Funding news
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) at the Global Research Council meeting in Bangkok in May. International collaborations like these are critical to creating new opportunities for researchers to tackle shared scientific challenges, accelerate innovation and strengthen Canada's research partnerships around the world.
Building on this MOU, NSERC and NRF are pleased to announce an upcoming joint international research call. This funding opportunity aims to leverage the complementary interests and research expertise of Canadian and Korean academic researchers to support bilateral research projects in quantum science and technologies. Through this call, NSERC will invest up to $3 million to support Canadian researchers. Successful Canadian teams may receive up to $750,000 per project ($250,000 per year, for three years).
Canadian researchers interested in applying are encouraged to start connecting with their Korean colleagues now. For more information about this funding opportunity, please visit the
Proposals may address any challenge in quantum science, but must focus on advancing one or more of the following areas of quantum technologies:
- quantum algorithms/encryption, including post-quantum cryptography
- quantum communications
- quantum computing
- quantum materials
- quantum sensing
The Korean project lead will submit the full collaborative proposal to NRF by the expected deadline of October 7, 2026. NRF will lead the merit review process.
In parallel, the Canadian project lead will submit a simplified application to NSERC.
Information sessions hosted by NRF and NSERC will be available in early September. Details will be announced when the call is launched.
For questions, please contact