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Research for a healthier Canada

Chapter 1: Intro

At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, we believe research has the power to change lives.

As the Government of Canada’s health research investment agency, we fund world-class research across the country.

This research, led by talented and dedicated teams at universities and hospitals, is important for all of us.

It helps us strengthen our health care system, find solutions to some of the most pressing health challenges, and improve the health of Canadians and people around the world.

Chapter 2: Institutes

CIHR is comprised of 13 research institutes, which are dedicated to exploring a wide range of health topics, such as:

• Heart and lung health,
• How sex and gender affect health,
• Indigenous wellness and Ways of Knowing,
• The immune system and how we deal with infections,
• Cancer and better treatments,
• Mental health, and much more.

Chapter 3: Investments

Our goal is to support the best health for all, powered by outstanding research.

To achieve this, CIHR invests about $1 billion of taxpayer money, plus more than $125 million of partner funding, into research grants and awards that support over 16,000 independent health researchers and trainees across Canada every year.

Chapter 4: Pillars

These investments cover the full spectrum of health research, from fundamental and biomedical studies to Clinical and health services Research, and even projects focused on the ways that social, cultural, and environmental factors can affect the health of individuals and entire populations.

Chapter 5: Conclusion

Investments in health research are investments in a stronger, healthier, and more prosperous Canada.

And here at CIHR, we’re immensely proud to be supporting this life-changing work.

Visit our About us page to learn more.

Quick reads on Canadian topics

Home › Economics and finance › Federal Funding for Health Research in Canada

Federal Funding for Health Research in Canada

By loprespub on November 22, 2021

Disponible en français.

Sources of Health Research Funding in Canada

Health research refers broadly to all research related to health, health systems or health care delivery. Sources of funding for health research include the federal government, provincial/territorial governments, higher education institutions such as universities, industry, including stakeholder businesses, and non-governmental organizations such as health charities. This HillNote provides an overview of federal sources of funding for health research in Canada.

Sources of Federal Funding in Canada for Health Research

Federal granting bodies.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the primary source of federal funding for health research. CIHR provides funding for biomedical, clinical, health system services and population health research. Figure 1 outlines CIHR funding by primary research theme from 1999–2000 to 2020–2021.

Figure 1 – Canadian Institutes of Health Research Funding by Primary Research Theme, 1999–2000 to 2020–2021 ($ millions)

CIHR, through its 13 virtual institutes , has discretion over funding for research projects, which consist of investigator-initiated research and priority-driven research identified by the federal government. The organization also provides funding for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows . Figure 2 shows CIHR funding for health research by funding type between 1999–2000 and 2020–2021.

Figure 2 – Canadian Institutes of Health Research Funding, by Funding Type, 1999–2000 to 2020–2021 ($ millions)

CIHR’s budget increased significantly in 2020–2021 following the increased need for priority-driven research related to the COVID-19 pandemic. CIHR has funded more than 400 COVID-19-related research projects totalling $250 million since March 2020 to develop diagnostics, treatments, public health measures and communication strategies. Specific areas of investment include Indigenous communities’ experience with COVID-19; mental health and substance use during the pandemic; safety in long-term care homes; and prescribing and dispensing guidelines for opioids.

Some of the CIHR budget includes funding envelopes established by the federal government and provided to CIHR for tri-agency programs and for Government of Canada priorities over which CIHR has very limited discretion in allocating.

In February 2021, CIHR released its strategic plan for 2021–2031 . The organization’s focus over that period will be on developing a more inclusive vision for health research in five priority areas:

• advancing research excellence in all its diversity;
• strengthening Canadian health research capacity;
• accelerating the self-determination of Indigenous peoples in health research;
• pursuing health equity through research; and
• integrating evidence in health decisions.

While CIHR is the largest contributor to federal health research funding, there are other federal granting agencies and foundations that also contribute. The tri-agency funding programs include programs run collaboratively by CIHR, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council. All three granting agencies focus entirely on funding extramural research (research conducted outside of the agency) defined by their legislated mandates. Two of the largest of these tri-agency programs are the Canada Research Chairs Program and the New Frontiers in Research Fund. A new tri-agency program, the Canada Biomedical Research Fund, is to be launched in 2022–2023 with a budget of $250 million over four years. It will fund high-risk applied research, training and talent development in support of domestic biomanufacturing capacity.

Other Departments and Agencies

The National Research Council Canada (NRC) conducts intramural (research conducted in-house) research within 14 research centres and also participates in some collaborative projects. Several of their research programs relate to health and are primarily carried out at two of its research centres: the Human Health Therapeutics Research Centre (which includes several facilities) and the Medical Devices Research Centre. The NRC also provides small grants for extramural, technology-driven research by small- and medium-sized businesses through its Industrial Research Assistance Program.

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s (PHAC) National Microbiology Laboratory (NML) investigates existing and emerging infectious diseases. NML researches the characteristics of pathogens, including how they are transmitted and ways to detect infection (i.e., diagnostics), and develops treatments and vaccines. PHAC and Health Canada are also involved in intramural research, extramural research in collaboration with external researchers, research conducted by unaffiliated researchers using Health Canada or PHAC premises, and external research that has been contracted out.

The Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), administered by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, was announced in Budget 2017 to simplify and consolidate existing innovative technology programs. The SIF supports large-scale, transformative and collaborative projects, which include the category of health and biosciences.

Not-for-Profit Corporations

Genome Canada was established in 2000 to fund genomics-related research. The organization co-funds large-scale applied, leading-edge technology and translation research projects through six regional genome centres across the country, with additional funds coming from provincial governments and other stakeholders. Genome Canada provides funding for genomics-related health research and research in the agriculture and agri-food, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, environment, energy and mining sectors.

The Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), created in 1997, funds research infrastructure such as the laboratories, equipment, buildings and databases required to conduct research. Similar to Genome Canada’s funding, CFI funding is not limited to health and includes a broad range of applications. Budget 2021 announced a new investment of $500 million over four years, beginning in 2021–2022, for CFI to launch the Biosciences Research Infrastructure Fund (BRIF). The BRIF will provide funding in support of post-secondary and research hospital bioscience infrastructure needs.

A Comparison of Spending on Health Research in Canada and Selected Countries

Statistics Canada provides total federal spending on science and technology by socio-economic objectives, one of which is health (see Figure 3). While this data collection does not include health research beyond science and technology, for example health policy research, it does capture most health-related research and development spending.

