Up to six Arthur B. McDonald Fellowships are awarded annually to recognize early stage academic researchers in the natural sciences and engineering and to enhance their research capacity so that they can become leaders in their field and inspire others. If you are an early-stage academic researcher, meaning that you have held an independent academic position for 10 years or less as of June 1 of the year of the competition and currently hold a grant from NSERC, you can prepare a nomination for this award. The 10-year eligibility window is adjusted to take into account eligible delays in research or periods of inactivity (e.g., due to parental leave, bereavement or illness). For example, a candidate submitting a nomination in June 2021 who took a seven-month parental leave after starting their appointment must have been hired on or after April 1, 2010, in order to be eligible. That is, the eligibility window is increased by two months for every month of eligible delay.