BioFish

I have a feeling the saying "awards beget awards" is true, especially for NSERC. Since my first application, I got OGS and two other prestigious awards. My publication record didn't change at all (1 submitted manuscript not first author and some conference presentations). A few things I did to showcase my research potential: (1) tailor my proposal to focus on my current progress (what techniques had I used already and how those results informed my current goal and objectives) (2) clearly outlined my research contributions (get specific, why was your contribution(s) important to the field) in my personal statement and (3) I asked my supervisors to focus on my research potential in their letters of reference. I also explained in my application why my publication record was limited. Some people think reviewers will see this as making excuses, but if you have legitimate reasons (early entry to a PhD, time off between MSc and PhD, COVID lockdowns, inherently difficult area of research, novel techniques that require optimization, etc.) for not publishing as much as other people at the same level as you, they will take that into consideration.    

I have a feeling the saying "awards beget awards" is true, especially for NSERC. Since my first application, I got OGS and two other prestigious awards. My publication record didn't change at all (1 submitted manuscript not first author and some conference presentations). A few things I did to showcase my research potential: (1) tailor my proposal to focus on my current progress (what techniques had I used already and how those results informed my current goal and objectives) (2) clearly outlined my research contributions (get specific, why was your contribution(s) important to the field) in my personal statement and (3) I asked my supervisors to focus on my research potential in their letters of reference. I also explained in my application why my publication record was limited. Some people think reviewers will see this as making excuses, but if you have legitimate reasons (early entry to a PhD, time off between MSc and PhD, COVID lockdowns, inherently difficult area of research, novel techniques that require optimization, etc.) for not publishing as much as other people at the same level as you, they will take that into consideration.    

I was also notified by the university ahead of NSERC that I was successful, but I don't think that means if you haven't heard from your institution, you didn't get an award - especially at large universities.
This was my second and last time to apply. My first application was ranked very low and this year, I was ranked very high (goes to show how dynamic the process is year to year). 
I just remember how discouraging everyone was because I didn't have any publications and wanted to let those in the same boat know that you don't have to have publications to get NSERC! Keep trying and good luck!!!!! 

I was also notified by the university ahead of NSERC that I was successful, but I don't think that means if you haven't heard from your institution, you didn't get an award - especially at large universities.
This was my second and last time to apply. My first application was ranked very low and this year, I was ranked very high (goes to show how dynamic the process is year to year). 
I just remember how discouraging everyone was because I didn't have any publications and wanted to let those in the same boat know that you don't have to have publications to get NSERC! Keep trying and good luck!!!!! 

I was also notified by the university ahead of NSERC that I was successful, but I don't think that means if you haven't heard from your institution, you didn't get an award - especially at large universities.
This was my second and last time to apply. My first application was ranked very low and this year, I was ranked very high (goes to show how dynamic the process is year to year). 
I just remember how discouraging everyone was because I didn't have any publications and wanted to let those in the same boat know that you don't have to have publications to get NSERC! Keep trying and good luck!!!!! 

I was also notified by the university ahead of NSERC that I was successful, but I don't think that means if you haven't heard from your institution, you didn't get an award - especially at large universities.
This was my second and last time to apply. My first application was ranked very low and this year, I was ranked very high (goes to show how dynamic the process is year to year). 
I just remember how discouraging everyone was because I didn't have any publications and wanted to let those in the same boat know that you don't have to have publications to get NSERC! Keep trying and good luck!!!!! 

I was also notified by the university ahead of NSERC that I was successful, but I don't think that means if you haven't heard from your institution, you didn't get an award - especially at large universities.
This was my second and last time to apply. My first application was ranked very low and this year, I was ranked very high (goes to show how dynamic the process is year to year). 
I just remember how discouraging everyone was because I didn't have any publications and wanted to let those in the same boat know that you don't have to have publications to get NSERC! Keep trying and good luck!!!!! 

I was also notified by the university ahead of NSERC that I was successful, but I don't think that means if you haven't heard from your institution, you didn't get an award - especially at large universities.
This was my second and last time to apply. My first application was ranked very low and this year, I was ranked very high (goes to show how dynamic the process is year to year). 
I just remember how discouraging everyone was because I didn't have any publications and wanted to let those in the same boat know that you don't have to have publications to get NSERC! Keep trying and good luck!!!!! 

Sorry, I should have said most instead of every. U of T, certainly.

"creative" is a very polite way of putting it! I would rather have had radio silence for one more day and then the result! Not gonna be able to get any work done for the next 24 hours!

Every university has a quota of NSERC PGS/CGS D applications that they can submit to NSERC after internal review. 

Just thinking we are creating a very useful database for future applicants 

The total number of applicants is abt ~1000 ish ? I just can't fathom how the IT system couldn't send out 1000 emails all together....after all it's 2020

Im curious what your total funding package is though? Maybe the TA contracts pay out less but you receive more in internal scholarships and fellowships to compensate? Our minimum funding package for PhD students in the Faculty of Science is about $30,000.00 per year (including our TA contracts of $10,000.00).

I wonder why they make this so complicated. Why not just integrate the award announcements into the application portal? Everyone already has access and can just log on to see if they received an award, are on the waiting list or not. 

I wonder why they make this so complicated. Why not just integrate the award announcements into the application portal? Everyone already has access and can just log on to see if they received an award, are on the waiting list or not. 

I wonder why they make this so complicated. Why not just integrate the award announcements into the application portal? Everyone already has access and can just log on to see if they received an award, are on the waiting list or not. 

I wonder why they make this so complicated. Why not just integrate the award announcements into the application portal? Everyone already has access and can just log on to see if they received an award, are on the waiting list or not. 

I wonder why they make this so complicated. Why not just integrate the award announcements into the application portal? Everyone already has access and can just log on to see if they received an award, are on the waiting list or not. 

I wonder why they make this so complicated. Why not just integrate the award announcements into the application portal? Everyone already has access and can just log on to see if they received an award, are on the waiting list or not. 

I wonder why they make this so complicated. Why not just integrate the award announcements into the application portal? Everyone already has access and can just log on to see if they received an award, are on the waiting list or not. 

I wonder why they make this so complicated. Why not just integrate the award announcements into the application portal? Everyone already has access and can just log on to see if they received an award, are on the waiting list or not. 

I think they tried to hold on to "business as usual" as long as they could, but it's reasonable that social distancing as a result of COVID-19 would delay results. At least we have some kind of confirmation that all results will be sent by email in the coming week or two, which we haven't had in previous years. Stay optimistic everyone!

I think they tried to hold on to "business as usual" as long as they could, but it's reasonable that social distancing as a result of COVID-19 would delay results. At least we have some kind of confirmation that all results will be sent by email in the coming week or two, which we haven't had in previous years. Stay optimistic everyone!

I think they tried to hold on to "business as usual" as long as they could, but it's reasonable that social distancing as a result of COVID-19 would delay results. At least we have some kind of confirmation that all results will be sent by email in the coming week or two, which we haven't had in previous years. Stay optimistic everyone!