Figure 3 – Federal Spending on Health-Related Research and Development, 2015–2016 to 2019–2020 ($ millions)

The World Health Organization’s Global Observatory on Health R&D analyzes international data collected by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization to identify health research and development priorities based on public health needs. Figure 4 reveals the amount of annual biomedical research grants provided by the principal public funders of health research in selected jurisdictions. Even after accounting for population differences among countries and regions, the United States (U.S.) is the largest public funder of health research globally. The data also suggest that Canada, in comparison to other countries and regions and taking into account population size, is a major public funder of health research.

Figure 4 – Annual Grants for Biomedical Research by Funder in Selected Jurisdictions, 2018 (US$ millions)

International Collaboration on Health Research

The World RePORT is “an interactive, open-access database and mapping of global research investments from some of the world’s largest biomedical funding organizations” housed at the U.S. National Institutes of Health. A review of the database reveals that many investments involve global collaborations. For example, in 2019, CIHR funded projects involving partnerships across all continents. The proportion of CIHR grants (both in number and funding) with international linkages has been increasing since the organization’s creation in 2000 and now makes up almost 15% of the total number of grants. CIHR explains that international collaboration promotes access for Canadians researchers to international expertise, technologies and facilities, while global health research focuses on topics such as the health implications of globalization, health equity of marginalized populations, neglected conditions affecting disadvantaged populations and transnational health risks and opportunities.

Additional Resources

Canadian Association for Neuroscience, Science Funding in Canada – Statistics , 2020.

Canadian Institutes of Health Research, CIHR COVID-19 Investments: By the Numbers .

Government of Canada, Canada’s Biomanufacturing and Life Sciences Strategy .

Author: Sonya Norris, Library of Parliament

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Clinical trials environment in canada.

Canada captures 4% of global clinical trials, fourth in number of clinical trials sites, and is the G7 leader in clinical trial productivity (number of trials/population). Canada is globally recognized for the quality and expertise of its research clinicians, many of whom are globally recognized for major medical discoveries and innovations, and its ability to conduct clinical research in complex therapeutic areas with diverse population bases.

Strong investments in Canadian clinical trials can be attributed to Canada's world-leading higher education system; its publicly-funded health care system known for quality; its internationally recognized networks and health charities dedicated to clinical trials in areas including cancer, cardiovascular, rheumatology.

Canada's competitiveness in clinical trials is also supported by strong government support in public research infrastructure including over $1 billion investment by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) in health research funding; as well as a world-class contract research sector with extensive capabilities in phase I-IV clinical trials. Canada's extensive network of academic health institutions and research centres, which support clinical research includes 17 medical schools, approximately 40 groupings of academic healthcare organizations and about 15,000 researchers. CIHR has funded more than 400 COVID-19-related research projects totalling $250 million since March 2020 to develop diagnostics, treatments, public health measures and communication strategies

The Government of Canada has also committed funding through the Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF), to support research and development, clinical trials, and the manufacturing of vaccines and therapeutic drugs to fight COVID-19. SIF investments in clinical trials include

• In 2021, Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund (SIF) invested $13.44 million in Immune Biosolutions to develop and biomanufacture its promising immunotherapy to treat covid-19 and its variants. This funding will allow the immunotherapy currently in pre-clinical studies to progress to Phase II clinical trials.
• In 2021, SIF invested $14 million in Edesa Biotech as they take their promising treatment for COVID-19 through clinical trials and subsequent approvals.
• In 2020, SIF invested $6.7 million in Arch Biopartners to support a treatment for the worst cases of COVID19. The funding is intended to advance the Phase II of their clinical trials.
• n 2020, SIF invested $173 million in Medicago Inc. to advance their virus-like particle vaccine to treat COVID-19, developed on the company’s unique plant-based production platform, through clinical trials.
• In 2020, SIF invested $56 million in Variation Biotechnologies Inc. (VBI) to support the development of the company’s coronavirus program, VBI-2900, through Phase 2 clinical trials.

All major global pharmaceutical companies conduct a large portion of their clinical trials in Canada. For some of these companies, Canada is the number two or three location globally for clinical trials. In fact, the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry has the second largest Canadian business expenditures in R&D (BERD) expenditures intensity in 2020. As a result of Canada's world class clinical trials environment, leading multi-national pharmaceutical companies have made significant investments in Canadian clinical trial health research. Examples of recent investments at both the academic and industry level include:

• In 2011, Roche Canada invested $190 million to establish a North American clinical trials coordinating centre and development site (one of six world-wide) in Mississauga, Ontario.
• In 2014, Servier Canada invested $17 million to established a centre of excellence in clinical development in Laval, Quebec.
• AstraZeneca Canada was recently designated a global Clinical Hub for oncology and immuno-oncology clinical studies.

In order to improve the competitiveness of Canada's clinical trial environment, Canada continues to work to enhance the conditions for clinical trial in Canada. Major initiatives and supports for clinical trials include:

• $250 million over three years, starting in 2021-22, to increase clinical research capacity through a new CIHR Clinical Trials Fund.
• In January 20, 2021, Canada committed to invest $6 million in the Canadian Network of COVID-19 Clinical Trials Network, which will expand existing national and international clinical trial networks to coordinate research on tools that prevent, detect, manage and treat COVID-19.
• National and regional efforts to make Research Ethics Boards more efficient, including through the development of a national standard in this area.
• The June 4, 2015 launch of the Canadian Clinical Trials Asset Map which aims to market Canada as a leading destination for clinical trials in the global marketplace by providing a comprehensive picture of Canada’s clinical research assets.

Leading globally recognized academic research centres and institutes include:

• Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute (Vancouver, British Columbia)
• Providence Health Care Research Institute (Vancouver, British Columbia)
• University of Alberta Hospital (Edmonton, Alberta)
• The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Ontario)
• Population Health Research Institute (Hamilton, Ontario)
• McGill University Health Centre (Montreal, Quebec)
• BIOTIC (Biomedical Translational Imaging Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
• Stem Cell and Cancer Research Institute (McMaster University–Hamilton, Ontario)
• Institute for Research in Immunology and Cancer (Université de Montréal–Montréal, Quebec)
• University Health Network (UHN) (Toronto, Ontario)
• Lawson Health Research Institute (London, Ontario)
• Ottawa Heart Institute (Ottawa, Ontario)
• Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital (McGill University–Montréal, Quebec)
• Brain Repair Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia)
• Sunnybrook Research Institute (Toronto, Ontario)
• BC Cancer Agency (Vancouver, British Colombia)

Science funding in Canada – Statistics

(Last updated – October 2023)

Fundamental research funding in Canada is viewed in a positive light by Canadians, who understand its importance for their health and well-being, and by the current government.  However, despite the re-investments in the Canadian funding agencies announced in 2018, research funding in Canada remains low when compared to that of other countries.

