NSERC adds four new networks to flagship strategic networking program

Four new networks have been added to the Strategic Networks Grant (SNG) program of the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) bringing the total to 37. The latest targeted competition allocates $22.5 million for two networks in the area of natural resources and two that primarily involve information and communications technology (ICT), although one (NSMG-Net) has a focus on energy (see chart).

One of the successful applicants — the NSERC-SENTINEL Bioactive Paper Strategic Network — was re-funded with additional funds NSERC received in Budget 2008 to support networks in the areas of forestry, manufacturing and fisheries.

The winners were announced February 11th in Burnaby BC, at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), lead for the NSERC Smart Microgrid Network. NSMG-Net will see a pan-Canadian partnership of academics and Canadian power utility companies develop a network of integrated intelligent microgrids to monitor and manage energy use and multiple sites and potentially incorporate renewable energy sources in the overall grid. It's hoped that the resulting R&D can be incorporated into future smart grids that feature a reduced carbon footprint.

The other ICT-driven network is the Univ of Ottawa-headquartered DIVA. It aims to integrate wireless technologies into vehicles to reduce traffic congestion and greenhouse gas emissions through improved traffic flow, as well as improving passenger safety. Services that could be featured in new vehicles include multimedia streaming, local news, tourist information, message alerts for streets and highways and so-called location-aware services.

The last two funded networks received follow-on support for previously funded SGNs that require more time to produce intended results. The Bioactive Paper Network has already received SNG funding and re-applied through NSERC's special allocation for forestry. It receives a higher annual amount ($1.5 million) augmented by in-kind contributions from partners. The Bioactive Network has its origins in the Mechanical Wood-Pulps Network of Centres of Excellence that expired after a 15-year run in 2004 (R$, May 31/07). After five years as an SNG, SENTINEL was successful in applying for forestry-related networking funds and was announced last year (R$, July 6/10).

The Canadian Aquatic Invasive Species Network was also successful in re-applying although it had to augment SNG funding with cash from its partners equal to 33% of its SNG award. Although SNG recipients are not technically permitted a second tranche of five-year funding, rules were modified last year to allow for exceptional circumstances.

"In certain circumstances, it may be beneficial to re-apply without having to completely re-define themselves," says Janet Walden NSERC's VP research partnerships program. "They can re-apply as new if more than 50% of their researchers are new and they have a new research area."

NSERC has subsequently launched another two rounds for SNG funding. The 2010 competition will yield at least two new new networks by June/11 while the 2011 competition is in the letter-of-intent stage.

"The competitions are very much budget-determined as well as on quality," says Walden, adding that the latest competitions will be conducted according to the new target areas for all funding within the Strategic Partnerships Program (SPP).

When the latest four networks are included, the annual budget for the SNG program is $37.4 million — second in size within the SPP after the Strategic Projects Grants program.

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