Cardiac Arrest Research grants

New $5M research initiative aims to revolutionize prediction, response and recovery

National research teams will aim to better predict, boost survival rates, enhance recovery, and build a robust health research workforce focused on cardiac arrest

Heart & Stroke, in collaboration with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (CIHR-ICRH) and Brain Canada, is proud to announce a joint commitment of $5 million over five years to support the Cardiac Arrest Team Grants funding opportunity

This bold initiative aims to significantly improve the prediction of cardiac arrest, the survival rates and quality of life for individuals and families affected by cardiac arrest across Canada. The funding opportunity is strategically aligned with the American Heart Association’s (AHA) Cardiac Arrest funding program to foster cross-border collaboration and amplify the impact of research through coordinated efforts.

Advancing research in cardiac arrest

The Cardiac Arrest Team Grants will support multidisciplinary research teams across three key areas:

1. Prediction and early detection: Advancing ability to predict and detect cardiac arrest in the community or in hospital by deepening understanding of its causes and biological mechanisms.
2. Accelerating response and increasing survival: Developing sustainable, evidence-informed approaches to improve emergency response and survival — both out-of-hospital and in-hospital.
3. Optimizing brain recovery: Supporting survivors with evidence-based rehabilitation and recovery strategies that address physical, neurocognitive, and/or mental health needs. This includes support for families, caregivers, and communities.

“This investment represents a transformative step toward a future where more people are saved and better supported during their recovery,” says Doug Roth, CEO, Heart & Stroke. “By working together across organizations, we can accelerate progress and close critical gaps in cardiac arrest prediction, care and recovery.”

“Through this collaborative investment, we aim to strengthen the full continuum of cardiac arrest care, from early detection to emergency response, treatment and recovery,” says Dr. Ariane Marelli, Scientific Director, CIHR-ICRH. “By supporting inclusive, multidisciplinary research, we are helping build a more connected and effective system that improves survival rates and enhances the quality of life for individuals and families affected by cardiac arrest across Canada.”

“The importance of funding research like this cannot be overstated. Optimizing brain rehabilitation and recovery post-cardiac arrest is vital to advancing treatment strategies that preserve brain function and long-term quality of life.” – Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO, Brain Canada

Registration for this funding opportunity officially opens today and guidelines are posted on Heart & Stroke’s website. Registration will close December 16, 2025. Invited registrants will have until March 17, 2026, to complete their full application.

Funding for the Cardiac Arrest Team Grants has been made possible by Heart & Stroke, Canada’s leading health charity devoted to heart disease and stroke, the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada Foundation, and Canada’s federal funding agency for health research, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health.