Current Funding Opportunities

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.

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 16, 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 16, 2024

05:00 pm ET

ALS Canada-Brain Canada Trainee Program 2024

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

Brain Canada is delighted to announce its collaboration with the ALS Society of Canada (ALS Canada) to launch the ALS Canada-Brain Canada Trainee Program 2024.  

Both Brain Canada and ALS Canada believe that attracting the brightest young minds to ALS research will contribute to a succession plan for the Canadian ALS research community and will support compelling breakthroughs across the spectrum of brain-related disease. 

A $315,000 pool of funds will be available for this program. Each Doctoral Award would be funded at $25,000 per year for up to three years, and each Postdoctoral Fellowship would be funded at $55,000 per year for up to three years. The funds awarded through this fellowship will be utilized to support the stipend/salary of the awardee(s). 

All applicants should have demonstrated contributions to research which may or may not have related directly to ALS, but proposed future research and training must be ALS-related. 

Doctoral Scheme 

At the time of application, eligible trainees have applied to, been accepted for, or are within the first three years of a PhD program under the supervision of an investigator who holds an academic position at qualifying Canadian institution, defined according to CIHR guidelines. 

Postdoctoral Scheme 

Qualifying trainees currently hold or have secured a postdoctoral position under the supervision of an investigator who holds an academic position at a qualifying Canadian institution, defined according to CIHR guidelines 

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 Terms of Reference.

Deadline for receipt of Applications: April 3, 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 Applications:

April 3, 2024

01:00 pm ET

Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research – Momentum Grants

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

Brain Canada is pleased to announce a new program to leverage the strengths of the Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research Program, which anchored by a generous gift from the Azrieli Foundation, provides funding to early-career researchers to build a foundation of research excellence and innovation in Canada. 

The new Momentum Grants program aims to enable researchers to build upon their previously funded initial projects and explore new dimensions of their research with the potential to generate breakthroughs in our understanding of the brain.  

This funding opportunity is open to previous recipients of Azrieli Foundation-Brain Canada Early-Career Capacity Building Grants or Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research Grants. It has a funding envelope of $1,000,000 CAD to support up to five grants of $200,000 over two years. Through the Momentum Grants, we aim to provide researchers with funding to sustain and accelerate their ongoing research, allowing them to capitalize on the initial momentum generated through their seed funding. 

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 for Receipt of Registration Forms: February 12, 2024 at 17:00 ET 

Deadline for Receipt of Full Applications: March 22, 2024 at 17:00 ET 

If you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact Brain Canada at futureleaders@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), Brain Canada Foundation, and the Hewitt Foundation.  

Deadline for Receipt of Registration Forms:

February 12, 2024

05:00 pm ET

Deadline for Receipt of Full Applications:

March 22, 2024

05:00 pm ET

Brain Canada & Weizmann Institute of Science Team Grants

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

Together with the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS) and Weizmann Canada, Brain Canada is thrilled to announce the launch of the Brain Canada & Weizmann Institute of Science Team Grants.

This program aims to leverage strengths and foster international collaboration between researchers in Canada and the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. Its purpose is to support hypothesis-driven research that will advance our understanding of the brain and brain disorders.

The research topic will focus on hypothesis-driven inquiries on the brain and nervous system, and may span the range of basic, translational, and clinical approaches, including:

  • Basic research into fundamental properties and mechanisms, including functional studies based on the use of “-omics” data.
  • Projects related to disease or dysfunction of the nervous system leading to new insights into fundamental biological mechanisms.
  • Projects that experimentally test novel hypotheses addressing therapeutic or interventional approaches for brain disorders.
  • Projects aimed at developing novel methods, if these methods allow new neuroscience questions to be answered.
  • Projects, such as those using epidemiological, “-omics”, or other approaches, that will generate large datasets, if hypotheses are clearly stated.

The Brain Canada & Weizmann Institute of Science Team Grants program has an overall funding envelope of $1,500,000 CAD to support up to three grants of $500,000 CAD each over two years. This funding opportunity is open to research teams of two or more members and must include a minimum of two independent investigators. At least one independent investigator must be conducting research at, and affiliated with, an eligible academic institution in Canada, and one at the Weizmann Institute of Science, designated as co-Principal Investigators.

Click here to view the Request for Applications

Click here to download the Registration Form

Registration Form Deadline: 17:00 EST / 23:59 IST on February 8, 2024

Full Application Deadline: 17:00 EDT / 23:59 IDT on April 11, 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.

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 Weizmann Institute of Science.

Weizmann Canada and Brain Canada also gratefully acknowledge the visionary support of Dr. Daniel C. Andreae and the Larry and Judy Tanenbaum Family Foundation in making this pilot program a reality.

Registration Form Deadline:

February 8, 2024

05:00 pm ET

Full Application Deadline:

April 11, 2024

05:00 pm ET

2023 Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research

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

Brain Canada is pleased to announce the launch of the 2023 Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research program. The purpose of the Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research program is to accelerate novel and transformative research that will fundamentally change our understanding of nervous system function and dysfunction and their impact on health.

The ultimate goal is to reduce the social and economic burden of neurological and mental illnesses through prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. 

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.  

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 for receipt of Letter of Intent: November 29, 2023 at 5 p.m. ET 

Deadline for receipt of Full Applications: March 20, 2024 at 5 p.m. ET 

For more information, or if you have any questions regarding the application process, please contact Brain Canada at futureleaders@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), 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. 

