NSERC (USRA)
The application deadline: March 4, 2013
NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Awards (USRA)
The Department of Mathematical and Computational Sciences will be participating in the NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) Program for the summer of 2013. If you are interested in pursuing graduate studies in MCS at the University of Toronto, you should seriously consider submitting an application. This program gives undergraduates the opportunity to work on a project with a clear research goal, under the supervision of a professor who is active at the forefront of his or her field. It is an excellent introduction to research in MCS, and gives undergraduates the opportunity to interact directly with professors, graduate students, and postdoctoral fellows.
Purpose: To stimulate interest in research in the natural science and engineering at the undergraduate level and encourage undergraduate students to undertake graduate studies and pursue a research career in these fields.
Award Value: $4,500/award with a minimum 25% supplement provided by the department.
Duration: 16 full consecutive weeks (similar to co-op work terms). For USRA work terms shorter than 16 weeks, NSERC's approval must be obtained prior to the beginning of the work term.
Administration: The Office of the Vice-Principal : Research at the University of Toronto Mississauga administers this program.
Please contact the Undergraduate Counselor if you are interested in applying for an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award.
Applications are due to the Undergraduate Counselor in the
MCS Department Office (4006 Davis Building).
DEADLINE: Monday March 4, 2013
University of Toronto NSERC Information
Program Guide and Application Procedures
Application Checklist
Student - Supervisor Certification
*NEW* USRA application information will be captured from the NSERC On-line System. Therefore, all applications MUST be completed by students and their supervisors online (https://ebiz.nserc.ca/nserc_web/nserc_login_e.htm). Applications must be submitted online and then be printed and signed manually. Those prepared by any
other means (e.g., handwritten or manually
typewritten) will NOT be accepted.
*NEW* Supervisors MUST use the new version of PART 2 of Form 202
(revised and posted as of January 5, 2011)
Faculty members who hold NSERC Grants and are eligible to supervise NSERC USRA in the MCS Department at UofT Mississauga are:
Dr. Ilia Binder, Mathematics
Dr. Ian Graham, Mathematics
Dr. Yael Karshon, Mathematics
Dr. Konstantin Khanin, Mathematics
Dr. Kumar Murty, Mathematics
Dr. William Weiss, Mathematics
Dr. Michael Yampolsky, Mathematics
Dr. Vinod Vaikunathan, Computer Science
Dr. Daniel Wigdor, Computer Science
Computer Science students can also apply to the Department of Computer Science on the St. George campus, as some of our faculty hold their NSERC Grants there.
Application Instructions for Students (UofT and Non-UofT)
1. Contact the department Undergraduate Office where you wish to apply.
2. Complete the latest version of the application form, Part 1, online. Part 2 should be completed by the supervisor. Note that the form cannot be submitted to NSERC electronically.
3. Follow the instructions on completing the form and adhere to NSERC's General Presentation Guidelines:
*Print must be in blank ink. HANDWRITTEN APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
*Text must be single-spaced, with no more than 6 lines per inch.
*Accepted font: Times New Roman, 12 pts or any comparable font. Condensed type is not acceptable.
*Applications will do not follow these guidelines will be returned.
4. Print, sign and submit the hard copy of the completed form to the department Undergraduate Counselor along with your most current original transcript. The application must be your original signature.
5. Research Services will not accept any application that has not been endorsed by the department.
Student Eligibility:
- Canadian citizens or permanent residents of Canada;
- Registered at the time they apply in a bachelor's degree program at an eligible university;
- Have been registered in the term immediately before holding the award in a bachelor’s degree program at an eligible university;
- Do not hold higher degrees in the natural sciences or engineering;
- Have completed all the course requirements of at least the first year of university study (or two academic terms) of their bachelor’s degrees;
- Have obtained, over the previous years of study, a cumulative average of at least second class (a grade of "B" or "B-") as defined by the university;
- Have not started a program of graduate studies in the natural sciences or engineering;
- Will work on R&D projects in a research field supported by NSERC;
- Supervised by faculty members who currently hold an active NSERC research grant or held one at the time the student applied for the award.
Additional information can be found by visiting the NSERC website