CIHR statistics

Compiled by the Canadian Association for Neuroscience from data available on the CIHR website.

Project grants granted by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research are the core funding mechanism for biomedical research in Canada.  Unfortunately, success rates in recent competition have been dwindling (Figure 1).  The success rates for funding applications at CIHR has steadily declined since 2005, from a 31% success rate to a success rate below 15% in 2018 (less than one in six successful applications). Current success rate levels are too low to maintain a diverse and flourishing research environment, as many excellent research programs go unfunded due to lack of available funds. Success rates under 20% means that researchers spend countless hours writing grant applications, while their chance of being successful are too low to be sustainable. In addition, it should be noted that the current funding level is only achieved by making drastic cuts to the budgets of all project grants (often >25%), which further highlights the lack of sufficient funding for this competition.

CIHR Grant application success rates 2000-2021

Data source available here (xls format)

CIHR budget 2000-2023

Year 2020-2021 included Statutory Authorities $203.6M time-limited funding for COVID-19 research (Pursuant to the Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act). As this funding is a one-time addition to the CIHR budget not dedicated to the regular programs, it is indicated as extra data points (in yellow and orange in the graph)

https://can-acn.org/docs/cihr_nserc_statistics_2000-2023.xlsx

Comparison with the NIH budget

The NIH’s 2020-2021 budget was $41.5 billion USD (approx. $55.7 billion CAD), compared to CIHR’s $1.44 billion CAD (which includes one-time investments in COVID-19 research). This represents a 39-fold difference in funding support for CIHR , which contrasts with the nine-fold difference in population between the United States and Canada.

View data sources

NSERC Statistics

Nserc budget 2007-2023.

SSHRC statistics

Sshrc budget 2006-2021.

Data points 2006 to 2019-2020 are actual spending, as reported in the SSHRC annual reports.

Four data points are reported for 2020-21 – the bottom two represent planned spending, while the upper two data points represent actual spending, and includes significant time-limited funding for COVID-19 research (Pursuant to the Public Health Events of National Concern Payments Act)

Student stipends

More support is required to maintain Canada’s attractiveness for the next generation of researchers. Trainees that successfully compete for Canada Graduate Scholarships (Master’s program; CGS-M), receive an $17.5K CAD per year award, an amount that has not kept up with inflation and is stagnant since 2003. This is below the low-income level cut-off of $22k CAD for a person living alone in a major Canadian city. The NSERC website states that “ This support allows these scholars to fully concentrate on their studies in their chosen fields ”. This is no longer accurate, and disheartening for students, who must now face rising housing costs and inflation rates. Academia is viewed as an uphill battle, with no clear indication that the situation will improve, which is a daunting prospect for trainees.

Paying students a living wage is the base for equity, diversity and inclusion, and absolutely required if we are to attract the brightest minds from diverse backgrounds and not only those who are independently wealthy.

Update – August 2022: the Support our Science Campaign website: https://www.supportourscience.ca/ presents more data on funding of trainees by NSERC.

The Fundamental Science Review Report (2017)

The Advisory Panel on Federal Support for Fundamental Science was appointed in June 2016. Their mandate entailed a review of the federal system of supports for research conducted by scientists and scholars employed outside of federal, provincial, or territorial government departments and agencies. The Fundamental Science Review, also known as the Naylor Report, made important recommendations to improve the Canadian Research Ecosystem.

The Panel’s single most important recommendation (R6.1) is that the federal government should rapidly increase its investment in independent investigator-led research to redress the imbalance caused by differential investments favouring priority-driven targeted research over the past decade.  (Investing in Canada’s future – Strengthening the Foundations of Canadian Research: Canada’s fundamental Science Review, page xviii http://www.sciencereview.ca/eic/site/059.nsf/vwapj/ScienceReview_April2017-rv.pdf/$file/ScienceReview_April2017-rv.pdf )

In response to the publication of the Fundamental Science Review, the Federal budget of 2018 announced a historic investment in science. However, examination of the recommendations of the Naylor report and the investments announced in 2018 shows that full implementation of the recommendations of the Naylor report has not been achieved.

The Fundamental science review report proposed investments in Investigator-led direct project funding over 4 years of $1215 Millions, while $689 Millions were included in the same four year period in budget 2018, or 56.7%.

Source: Report of the Fundamental Science Review, p. 154 http://www.sciencereview.ca/eic/site/059.nsf/vwapj/ScienceReview_April2017-rv.pdf/$file/ScienceReview_April2017-rv.pdf

and Budget 2018 Chapter 2 p. 122—Progress millions of dollars – Investing in Canadian Scientists and Researchers: Granting Councils (https://www.budget.gc.ca/2018/docs/plan/toc-tdm-en.html)

OECD Statistics

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international organisation that works to build better policies for better lives. The OECD collects data and publishes statistics on a wide range of range of social, economic and environmental challenges. Here we present a collection of graphics on science performance, science funding and the number of researchers in Canada. Canada is compared to the other countries of the G7.

Gross domestic spending on Research and Development

The following figure shows that Canada is the only country in the G7 in which Gross domestic spending on R&D has been going down since 2001.

Canada is now second to last in the G7 in this metric.

Direct link:  https://data.oecd.org/chart/6atc

Researchers

The following figure shows that the number of researchers per 1000 employed as compared to the average number for OECD countries

Youth science performance

Research-driven innovation is one of the pillars of today’s knowledge-based economy. The Canadian Association for Neuroscience is committed to advocating for increases in the total budget of the three main granting councils of Canada, CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC.

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience applauds new investments in science and research announced in budget 2024

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience applauds new investments in science and research announced in budget 2024 by the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Finances of Canada. These announcements demonstrate that scientific research has real-world benefits to people across Canada, to Canada’s economy, and to Canada’s future prosperity. We specifically applaud the following measures:

Increased funding for graduate student scholarships and post-doctoral fellowships

(more…)

Research is the key to better brain health

One in two people will suffer from a mental illness across their lifetime. It is estimated that 1.7 million Canadians will suffer from dementia, such as Alzheimer’s disease, by the year 2030. The burden of brain disorders and diseases has substantially increased over the last 25 years with the aging of the population and the negative impact of the pandemic. This is having a detrimental impact on the economy, healthcare systems, and Canadian livelihood. Neurodegenerative diseases are the leading cause of disability and the second leading cause of death worldwide , and mental health disorders are the leading cause of days off work.

Canada is fortunate to have a rich and diverse community of brain scientists who tackle this challenge from many different angles. In addition to neurologists and brain surgeons, who treat patients directly, we must remember that the development of innovative treatment avenues relies on new basic research. (more…)

Invitation to write to the Minister of Finances

We invite you to write to the Minister of Finances, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, to remind her and her team of the importance of investing in scientific research as they work on the 2024 Canadian budget.

