cathome

Ppl say it also depends on area. Health, Nano, Biomed, energy are more like to get.

I completely agree with you, but I realized it at the end of the road. Hope new PHDs read this thread. Half was cut by Harper government

I saw my friend with total 16 publications and 2 IEEE LIFE FELLOW references got rejected last year, not even getting pre-approved IRDF. With IRDF and without "networking", I will have to find a company and willing to be a low paid worker not a researcher. I think I am giving up and going to find a REAL job, at least it will pay my rent and food. One thing i dont understand is that why NSERC can not just give 30K directly to second tier PDF instead of IRDF. With that 30k, I still can go to US or UK to have myself get gold-plated with big name university.

OH BIG SHIT, I have indeed nothing to say to NSERC. I hope you can find a faculty job soon.

Yes, I do agree with you. It feels like to me NSERC is seeking potential leaders in academia and rather than pure good researcher.

communications

I have 7 journals, 8 conference all in 1st author. IRDF really means nothing, impossible to find a company.

Too bad, pre-approved IRDF. Received the letter this afternoon in Waterloo.