The NSA Scholars Program (SP)

The NSA Scholars Program (SP)

Applications are now closed

This program is intended for applicants that are in their first 3 years of their first faculty appointment as independent investigators and who have demonstrated considerable potential for success during their research training. It is anticipated that Scholars may be working with colleagues who share complementary research interests, but the Scholar will be expected to add a distinctly new direction or innovative dimension to the group in an emerging area of importance.

SP grants normally provide funding of up to $400 thousand over 4 years. The grant may be used for salary of the NSA Scholar, research equipment, and research operating expenses. The grant may be held concurrently with other salary support awards, but the amount of the NSA grant applied to the Scholar’s salary (maximum of $100,000 per year) should be such that the total salary is limited to the appropriate range established by the institution in which the Scholar holds an appointment.

There is normally a competition each year, with application deadlines falling in the first 2 months of the year.

SP Application Information

Applications should be submitted electronically using the 

form on the web site

Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.

Applications for NSA grants should include:

• a research proposal of up to five pages
  – it should outline the rationale for the project, and should describe its innovative features, importance and timeliness;  

• a detailed review of the literature and detailed research methods and techniques are not required; 

• a 500 word or less, description of your training  

• a proposed budget for each year of the grant, with rationale; broken down by major categories, and include any overhead charge by the institution (maximum of 15%)  ;  

• if there are collaborators, an abbreviated curriculum vitae of each of them, 
  including current research funding and a listing of full research publications for the past five years only, but not abstracts or speaking engagements. 

• a letter of support from the department head or dean, including approval of the budget.

• 2 reference letters from former supervisors or co-authors or equivalent.  At least one must be from the PhD or Postdoctoral supervisor.  These should be sent by their author, directly to Natsanassoc@gmail.com and include the applicant’s name in the subject line.

• The first 3 years of your first faculty appointment is measured to the deadline date for applications to be received. IF there are extenuating circumstances concerning whether you are within that period or not (parental leave, temporary reassignment etc.) then please detail this information and send to: Natsanassoc@gmail.com with supporting evidence. 

Specific instructions are on the application form.  

It is strongly encouraged that you review the requirements listed here and also review the form, then gather all the required information and files.  The form is meant to be completed and submitted in one go, so be prepared!

It is also strongly recommended that you do not leave it to the last minute.

The web site will confirm that your application has been received.  You will also receive an email within a couple of minutes with a record of the information you submitted.  If you don’t see it, check your Spam Folder!   If you haven’t received after say ten minutes, contact the Secretary-Treasurer using the link at the foot the page.

Note that the this confirmations means only that your application has been received.

The Scientific Committee reviews applications after the deadline. Some applications are deemed suitable for further Expert Review at our May/June Meeting. Applicants that fail to reach this hurdle will be notified at this time. The Expert Reviews are considered by our Scientific Committee and the Board and a final decision is made at our November/December Board Meeting. Applicants will be notified of our decision at that time. Funding for successful applicants begins shortly after the award is made.

Applications are now closed

Apply Now

Contact Information

Applications should be sent to NSA electronically, using the form on our web site.

Other enquiries can made to the Secretary-Treasurer:

Email: Natsanassoc@gmail.com

Revised Janaury 2026

2025 Innovative Research Program Application

• Deadline: December 12th, 11:59 PM

It is STRONGLY recommended that you review the information on the Grant Programs 2025 Page and the instructions on this Form before applying.

Note that applications that are incomplete or do not adhere to the requested format will not be considered.
Fields marked with * are mandatory.
If you click [Submit Application] the information on the form will be recorded and the application logged.
Once submitted, applications can not be amended. 
No information is permanently retained on this or any other web site.
To exit without submitting the form:
use browser back button or click [x] box at the top of the form but note that ANY DATA ENTERED WILL BE LOST

When you Submit you will see a spinning wheel for a few seconds, THEN THE FORM WILL CLEAR, and the web site will confirm the application was received.  In a few minutes you will receive an email with a copy of your application (it may go to your Spam or Junk folder). 

If after a minute or two you haven’t received that email contact the Secretary Treasurer