CAN has drafted a sample letter, you can dowload here: CAN letter to Freeland (more…)

Urgent appeal to recapitalize the Canada Brain Research Fund

We invite you to read a letter calling for urgent recapitalization of the Canada Brain Research Fund we recently sent to

The Honourable Ya’ara Saks , Minister of Mental Health and Addictions of Canada The Honourable Mark Holland , Minister of Health of Canada The Honourable Chrystia Freeland , Minister of Finances of Canada The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau , Prime Minister of Canada

Read the letter here: CAN-Brain-Canada-support-letter-2024

Read CAN’s submission to the 2024 Pre-budget consultations

Investing in science will create new jobs and build a greener, more competitive, more innovative, more inclusive, and more resilient canada..

Read our main recommendations here:

2023 CAN Parliament Hill Day

CAN held its second in-person Parliament Hill Day in Otttawa on November 7, 2023. This presented an exceptional opportunity for a team of CAN advocates to meet face-to-face or virtually with members of Parliament, Senators, Parliamentary staff members and important senior civil servants to advocate for a increased support for the major federal funding agencies in Canada (Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) and graduate student and postdoctoral fellowships and for making research on Brain and Mental Health a national priority. (more…)

ThinkSci Outreach Program wins a CAN Advocacy Award

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience is proud to announce its support of the ThinkSci Outreach Program with a 2023 CAN Advocacy and Outreach award.

The “ThinkSci Outreach Program” is a workshop-based initiative organized and led by undergraduate and graduate students, with the goal of immersing high school seniors and 1st year CÉGEP students into the world of neurophysiology. Its long term goal is to reach local, regional and national underrepresented student communities in Canada. (more…)

Investing in science will benefit all Canadians.

CAN is sharing with you the brief we have submitted to the House of Commons Finance (FINA), which is currently holding its consultations in advance of federal budget 2024. – our three recommendations are

The Canadian Association for Neuroscience recommends the following: Recommendation 1: That the government double the budgets of the three main federal funding agencies : Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) for the benefit of all Canadians. This recommendation aims to bring Canadian investment in scientific research to a level commensurate to that of other G7 countries. Recommendation 2: That the government of Canada double support for graduate students and postdoctoral fellows by increasing both the value and number of fellowships awarded in the next budget. In conjunction with Recommendation 1, this recommendation will ensure our next generation of scientists have the means to participate fully in Canada’s knowledge economy. Recommendation 3: That the government of Canada make research on the Brain and Mental Health a national priority by investing in research to understand the brain through well-established and trusted organizations in the field.

Read our full submission for the FINA pre-budget submission here: (more…)

Brief submitted to study on Government of Canada’s Graduate Scholarship and Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programs

Read the brief submitted by the Canadian Association for Neuroscience to the House of Commons Standing Committee on Science and Research study on “ Government of Canada’s Graduate Scholarship and Post-Doctoral Fellowship Programs ”.

Canada needs to stop the brain drain

Advocacy opportunities – june 2023.

Please find below several opportunities to provide written submissions to various studies being undertaken at Committee’s in the House of Commons. Providing a written submission to a study is a great opportunity to build awareness for the important work you are doing, and the need for the government to continue investing in science and research. Submissions should be no more than 2,000 words, including footnotes, graphs, and images. While CAN provides written submissions on behalf of the organization to many of these studies, individual scientists and researchers are welcome to do the same. (more…)

Get in touch if you have any questions or comments:

[email protected]

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• Published: December 1998

The Medical Research Council of Canada: Integrating research to Canada's health care system

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Nature Medicine volume  4 ,  pages 1353–1355 ( 1998 ) Cite this article

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The Medical Research Council (MRC) of Canada funds health research in Canadian universities, research institutes and teaching hospitals. In this commentary, the MRC's president, Henry G. Friesen, discusses its history, structure, achievements and future goals.

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Funding Opportunities

What University of Toronto (U of T) resources are available to find funding opportunities?

The Division of the Vice-President, Research & Innovation (VPRI) maintains databases, websites, and notification systems to support the U of T community in finding and accessing current internal and external research funding opportunities. Please see the List of Topics section below.

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Tri-Agencies

The Tri-Agencies are composed of the three major Canadian granting agencies as follows.

• Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is Canada’s primary federal agency for health research. More information about their full range of programs can be found on the  CIHR website .  Important: All new applicants must register to  ResearchNet  and obtain a CIHR PIN before applying
• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) is Canada’s primary federal agency for social science and humanities research. More information about their full range of programs can be found on the  SSHRC website
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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the United States’ medical research agency –supporting scientific studies that turn discovery into health. As US regulations and processes must be followed when applying to NIH, please refer to the U of T Research Funding Opportunities database for full details and guides.

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Three teams secure funding for groundbreaking congenital heart disease research

Investigators will lead cutting edge research to support those living with chd and their families.

Heart & Stroke, together with Brain Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health and Institute of Genetics, are excited to announce the three successful research teams of the Congenital Heart Disease Team Grants  competition. Researchers will focus on congenital heart disease (CHD) throughout the lifespan and in the context of physical as well as mental health, with considerations for sex and gender, Indigenous health and wellness, and health equity. 

Congratulations are extended to the following winning teams:

• Causes and Early Detection Lead Investigator: Luc Mertens “PHUR4Life Precision Health for patients with Univentricular HeaRts across the Lifespan (PHUR4Life)” The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
• Brain Health and CHD Lead Investigator: Thalia Field “Lifespan Brain Health Trajectories in Congenital Heart Disease: the role of sex and gender” University of British Columbia
• Care Transitions Lead Investigator: Andrew Mackie “Optimizing Care Transitions Across the Lifespan in Congenital Heart Disease” University of Alberta

People with CHD are living longer than ever due to breakthroughs in treatment in infancy and childhood. Still, access to specialized care and services remains a significant challenge for people with CHD and their families across Canada. A collaborative effort is needed to accelerate system-level change to improve care and equitable access to services for people living with CHD throughout their lives. These grants aim to enhance novel methods for early detection of complications, study the connection between heart and brain and improve the transitions in care between youth and adult health care systems. The goal is to improve the lives of those living with these conditions and research is needed to help achieve this goal.

“We are thrilled to be supporting three outstanding teams, along with our partners, who will lead the way in improving care for those living with CHD,” says Doug Roth, CEO, Heart & Stroke. “Nine out of 10 children with CHD now survive into adulthood, but these conditions are life-long. New research will help advance our knowledge of CHD and better support people living with CHD throughout their lives.”

