Current Funding Opportunities

Alzheimer Society of Canada – Brain Canada Knowledge Translation and Exchange Accelerator Grants

View the Request for Applications to learn more about this program and how to apply.

Brain Canada and the Alzheimer Society of Canada are pleased to announce the launch of the 2024 Knowledge Translation and Exchange (KTE) Accelerator Grants!  

The purpose of the KTE Accelerator Grant program is to help accelerate the dissemination of scientific findings on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias to various audiences beyond academic researchers.

KTE Accelerator Grants are designed to stimulate innovative and outside-the-box ideas that ensure research translates into implementation and eventually, impact. These grants provide researchers and trainees with the funding needed to develop KTE products relevant to their work in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Brain Canada and the Alzheimer Society of Canada have allocated $200,000 CAD to this program. Total grant amounts are flexible to accommodate the needs required to produce a range of KTE products, but the minimum budget allowed is $5,000 CAD and the total budget cannot surpass $100,000 CAD.

Who can apply? 

  • Current and past Alzheimer Society Research Program grant and award recipients
  • Current and past recipients of a Brain Canada funded grant focused on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research
  • Principal Investigators that are current members of the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging (CCNA)

How to apply 

Click here to view the Request for Applications.

Click here to view the Application Requirements.

Application deadline: August 9, 2024, 5:00 p.m. EDT 

Should you have any questions, please contact research@alzheimer.ca.

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.

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 Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Apply now

Application deadline

August 9, 2024

05:00 pm ET

ALS Canada-Brain Canada Career Transition Award 2024

View the Terms of Reference to learn more about this program and how to apply.

Brain Canada and the ALS Society of Canada are delighted to announce the launch of the 2024 Career Transition Award. This program will identify and engage rising stars pursuing innovative research in labs and academic institutions in Canada. This award has the long-term goal of developing the next generation of scientists across various disciplines within basic and clinical sciences, contributing to knowledge generation and translation in ALS. 

Brain Canada and ALS Canada will provide a three-year award to support a talented young investigator to pursue advanced research and transition into a junior faculty position at a Canadian institution. Successful candidates will expand their research horizons and develop independence to become a leader in the field, setting them apart from their mentor(s).

The award will be for up to three years for a total of $250,000 CAD. Each year, ALS Canada and Brain Canada will provide a $60,000 salary and $20,000 research allowance, with $30,000 for research allowance in year three.

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 refer to the Terms of Reference for additional details.

Deadline for receipt of Full Applications: August 19, 2024 (1:00 pm ET) 

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 ALS Society of Canada.

Deadline for receipt of Full Applications:

August 19, 2024

01:00 pm ET

Platform Support Grants (PSG)

View the Request for Applications to learn more about this program and how to apply.

High-impact research in neuroscience and mental health has always required skill, imagination, determination, and insight. Platforms also play a critical role in fostering innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. As such, access to platforms is essential to address the evolving needs of research.

Brain Canada has identified support for research platforms as a gap in the neuroscience research funding environment and the Platform Support Grants (PSG) program aims to continue addressing this critical gap.

Brain Canada, through the Canada Brain Research Fund, has allocated $13 million dollars of federal funding to the 2024 Platform Support Grants program, to be matched by funding provided by sponsors secured by applicants for a total possible funding envelope of $26 million dollars. With this sponsored PSG funding opportunity, Brain Canada aims to assist sponsoring organizations, agencies, institutions, and individuals who wish to build capacity and develop or enhance research platforms in specific thematic and/or geographic areas.

The Platform Support Grants program supports major research platforms at a local, regional, or national scale with the goal of providing enhanced technical and research capabilities to multiple investigators in the neurosciences. Through the 2024 Platform Support Grants program, researchers can apply for funding through one of two streams.

Stream 1

Will support platforms that are in development or already existing but that have never been funded through Brain Canada’s Platform Support Grants program.

Stream 2

Will support platforms that have previously received funding through Brain Canada’s Platform Support Grants program.

Grants will be over three and a half (3.5) years, including a six (6) month administrative period; non-renewable. Total grant amounts are flexible to accommodate the needs of each platform. Historically, research grants awarded through the PSG program have ranged from $138,000 – $6.1 million (including matching funds) across the grant duration.

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.

For more information on the Platform Support Grants program, please consult the Request for Applications.

Deadline for receipt of Registration Forms: July 24, 2024 at 17:00 EST

Deadline for Receipt of Full Applications: September 20, 2024 at 17:00 EST

Should you have any questions, please contact platformgrant@braincanada.ca.

This program has been made possible by the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada Foundation.

Apply now

Deadline for receipt of Registration Forms:

July 24, 2024

05:00 pm ET

Deadline for Receipt of Full Applications:

September 20, 2024

05:00 pm ET

Brain Canada-CQDM Call for Collaborative Research Projects on the Brain

View the Request for Applications to learn more about this program and how to apply.

