) can participate in the consortium as collaborators. However, they cannot receive funding from the NSERC grant and are expected to bring their own resources to the collaboration.

For Europe:

To be eligible, European applicants must meet the Horizon Europe Work Programme (HEWP) eligibility conditions detailed in General Annex B.

Funds: 

Each selected EU-Canada consortium will be jointly funded by NSERC and the EC, to support the activities of eligible researchers in their respective countries. Both NSERC and the EC each expect to contribute ~CAN$2M (EUR 1.33 million) per selected consortia. Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of a proposal requesting different amounts.

NSERC’s total budget allocation for this call is ~CAN$6M (EUR 4.00 million). NSERC’s contribution will be awarded to the eligible Canadian applicants in the form of one Alliance grant per consortium, to be administered by the Canadian principal applicant’s institution. NSERC’s funding is intended to support the activities of the eligible Canadian researchers in the consortium, and must be used in accordance with the Tri-agency guide on financial administration. Canadian applicants are only eligible to receive funding from NSERC.

EU funding will only be provided to legal entities established in eligible countries in accordance with the HEWP General Annex B.

Duration: 

The European Commission and NSERC consider that proposals with duration of 36 months (but not exceeding 60 months) will allow outcomes to be addressed appropriately.

Nonetheless, this does not preclude submission and selection of proposals requesting other durations.

Deadline: 

October 21, 2021 at 8 am PST. 

Website: 

https://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/Innovate-Innover/NSERC_EC-CRSNG_CE_eng.asp#duration