Funding, News and Announcements

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. 

1. 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.

2. Stipend Awards 

Canadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids (CCIC) Neuroscience Fellowship in Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research 

• 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.

3. Awards for Rising Stars in ALS Research

- Oliver Goy Rising Star in ALS Research, supported by Allan Kliger

• 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.

- 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, Francois Blanc and Family 

4. 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.  

5. 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. 

6. 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.
  
  

7. Rising Star Award in Mental Health Research, in memory of Vivian Distler 

• 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 6pm AST.

For questions regarding internal procedure, contact the grants facilitator for your faculty. For additional resources, click here for guidance on internal deadlines and submission processes.