"We are proud to collaborate with Heart & Stroke, CIHR, and these three esteemed research teams to drive innovative solutions for congenital heart disease,” says Dr. Viviane Poupon, President and CEO of Brain Canada. “These winning teams exemplify our collective commitment to advancing research that considers the holistic needs of patients and our dedication to promoting equity in access to care."

“CIHR is excited to support discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system. These three teams will lead cutting-edge research to address important health challenges and barriers for people living with CHD. Through this partnered funding, we hope to bridge gaps between research evidence, health outcomes, and equitable access to care,” say Drs. Ariane Marelli and Christopher McMaster, Institute Scientific Directors at CIHR.

Funding for the Congenital Heart Disease Team Grants 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; the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Canada’s primary health research funding agency, and its Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health and Institute of Genetics; and Heart & Stroke, Canada’s leading health charity devoted to heart disease and stroke.

About Heart & Stroke

Life. We don’t want you to miss it. That’s why Heart & Stroke has been leading the fight to beat heart disease and stroke for more than 70 years. We must generate the next medical breakthroughs, so Canadians don’t miss out on precious moments. Together, with the generous support of our donors, partners, and volunteers, we are working to prevent disease, save lives and promote recovery through research, health promotion and public policy.  Heartandstroke.ca @HeartandStroke

About Brain Canada

Brain Canada plays a unique and invaluable role as a national convenor of those who support and advance brain research. A greater understanding of how the brain works contributes to the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and cure of disorders of the brain, ultimately improving the health outcomes of people in Canada and around the world. To learn more, visit Braincanada.ca @BrainCanada

About the Canadian Institutes of Health Research

At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada's health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system. To learn more, visit cihr-irsc.gc.ca @CIHR_IRSC

Alicia D’Aguiar | 647-426-8410 [email protected]

Brielle Goulart | 450-915-2253 [email protected]

CIHR Media Relations | 613-941-4563 [email protected]

Research Scholarship Database

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The Research Scholarship Database is a compilation of funding opportunities open to medical students across Canada wishing to pursue research projects throughout their training. This database includes many specialty-specific research and clinical studentship opportunities, as well as more general funding opportunities to support your research and career interests. This database is categorized according to field of specialty, sub-specialty, or field of research topic in alphabetical order.

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HealthCareCAN

The national voice of healthcare organizations and hospitals, important new federal budget research investment critical to developing new vision for health research in canada.

April 16, 2024 (Ottawa) – HealthCare CAN welcomes Budget 2024’s new investment into Canada’s health research system and is eager to work with the federal government to shape the implementation of newly announced structural changes to the federal research system.

The creation of a new, capstone research funding organization to advance international, collaborative, multi-disciplinary and mission-driven research in collaboration with the Tri-Council and the creation of the Advisory Council on Science and Innovation are promising announcements. Through this reorganization, the autonomy and funding of Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) must be preserved and a new vision for health research must be front and centre.

“Health research and innovation drive positive health outcomes, health system transformation, and development of solutions to challenges such as climate change, all while boosting productivity and economic growth through the development of health system efficiencies and new medical technologies,” said Paul-Émile Cloutier, HealthCare CAN President and CEO . “ Focus must be maintained on the improvements delivered by Canadian researchers to the health of people across Canada and the modernization of the health system alongside the economic and productivity benefits health research provides.”

In the weeks and months leading up to the release of the federal budget, HealthCare CAN led its member institutions in showcasing real-world examples of important research initiatives that could have a major impact with greater federal funding support. This effort by HealthCare CAN , our members and partners across the country led to today’s investment of $1.8B over five years for the Tri-Council, and $825M over five years to increase the annual value of master’s and doctoral student scholarships to $27,000 and $40,000, respectively, and post-doctoral fellowships to $70,000. Today’s investment is a step forward, but the work is far from finished.

HealthCare CAN is also pleased to see federal funding earmarked for specific projects in healthcare and health research, including:

• $26M over five years starting in 2024-25, with $26.6M in remaining amortization and $6.6M ongoing, to the granting councils to establish and improved and harmonized grant management system.
• $2.4 billion to support development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Canada with initiatives that include building and providing access to computing capabilities and technological infrastructure for Canada’s world-leading AI researchers, start-ups, and scale-ups.
• $500 million for a new Youth Mental Health Fund will help community health organizations provide more care for younger Canadians, and better equip these organizations to refer youth to other mental health services within their networks and partnerships.
• $77.1 million over four years, starting in 2025-26, to more effectively integrate internationally educated health care professionals into Canada’s health workforce by creating 120 specific training positions, increasing assessment capacity and providing support to navigate credential recognition systems.
• $1.5 billion over five years, starting in 2024-25, to Health Canada to support the launch of the National Pharmacare Plan.
• The expansion of dental care to seniors, people with disabilities, and children under 18 years of age in 2024.
• The creation of a Sectoral Table on the Care Economy that will consult and provide recommendations to the federal government on concrete actions to better support the care economy.
• Consultations on the development of a National Caregiving Strategy.

“The people of Canada want and deserve a health system able to meet their needs, and with focused, strategic action we can reshape our system to best serve Canadians now and into the future,” said Dr. Michael Gardam, chair of the HealthCare CAN Board of Directors. “Canada’s healthcare and health research institutions are battling a perfect storm of issues right now. It’s time we double down as a nation on action, and HealthCare CAN and our members look forward to working with the federal government to improve access to care and address the severe challenges our health system is facing across the country.”

HealthCareCAN is the national voice of hospitals, health authorities, healthcare and health research organizations across Canada. We foster informed and continuous, results-oriented discovery and innovation across the healthcare continuum.

Media contact:

Alexandria Rowe, Communications and Member Services [email protected] | 613-230-1023

HealthCareCAN supports the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority in letter to The Honourable Patty Hajdu

May 24, 2024 The Honourable Patty Hajdu Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario House of Commons Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A6 Dear Minister Hajdu, We are writing to you today to add our voice and support to the calls by the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA) and

Long-awaited Committee report echoes HealthCareCAN recommendations to strengthen children’s health

On May 6, 2024, the Standing Committee on Health (HESA) tabled its long-awaited report on its study on Children’s Health. Titled Fostering Healthy Childhoods: A Foundation for Resilient Generations, the report includes 27 recommendations to the federal government to strengthen healthcare for Canada’s children and youth. HealthCareCAN welcomes the release of the report and its

April 16, 2024 (Ottawa) – HealthCareCAN welcomes Budget 2024’s new investment into Canada’s health research system and is eager to work with the federal government to shape the implementation of newly announced structural changes to the federal research system. The creation of a new, capstone research funding organization to advance international, collaborative, multi-disciplinary and mission-driven

Finding innovative solutions to reduce substance use costs on health care

Fixing health system flaws requires better data sharing and workforce strategies, say health-care experts

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334 Canada Medical Grants and Health Grants

334 health and medical grants for canada.