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF LETTER OF INTENT:

November 29, 2023

05:00 pm ET

DEADLINE FOR RECEIPT OF FULL APPLICATIONS:

March 20, 2023

05:00 pm ET

Recently Closed Competitions

Search the Directory

ALS Canada-Brain Canada Clinical Research Fellowship 2024

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

Brain Canada and the ALS Society of Canada are happy to announce the launch of the 2024 ALS Canada-Brain Canada Clinical Research Fellowship!

Specialized training of young MDs in both clinical care and research skills related to ALS is crucial for building better clinical infrastructure across Canada. This fellowship is designed to support the further training of a clinician to develop the skills necessary to be a specialist in ALS and provide experience/training in clinical or basic research relevant to the field.

One fellowship of up to $200,000 CAD total is available for up to two years. A one-year fellowship of $100,000 CAD may be requested provided appropriate justification is included.

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 Terms of Reference.

Deadline for Receipt of Applications: February 7, 2024 13:00 ET

Complete applications should be submitted via email to the ALS Canada Research Team (research@als.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, and the ALS Society of Canada.

Deadline for Receipt of Applications:

February 7, 2024

01:00 pm ET

Turnbull-Tator Award in Spinal Cord Injury and Concussion Research

Brain Canada is delighted to continue its collaboration with the Barbara Turnbull Foundation for Spinal Cord Research in our shared mission to advance research efforts that seek to enhance the quality of life for individuals affected by spinal cord and brain injuries. 

The 2023 Turnbull-Tator Award aims to recognize a proposed research project and an outstanding publication by a researcher at a Canadian institution in the field of spinal cord and/or brain injury research, including concussion, in the last two years (October 1, 2021 to September 30, 2023) with a $50,000 CAD prize.

Recognizing the important need to build capacity in these fields, the funds awarded through the 2023 Turnbull-Tator Award must be utilized to support the salary / stipend of full-time graduate students or postdoctoral fellows in the recipient’s laboratory that will contribute to the proposed research project and to the continuation of the excellent research exemplified by the awarded publication.

Evidence clearly shows that increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in research environments enhances excellence, innovation, and creativity. Brain Canada and the Barbara Turnbull Foundation are committed to excellence through equity and encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply to this funding opportunity, 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 for Receipt of Applications: December 20, 2023 at 17:00 EST

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 Barbara Turnbull Foundation.

Deadline for Receipt of Applications:

December 20, 2023

05:00 pm ET

The Alzheimer Society Research Program 

Together with the Alzheimer Society of Canada (ASC), Brain Canada is thrilled to announce the launch of the 2023-2024 Alzheimer Society Research Program (ASRP) competition. The ASRP provides grants and awards to support Canadian research that promises new insights into causes, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and management of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. 

The grants available for co-funding by ASC and Brain Canada are:

  • New Investigator Operating Grants are designed to help launch the careers of outstanding researchers who are within the first six (6) years of their initial academic appointment. The ASRP will provide up to $200,000 for a period of up to four (4) years. Brain Canada Foundation will co-fund up to two (2) successful applications.
  • Proof of Concept Grants are designed to fund innovative, potentially high-risk, and high-reward research that pushes beyond the boundaries of our existing understanding of dementia. The ASRP will provide up to $100,000 for a period of up to three (3) years. Brain Canada Foundation will co-fund up to twelve (12) successful applications.

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 ASRP guidelines.

Results will be announced in late spring of 2024, and the earliest funding start date is July 1, 2024.

Application deadline: November 3rd, 2023, at 5:00 PM EST

Please note that applications to the Proof-of-Concept Grants were pre-screened through the submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI). The deadline to submit an LOI was July 17th, 2023 and only applicants who were invited to submit a Full Application are eligible to do so at this stage.

Should you have any questions, please contact research@alzheimer.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 Alzheimer Society of Canada. To date, Health Canada has invested $200 million through the CBRF which has been matched by Brain Canada Foundation and its donors and partners.

Application deadline:

November 3, 2023

05:00 pm ET

Advancing Research on Care & Outcome Measurement 3.0 (ARCOM-3)

Brain Canada is pleased to be partnering with Alzheimer’s Association (ALZ) to launch the Advancing Research on Care & Outcome Measurement 3.0 (ARCOM-3) funding program, an international and collaborative competition aimed at addressing significant gaps in care and outcome measurement, and providing an opportunity to advance research so that care providers can ensure that they are implementing evidence-based practices and achieving desired outcomes. 

Areas of interest for this program include, but are not limited to, quality metrics, systems of care, translation of interventions, increasing diversity within research and clinical trials, risk reduction, development of novel methods of data collection or analysis, and novel measures to validate previously developed measures or evaluation of measures in diverse and underrepresented populations.

Through this partnership, Brain Canada will co-fund up to four Canadian-led teams. Each award is limited to USD $250,000 over a period of up to two years.

Click here to view the Request for Applications.

Deadline for receipt of Letters of Intent: 5:00 pm ET on September 20, 2023  

Deadline for receipt of Full Applications:  5:00 pm ET on November 29, 2023  

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 Alzheimer’s Association.

Deadline for receipt of Letters of Intent:

September 20, 2023

05:00 pm ET

Deadline for receipt of Full Applications:

November 29, 2023

05:00 pm ET

Funding Alerts

By funding brain research, you are helping to transform cutting-edge ideas into better health outcomes for all people in Canada. To achieve maximum impact, Brain Canada leverages every dollar donated to brain research with matching government, partner, or donor funds.