Open Call for Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research Program 

New funding to support early-career investigators committed to improving brain health for all

Brain Canada is pleased to announce the launch of the 2023 Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research program.  

The Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research Program provides essential seed funding to assist early-career investigators, enabling them to explore their boldest ideas. This program encourages innovative, unorthodox, and exploratory research that may be in the early and conceptual stages of project development but has potential for significant impact on our understanding of the brain. The data generated will enable early-career researchers to apply for larger grants that will lead to long-term projects and create innovative and sustainable research programs. 

Open to early-career investigators within five years of starting their first independent research position, the 2023 competition has an overall funding envelope of $2,000,000 to support up to 20 grants of $100,000 over two years. 

By enabling early-career investigators to push the boundaries of their respective fields, we are fostering a culture of exploration and discovery that is instrumental in advancing our understanding of brain health. Our Future Leaders are paving the way for the development of groundbreaking treatments and interventions that will make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by a wide spectrum of brain conditions and disorders.”

Fiona Sanderson, Manager of the Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research Program at Brain Canada

Interested applicants will be required to submit a Letter of Intent by November 29, 2023. Selected applicants will be invited to proceed to the Full Application phase. The deadline to submit a Full Application is March 20, 2024. 

Evidence clearly shows that increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in research environments enhances excellence, innovation, and creativity. Brain Canada is committed to excellence through equity, and we encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply to our funding opportunities, which will promote the expression of diverse perspectives, approaches, and experiences, including those of underrepresented groups. 

Please visit Brain Canada’s funding opportunities page for further information.  

This program has been made possible by the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada), Brain Canada Foundation and the Azrieli Foundation, with support from the Hewitt Foundation, The Erika Legacy Foundation, The Arrell Family Foundation, and the Alvin Segal Family Foundation.