Grantwatch has culled several hundred grants in the medical and healthcare arena. From basic medical and healthcare grants to individuals to organizations, clinicians, researchers, and other individuals operating in the health fields. Grants also encompass the health and wellness sphere and other health-related initiatives.

See foundations that have given grants for Health and Medical

Grants to manitoba registered charities for community improvement in eligible locations.

Grants to Manitoba registered charities for community improvement projects in eligible locations. Funding is intended for programs and activities within the focus areas of health and wellness, education, youth and seniors, community services, recreation, heritage and t...

Award to a USA or Canada Residency Program in Recognition of Innovative Education in Psychiatry

Award to a USA or Canada psychiatric education program in recognition of innovative methods to train medical students, residents, mental health professionals, physicians, and community members. Recipients will receive a certificate and a grant. A representative from th...

Grants to British Columbia Registered Charities and Qualified Donees to Enhance the Quality of...

Grants to British Columbia registered charities and qualified donees for projects and activities that benefit communities in eligible regions. Funding is intended for programs in the areas of education, health and welfare, arts and culture, environment, and sports and ...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Nonprofits to Provide Programs that Benefit Individua...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International nonprofit organizations for programs that directly benefit individuals in need. Applicants must contact the funding source prior to applying. Priority is given to programs that benefit residents of Connecticut, as well as worldw...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Principal Investigators for Perioperative Nursing Res...

Grant of $5,000 and grants of $10,000 to USA, Canada, and International principal investigators for research related to perioperative nursing practices. Funding areas of interest include increasing patient safety, perfecting perioperative nursing practices, and improvi...

Grants to British Columbia Nonprofit and Sports Organizations to Increase Participation in Spo...

Grants of up to $30,000 to British Columbia nonprofit and sports organizations to promote participation in sports for local communities, including underserved and Indigenous populations, youth, and children. Funding is intended to strengthen community capacity and expa...

Sponsorships to Canada Organizations to Support Communities Throughout the Country

Sponsorships to Canada organizations to support communities throughout the country. The goal of the program is to support activities that focus on youth and that leverage technology in the areas of health, education, and the environment. Current sponsorships also inclu...

Grants to USA and Canada Organizations for Medical and Health-Related Programming

Grants to USA and Canada organizations for medical and health-related programming. Funding is intended for programs that improve patient care and promote education for healthcare providers. Eligible use of funds includes internet-based publications, presentations, semi...

Grants to USA and Canada Institutions, Researchers, and Physicians for Research to Advance M...

Grants to USA and Canada institutions, researchers, and qualified physicians for research to advance medical care. Funding is intended to further research associated with the funding source's products within a broad range of focus areas including anesthesia, diagnostic...

Grants to USA and Canada Hospitals, Medical Societies, and Institutions for Fellowship Programs

Grants to USA and Canada community hospitals, medical societies and associations, and teaching institutions for fellowship training programs. Funding is intended for studies related to disease states and therapeutic areas addressed by the funding source's products. Fel...

Awards to USA, Canada, and International Individuals, Groups, and Organizations for Innovative...

Awards to USA, Canada, and International individuals, groups, and organizations for innovative solutions related to infectious diseases. Finalists will present their ideas, products, and inventions to judges in the technology, medicine, pharmaceutical, and business ind...

In-Kind Support to USA, Canada, and International Nonprofits, Research Institutions, and Priva...

In-kind support of technical assistance and promotional credit to USA, Canada, and International nonprofit organizations, research institutions, and private entities to develop cloud-based technology to improve health equity worldwide. The opportunity is intended for c...

Grants to Ontario Students with Special Needs for Services to Facilitate School or Workplace I...

Grants of up to $1,500 to Ontario students with special needs in eligible counties for therapy services to facilitate inclusion and integration in their school or workplace. Funding is intended to cover the costs of services that will increase students' confidence and ...

In-Kind Support to USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe Nonprofits for Bran...

In-kind support to USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe nonprofit organizations to build their brands. The program will provide web design and digital assistance to nonprofits to create an impact and reach target audiences. Eligible services include ...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Registered Charities to Benefit Local Communities

Grants to USA, Canada, and International registered charities in eligible countries for activities to benefit local communities. Eligible organizations align with one of the following areas of interest: the environment, health and wellbeing, homelessness, education, an...

Grants to USA and Canada Nonprofits for Medical Research and Fellowships

Grants to USA and Canada nonprofit institutions and organizations for research projects related to spinal cord injuries and diseases. Funding areas include laboratory and clinical research, design and development of technology, and fellowships for postdoctoral research...

Grant to a USA, Canada, or International Registered Nurse to Research Nursing Education and Cl...

Grant to a USA, Canada, or International registered nurse for a research project related to nursing education and clinical care. Eligible projects must to ready to implement upon receipt of funding. The purpose of the program is to research the ongoing practice of nurs...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Organizations for Educational Initiatives Related to ...

Grants of up to $50,000 to USA, Canada, and International organizations for educational projects related to cellular and genetic therapies. Funding is intended to support medical education initiatives that will broaden the understanding and incorporation of gene and ge...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Early-Career Investigators for Research Related to Ca...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International early-career investigators for research related to cancer. The program is intended to support research to advance the understanding of and/or approaches to the treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of cancer. Both basic and trans...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International For-Profits, Nonprofits, IHEs, and Agencies for Alzh...

Grants to USA, Canada, and international for-profit and nonprofit organizations, IHEs, and agencies for research projects on Alzheimer's and related diseases. Required registrations may take several weeks to complete. Funding is intended to accelerate the development o...

Grant to a USA, Canada, or International Psychologist for Research Addressing the Relationship...

Grant of up to $20,000 to a USA, Canada, or International psychologist affiliated with a nonprofit institution or government entity for research activities related to the relationship between physical and mental health. Eligible researchers will have no more than 10 ye...

Grants to Canada Researchers for Research on Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Grants to Canada researchers affiliated with eligible institutions for research on brain disorders. The purpose of funding is to establish factors involved in the causes and therapies of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and to improve the quality of life for those with th...

Grants to Saskatchewan Researchers for Health-Focused Studies

Grants of up to $10,000 to Saskatchewan individual researchers for studies and projects that improve health outcomes. Funding is intended to promote knowledge-focused activities in relevant and practical settings and mediums, with the aim of improving the applicability...

