Arthur B. McDonald Fellowships

The Arthur B. McDonald Fellowships are awarded annually to recognize early-stage academic researchers in the natural sciences and engineering, and to support them in enhancing their research capacity so that they can become leaders in their field and inspire others. Up to six fellowships are awarded each year. The program was previously known as the E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowships. Recipients receive a research grant of $250,000 over two years and are relieved from teaching and administrative duties to focus on their research. NSERC also contributes up to $90,000 per year to the university toward the recipient's salary, with the expectation that the university will fund a replacement for teaching and administrative responsibilities. The fellowship supports researchers who have held an independent academic position for 10 years or less and currently hold an NSERC grant. Nominations are evaluated based on research achievements and impacts, outreach, mentorship and leadership, and future research directions. The program emphasizes equity, diversity and inclusion throughout the nomination and selection process. The fellowship must be held at a Canadian university or affiliated research institution, and the proposed research must be primarily in the natural sciences and engineering. Recipients are selected by a multidisciplinary committee of distinguished academic, government and industry research representatives.