Meet the latest Brain Canada Momentum Grants recipients

Brain Canada announces 10 new Momentum Grants recipients awarded funding to advance their most promising neuroscience discoveries.

Brain Canada is pleased to announce the latest cohort of Momentum Grants recipients. This program is designed to build upon the groundbreaking work initiated through the Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research program. By providing a second injection of strategic funding, Momentum Grants empower researchers to move beyond proof-of-concept and into breakthroughs.

This year’s cohort brings together exceptional scientists from institutions across Canada, each tackling a distinct area of brain health, from sex-related differences in stress responses to personalized treatments for children with ADHD and beyond. Together, their projects represent a combined investment of $2 million, doubling the reach of the previous cycle and reflecting Brain Canada’s deepened commitment to sustained research excellence.

**What are Momentum Grants?**

The program was created to address a critical gap in the research funding landscape: the period immediately following a researcher’s initial seed funding, when the potential for transformative discovery is highest but institutional support is often insufficient. Eligible applicants must have previously received either an Azrieli Foundation-Brain Canada Early-Career Capacity Building Grant or a Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research Grant from Brain Canada, and the projects build on outcomes from this previous funding.

Every researcher we fund through the Momentum Grants is not simply extending a project. They are extending what’s possible. When we invest in scientists who have already demonstrated the courage to ask difficult questions, we are investing in the answers that will one day change lives.”
– Dr. Viviane Poupon, Brain Canada President and CEO

Together with Brain Canada, the program is anchored by the generous support of the Azrieli Foundation and made possible by the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative partnership between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada), the Hewitt Foundation, and Heart & Stroke.

Investing in brain research is an investment in Canada’s future – fueling discovery and bringing hope to families affected by neurological disease. We are honoured to support emerging scientists who are turning bold ideas into meaningful impact for our world.”
– Dr. Naomi Azrieli, Chair, Azrieli Foundation

Hewitt Foundation is committed to supporting the kind of research that meaningfully improves the lives of all Canadians. We are proud to contribute to the Momentum Grants program and support researchers who are ready to take their work to the next level.”
– Kim Anderson, Hewitt Foundation CEO