Grants to Canada Nonprofits, NGOs, and Individuals for Studies to Stem the Spread of Avian Flu

Grants to Canada nonprofit organizations, NGOs, and researchers affiliated with eligible institutions for studies to stem the spread of avian flu. Funding is intended for research that addresses the interactions between human, animal, and environmental systems and that...

Grants to Canada Nonprofits, Charities, Institutes, and Indigenous Organizations to Address Ve...

Grants to Canada nonprofit and for-profit organizations, registered charities, research, health, and educational institutes, and Indigenous organizations to address the needs of veterans. Funding areas of interest include veteran health, employment, homelessness, and t...

Competition for USA, Canada, and International Nonprofit and For-Profit Entrepreneurs for Vent...

Competition for USA, Canada, and International entrepreneurs representing any business model, including both nonprofit and for-profit organizations, for ventures that enhance the distribution of poverty interventions in developing countries. Prize winners will be award...

Grants to USA and Canada Investigators Affiliated with Private and Public Entities for Veterin...

Grants of up to $50,000 to USA and Canada research teams and investigators affiliated with private or public entities including government agencies, IHEs, and veterinary clinics and hospitals for research related to veterinary care. Funding is intended to support proje...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Nonprofits for Nutrition-Related Research, Educatio...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International nonprofit organizations, medical and educational institutions, and faith-based and community organizations for projects related to nutrition. Priority will be given to training, educational programs, and research projects that s...

Grants to Saskatchewan Charitable and Nonprofit Organizations for Activities to Benefit the ...

Grants to Saskatchewan charitable and nonprofit organizations for a wide range of initiatives to benefit eligible communities. Funding is intended for projects that address a wide range of community needs and demonstrate cultural sensitivity and awareness. Eligible reg...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Individuals for Research Projects Related to Glaucoma

Grants of $55,000 to USA, Canada, and International researchers for innovative research projects related to optical health. The purpose of this program is to provide seed money for new and collaborative research projects that have the potential to advance understanding...

Awards to Canada Researchers for Health-Related Studies

Awards to Canada researchers for studies related to health and science. The awards are intended to honor mid-career researchers who have produced outstanding scientific research with ongoing potential for impact on human health. Submissions are welcome from all areas o...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Researchers for Research Projects and Fellowships on ...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International researchers for research projects and fellowships related to health conditions in dogs. Funding is intended for proposals that have the potential to make a significant positive impact on canine health. Awards are available for e...

Grants to Canada Researchers to Support Collaborative Diabetes Research Studies

Grants of up to $20,000 to Canada researchers affiliated with research institutions for collaborative studies related to diabetes. Funding is intended to promote an exchange of ideas among investigators in their search for new methods to prevent, treat, manage, and cur...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Research Organizations for Studies on Cancer Treatment

Grants to USA, Canada, and International research organizations for studies on cancer treatment. Funding is intended for research that provides evidence of gaps in the use of a drug for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Applying organizations must be eligible to recei...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Medical Schools and Healthcare Institutions for Educa...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International professional medical schools and healthcare institutions for educational programs to increase understanding of advancing treatments for bladder cancer. Funding areas of interest include holistic patient management, early respons...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Advocacy Groups and Nonprofits for Programs to improv...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International patient advocacy organizations and nonprofit organizations for projects to improve specialized testing and care for individuals suffering from a neuromuscular disease. Funding may be used for projects and programs to ease the lo...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Nonprofits, Advocacy Groups, and Medical Entities for...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and medical entities for programs to support patients with neuromuscular disease. Funding is intended for programs that address unmet needs of rare disease patients, enable education, pr...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Nonprofits, For-Profits, Agencies, and IHEs for Innov...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International nonprofits, for-profits, public entities, intramural organizations, and IHEs for innovative research projects related to prostate cancer. Applicants must submit a letter of intent and complete the required registrations prior to...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Networks and Consortia to Address HIV

Grants to USA, Canada, and International global and regional civil society networks to address critical community needs. Funding is intended to address the health needs of underserved populations concerning HIV. Areas of interest include human rights, access to service...

Grants to Saskatchewan Researchers to Improve the Province's Research Capabilities

Grants of up to $10,000 to Saskatchewan researchers to improve health-related research capabilities within the province. Funding is intended for a range of activities including assessing community needs, outlining steps to implement research results, and ensuring the r...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Nonprofits, For-Profits, Agencies, and IHEs to Utiliz...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International nonprofit and for-profit organizations, government agencies, and IHEs to utilize existing HIV/AIDS data and specimens for new research projects. Applicants are advised that required registrations may take several weeks to comple...

Grants to USA and Canada Nonprofits and IHEs for Projects to Reduce the Adverse Effects of Cli...

Grants of up to $50,000 to USA and Canada nonprofit organizations and IHEs for activities that address, and work to mitigate, the adverse effects of climate change on health. Funding is intended to support early-stage projects that connect scholars from diverse fields.

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Nonprofits, For-Profits, Agencies, and IHEs for Early...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International nonprofits, for-profits, public entities, intramural organizations, and IHEs for early-career cancer research projects. Applicants must submit a letter of intent and complete the required registrations prior to applying. Eligibl...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Nonprofits, For-Profits, Agencies, and IHEs for Resea...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International nonprofits, for-profits, public entities, intramural organizations, and IHEs for research projects related to cancer recovery. Applicants must submit a letter of intent and complete the required registrations prior to applying. ...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Nonprofits, Agencies, Institutions, and Health System...

Grants of up to $75,000 to USA, Canada, and International nonprofit, governmental, and academic institutions and health systems for research studies related to blood cancer. Funding is intended for research that adapts existing treatments to treat unsolved blood cancer...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Researchers Affiliated with Qualified Institutions fo...

Grants of up to $75,000 per year to USA, Canada, and International researchers affiliated with qualified institutions for research projects related to juvenile myositis. Funding is intended to advance research to improve medical treatment and work towards a cure for th...

Grants to British Columbia Nonprofits to Enhance the Quality of Life in Eligible Regions

Grants to British Columbia nonprofit organizations for community events and projects in eligible locations. Funding is intended to enhance the quality of life and promote the well-being of local residents. Grants will support nonprofits that provide services and progra...

Grants and In-Kind Support to Canada Indigenous Youth Councils and Groups for Community Projec...

Grants of up to $30,000 and in-kind support to Canada grassroots Indigenous youth councils and groups for community activities and programs. Funding is intended to develop projects that will positively impact the community and enhance the health, wellness, resiliency, ...

Tax Exemptions to British Columbia Nonprofits for Land Purchases or Land Improvements

Tax exemptions to British Columbia nonprofit organizations in eligible locations for land purchases or improvements. The purpose of this program is to support organizations serving local residents by providing exemptions from property taxes. The use of the land or impr...

