Brain Canada | Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research

Supported by the Canada Brain Research Fund, the purpose of the Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research Grants 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 health problems through prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.

Newly trained researchers in their first independent academic position are in a strong position to formulate innovative and impactful research projects. However, at the early stages of an investigator’s career, they often lack the preliminary data and resources that are required to obtain their first large operating grant. As such, promising early-career researchers are often at a disadvantage when applying to “open” funding programs, where more established researchers tend to dominate. This program provides an opportunity to develop new lines of research on the properties and mechanisms of the brain and nervous system, and gather such preliminary data.

Eligibility

• This competition is open to early-career researchers within five years of starting their first independent research position by the deadline to submit Full Applications. Leaves of absence (e.g. maternity and parental leave, sick leave, etc.) will not be included in calculating the five-year window. Investigators must be conducting research at a Canadian institution for the entire duration of the award, and academic appointments must have started by the deadline for Full Application submission.
• Researchers must be considered an independent researcher at their institution. Such an individual normally holds the rank of assistant or associate professor; can initiate and direct their own independent lines of research as principal investigator; has full responsibility for running their laboratories; has full control of their research funds; and is permitted to supervise trainees (if applicable, as per their institution’s policy). Postdoctoral fellows or adjunct faculty are not eligible to apply.
• Applicants must be able to devote a minimum of 50% of their time to research activities.
• Research applications may be related but cannot be identical to any other currently funded projects. It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify Brain Canada immediately should substantial overlap arise from new funding awards during the application and review process of this competition.
• Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent in order to be eligible to submit a Full Application.
• Applicants who have received or are currently holding an Azrieli Foundation Early Career Capacity Building Grant or a Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research Grant are not eligible for this funding.
• Applicants must initiate the project in August 2022, when funding will start.

Timeline

November 16, 2021: Deadline for LOI
February 16, 2022: Deadline for Full Application

See Full Eligibility & Application Details