Brain Canada and CQDM are joining forces once again to support interprovincial collaborative biopharmaceutical research and development (R&D) projects on the brain. This partnership creates a unique funding opportunity that brings together experts from academia and industry to support the development of platforms, tools and biopharmaceuticals that will pave the way for new advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders. 

This award is intended for research teams with a minimum of two independent researchers, a principal investigator from a research institution in Quebec and an independent researcher from a research institution in another Canadian province. They must work in close collaboration with at least one Quebec small and medium-sized enterprise (SME).

The project’s budget must be between $500,000 and $2 million.

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.

Click here to view the Request for Applications.

Deadline to notify CQDM of intent to apply: August 8, 2024 

Deadline for receipt of Applications: August 15, 2024 at 17:00 ET 

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 CQDM.

Deadline to notify CQDM of intent to apply:

August 8, 2024

12:00 am ET

Deadline for receipt of Applications:

August 15, 2024

05:00 pm ET

Recently Closed Competitions

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ALS Canada-Brain Canada Discovery Grant Program 2024

View the Terms of Reference to learn more about this program and how to apply.

Brain Canada and the ALS Society of Canada are thrilled to announce the launch of the 2024 Discovery Grant Program. The purpose of the 2024 Discovery Grant Program is to invest in the best possible projects that are focused on identifying causes of, or treatments for ALS and/or related neurological diseases, including primary lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy, and ALS/FTLD (frontotemporal lobar dementia), or research focused on avenues to maximize function, minimize disability and optimize quality of life through symptom management, and support to persons or families living with ALS. 

Discovery Grants are designed to support teams of multiple investigators and especially encourage multidisciplinary teams with individuals from outside the field who can combine their expertise in novel or innovative ways.

The program consists of two streams, which both consist of novel or innovative research approaches, supported by sound rationale and a feasible experimental plan, and maintain the high-risk/high-reward mindset:

Stream 1: Aimed at nurturing novel ideas looking to obtain preliminary data or to pursue ideas supported by very early data signals. Preliminary data may enhance competitiveness but is not necessarily required. Up to six awards of $125,000 will be awarded in this cycle.

Stream 2: Consists of more ambitious projects that are supported with some level of preliminary data to justify the larger investment. Up to two awards of $300,000 will be awarded in this cycle.

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 refer to the Terms of Reference for additional details.

Deadline for receipt of Full Applications: July 11, 2024 at 13:00 ET 

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 ALS Society of Canada.

Deadline for receipt of Full Applications:

July 11, 2024

01:00 pm ET

2024 Doctoral Personnel Awards for Black Scholars

View the Submission Guidelines to learn more about this program and how to apply.

Brain Canada and Heart & Stroke are thrilled to be partnering once again for the launch of the Personnel Awards for Black Scholars. 

The objective of the competition is to increase the number of highly qualified Black trainees across Canada committed to working in the fields of heart and/or brain research (i.e. stroke and vascular cognitive impairment). In the context of this award, heart and/or brain health research refers to research addressing heart conditions, stroke, and vascular cognitive impairment that contributes to the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health of people living in Canada through prevention, treatment and recovery. 

Heart & Stroke and Brain Canada are supporting the Doctoral Personnel Awards for Black Scholars in committing up to a total of $360,000 in 2024.

The stipends awarded will be up to $90,000 CAD ($30,000 per year for up to three (3) years) enabling Black trainees to focus on their Doctoral research studies and engage with mentors as part of their training.

Click here to view the Submission Guidelines.

Deadline for receipt of Applications: May 22, 2024 15:00 ET 

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.

Should you have any questions, please contact research@heartandstroke.ca.

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 Heart & Stroke.

Deadline for receipt of Applications:

May 22, 2024

03:00 pm ET

2024 Master’s Personnel Awards for Black Scholars

View the Submission Guidelines to learn more about this program and how to apply.

Brain Canada and Heart & Stroke are thrilled to be partnering once again for the launch of the Personnel Awards for Black Scholars. 

The objective of the competition is to increase the number of highly qualified Black trainees across Canada committed to working in the fields of heart and/or brain research (i.e. stroke and vascular cognitive impairment). In the context of this award, heart and/or brain health research refers to research addressing heart conditions, stroke, and vascular cognitive impairment that contributes to the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health of people living in Canada through prevention, treatment and recovery. 

Heart & Stroke and Brain Canada are supporting the Master’s Personnel Awards for Black Scholars in committing up to a total of $250,000 in 2024.

The stipends awarded will be up to $50,000 CAD ($25,000 per year for up to two (2) years) enabling Black trainees to focus on their Master’s research studies and engage with mentors as part of their training.

Click here to view the Submission Guidelines.

Deadline for receipt of Applications: May 22, 2024 15:00 ET 

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.