Grants to USA, Canada, and International Investigators for Health Research Related to Eczema

Grants of up to $50,000 to USA, Canada, and International scientists for research related to eczema. Funding is intended to support early-career researchers for studies that can lead to increased or broader hypothesis-driven investigations on skin conditions. Research ...

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Research Funding Opportunities

DMRF Canada has encouraged and supported research related to the causes, mechanisms, prevention, and treatment of all forms of dystonia. The DMRF Canada’s major funding mechanism is based on requests for applications focusing on selected research areas, formulated after scientific meetings and workshops.

As it has done in the past, the DMRF Canada will remain open to new investigator-initiated ideas and approaches, which will be accepted throughout the year.  Opportunities will be posted throughout the year, along with information on guidelines and application deadlines. 

If you would like to get on our distribution list, kindly email [email protected] with your name, email and institution. 

Note : The Dystonia Coalition has resources that are easily accessible to the whole dystonia research community. These resources include educational materials, clinical data, video recordings of clinical exams, and DNA. To read more and access these resources through the Dystonia Coalition and Global Dystonia Registry visit https://dc.rarediseasesnetwork.org/resources-researchers-and-clinicians

Department of Defense Peer Review Medical Research Program Funding Opportunities for Fiscal Year 2024

DMRF Canada and Banting Research Foundation Discovery Award - $30,000. Deadline for NOI: November1, 2023, 9 pm ET. If invited to submit a full proposal, applications will be due January 24, 2024.

DMRF (USA) - Postdoctoral Research Fellowships : LOI due October 10, 2023

DMRF (USA) - Basic and Clinical Aspects of Dystonia : LOI due October 10, 2023

Dystonia Coalition -  Career Development Program  - (April 1, 2023)

Dystonia Coalition -  Pilot Projects Program  – (April 1, 2023)

6th Samuel Belzberg International Dystonia Symposium - Call for Abstracts - Deadline Extended: March 17, 2023

Travel stipends for fellows, trainees, and junior faculty .  Deadline Extended: February 20, 2023

DMRF Canada Clinical and Research Fellowship /Deadline for Applications: January 2, 2023

Department of Defense Peer Review Medical Research Program Funding Opportunities for Fiscal Year 2022

DMRF Canada & RDMM -  Gene application proposals utilizing a model organism approach . Deadline May 31, 2022

DMRF (USA) -  Noninvasive Brain Modulation of Dystonia . LOI due April 25, 2022

Click here  for information on previously funded opportunities and research in Canada

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Master’s student Nicholas Hickens wins 2024 RI-MUHC Fiera Capital Award for EDI in Health Care Research

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Nicholas Hickens, master’s student at the Department of Family Medicine, is a recipient of the 2024 RI-MUHC Fiera Capital Awards for Equity Diversity and Inclusion in Health Care Research for his project titled Promoting effective use of patient self-reported measures in HIV care: Analysis of clinical recommendations and patient experience . These awards recognize the academic excellence of medical and health science students from racialized groups.

The allocation of scientific funding has not always been equitable. Historically, some groups have been underfunded or marginalized, including researchers from Black, Indigenous and other racialized communities. To address this critical funding gap, Fiera Capital Corporation (Fiera Capital) partnered with the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC) Foundation and the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC) to create the Fiera Capital Awards for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Health Care Research, which launched in 2022.

Nicholas Hickens is a healthcare professional of Caribbean descent with experience in various research and health-related initiatives, including working for the Public Health Agency of Canada. He has a background in applied human nutrition, biochemistry, and biological and applied sciences. He is a McCall MacBain and Rhodes Trust Foundation finalist scholar and a candidate in the Family medicine program at McGill University. He is currently supervised by Dr. Bertrand Lebouche. His research interests include chronic diseases and infections in primary care, optimizing and managing healthcare systems, public health ethics, decolonizing healthcare, and empowering the well-being of marginalized and vulnerable populations.

Congratulations Nicholas!

To see the full list of recipients, please visit: https://muhcfoundation.com/news/fiera-capital-and-the-muhc-foundation-announce-the-winners-of-the-awards-for-academic-excellence-in-health-care-research

Related articles:

https://healthenews.mcgill.ca/bipoc-change-champions-in-conversation-with-nicholas-hickens-masters-student-in-family-medicine/

https://www.mcgill.ca/familymed/article/meet-grads-2023-nicholas-hickens

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Department of family medicine.

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Province boosts funding for medSask to support residents and health care providers

The Government of Saskatchewan is providing nearly $1 million this year to medSask, the medication information service based at the University of Saskatchewan (USask), celebrating its 50th anniversary.

medSask supports health care professionals and the public who may have medication questions via a helpline staffed by licensed pharmacists at the USask College of Pharmacy and Nutrition.

The funding includes approximately $688,000 in base funding, an increase of almost $288,000 over last year, and an additional $305,000 this fiscal year to support expanded training and resources for pharmacists.

"medSask is an invaluable resource, providing essential information on medications to keep Saskatchewan residents healthy and safe," Health Minister Everett Hindley said. "Our government is pleased to support medSask pharmacists in their ongoing work and as they lend their expertise to expand the scope of practice for pharmacists across our province."

Minister Hindley announced the funding today at medSask's 50th anniversary celebration in Saskatoon.

"A 50-year record of improving the lives of people in Saskatchewan demonstrates how crucial and trusted medSask has become not just to medical professionals, but also to the general public," USask College of Pharmacy and Nutrition Dean Jane Alcorn said. "This Government of Saskatchewan funding will help maintain this accessible, go-to resource, as well as enhance the college's ability to deliver quality education, research opportunities, and community outreach."

medSask's pharmacists respond to calls 365 days a year. They are available to answer medication questions Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. until midnight and from 5 p.m. until midnight on weekends or holidays. Advice is provided free of charge. On average, medSask receives about 8,000 calls annually.

Toll-free lines are 1-800-665-3784 for the public and 1-800-667-3425 for health care providers.

medSask also developed Minor Ailment Guidelines for pharmacists and Vaccine Preventable Disease and Travel Health Guidelines. Their prescribing guidelines are being used by pharmacy organizations across the world as a reliable source of medication information.

In recent years, the government has collaborated with pharmacists on several initiatives to improve patient care in Saskatchewan. Work is ongoing to expand pharmacists' ability to prescribe for certain conditions. Saskatchewan pharmacists can currently prescribe for 30 minor health conditions, such as bladder infections in women, shingles, cold sores and diaper rash.

Read the Government of Saskatchewan announcement here .