Should you have any questions, please contact research@heartandstroke.ca.

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 Heart & Stroke.

Deadline for receipt of Applications:

May 22, 2024

03:00 pm ET

Brain Canada Rising Stars Trainee Awards

View the Request for Applications to learn more about this program and how to apply.

Deadline for receipt of Applications: May 30, 2024 at 17:00 ET

*Please note that the original deadline of May 16th, 2024 has been extended to May 30th, 2024.

Trainees are the learners of today and the leaders of tomorrow. 

Supporting the next generation of brain researchers in Canada is needed to ensure the success of the Canadian brain research ecosystem. The Brain Canada Rising Stars Trainee Awards aim to recognize the excellent research being conducted at Canadian institutions by graduate students (M.Sc., Ph.D.), postdoctoral fellows, and medical residents in all fields spanning neuroscience research. 

2024 Trainee Award Opportunities 

Travel Awards 

Dr. Hubert van Tol Travel Fellowship  

  • Purpose: To allow full-time graduate students (M.Sc., Ph.D.) and postdoctoral fellows to attend a major international conference/symposium or training course. 
  • Amount of award: Up to $5,000 CAD per award, non-renewable. 
  • Number of awards: Up to twelve (12) awards. 

Stipend Awards 

Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids (CCIC) Neuroscience Fellowship in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, supported by M. Wayne & J. Coleman Family Fund

  • Purpose: To provide financial support to full-time graduate students (M.Sc., Ph.D.), postdoctoral fellows, and medical residents conducting neuroscience research at a Canadian institution in the cannabis/cannabinoid field.  
  • Amount of award: $10,000 CAD per award for one year, non-renewable. 
  • Number of awards: Up to two (2) awards. 

Awards for Rising Stars in ALS Research 

  • Pierre Auger Morissette Capacity-Building Award in ALS Research, supported by Linda Auger Morissette and Friends
  • Rising Star Award in ALS Research, in memory of Madeleine Blanc, supported by Naomi Azrieli, François Blanc and Family
  • Olivier Goy Rising Star Trainee Award in ALS Research, lovingly powered by Allan Kliger, Aviva Rajsky & Family
  • Purpose: To provide financial support to full-time graduate students (M.Sc., Ph.D.), postdoctoral fellows, and medical residents conducting research at a Canadian institution in the field of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). 
  • Amount of award: $10,000 CAD per award for one year, non-renewable.  
  • Number of awards: Up to six (6) awards. 

Henry and Berenice Kaufmann Foundation Trainee Award in Brain Cancer Research 

  • Purpose: To provide financial support to full-time graduate students (M.Sc., Ph.D.), postdoctoral fellows, and medical residents conducting research in brain cancer, with a focus on glioblastomas. 
  • Amount of award: $10,000 CAD per award for one year, non-renewable. 
  • Number of awards: Up to three (3) awards.  

Dr. Matthew Galati Brain Changer Award 

  • Purpose: To provide financial support to full-time graduate students (M.Sc., Ph.D.), postdoctoral fellows, and medical residents conducting clinical implementation research at a Canadian institution in the field of acquired brain injury. 
  • Amount of award: $10,000 CAD per award for one year, non-renewable. 
  • Number of awards: Up to three (3) awards.  

Brain Canada Next Gen Award in Parkinson’s Disease Research 

  • Purpose: To provide financial support to full-time graduate students (M.Sc., Ph.D.), postdoctoral fellows, and medical residents conducting research at a Canadian institution in the field of Parkinson’s disease.  
  • Amount of award: $10,000 CAD per award for one year, non-renewable. 
  • Number of awards: Up to two (2) awards.  

Rising Star Award in Mental Health Research, in memory of Vivian Distler, supported by Naomi Azrieli, O.C. 

  • Purpose: To provide financial support to full-time graduate students (M.Sc., Ph.D.), postdoctoral fellows, and medical residents conducting research at a Canadian institution in the field of mental health. 
  • Amount of award: $10,000 CAD per award for one year, non-renewable. 
  • Number of awards: Up to two (2) awards. 

Recognizing the importance of research to support women’s brain health 

  • Trainees applying for a Stipend Award whose research considers sex and/or gender will have the opportunity to receive additional funding to provide further support and recognition for their efforts to incorporate sex- and gender-based analysis (SGBA) in their research. 
  • Up to twelve (12) trainees with a successful application to any of the available Stipend Awards will have the opportunity to receive a top-up of $2,000 CAD. 

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. 

For more information on the Brain Canada Rising Stars Trainee Awards, please consult the Request for Applications.

Deadline for receipt of Applications: May 30, 2024 at 17:00 ET

Should you have any questions, please contact programs@braincanada.ca.

This program has been made possible by the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada Foundation.

Deadline for receipt of Applications:

May 30, 2024

05:00 pm ET

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