BRC Grants

In 2013, we introduced funding for Knowledge Translation (KT), Research Dissemination & Commercialization (RD&C), and Discovery (D). Since then, we have awarded $270,000, which in addition to funding specific research projects, has leveraged additional funds by those researchers in excess of $3 million. In late 2022, the KT grant program was modified and renamed as the Innovation Grant program.

Innovation Grants (formerly KT grants)

The Brain Repair Centre BRC‑Innovation Grant Program is intended to enhance the BRC’s mission to improve brain and neurological health outcomes for Nova Scotians and elsewhere. The BRC‑Innovation programme is designed to support new research discoveries that will have broader impact outside the immediate research/academic community. It is designed to move discoveries and inventions along the path to commercialization — with a view to attract new investment, create new neuroscience-based businesses, organizations and initiatives and to improve neurological health outcomes for Nova Scotians and Canadians. It provides funding for example, for proof-of-principle, pre-commercialization research projects, market research.

2026 Call for Submissions is closed. Results announced. ‍ ‍

Link to past KT/Innovation Grant program recipients.

List of Publications associated with BRC innovation Grants (coming soon).

Research Dissemination & Commercialization (RD&C) Grants

The RD&C Grant Program supports events and meetings that are international in nature, that contribute to the dissemination, exchange and commercialization of research aimed at improving brain and neurological health outcomes for Nova Scotians and Canadians.

Click here for a list of RD&C Grant program recipients.

*2026 Call for Submissions is closed. Contact Eleanor for info. click here for details.

Discovery Grants

The Brain Repair Centre Discovery (BRC-D) Grant was designed to stimulate creative ideas and innovative research projects with the potential to generate important new discoveries. Funding was provided by the QEII Foundation in 2016 to allow successful applicants to pursue answers to clinically-relevant neuroscience questions so that findings may be applied to improve brain health and neurological outcomes for Nova Scotians and Canadians. 

In order for future Discovery Grants to be awarded, the BRC requires funding or sponsorship. For more information about how you can support the future of the BRC-D Grant Program, contact Eleanor Seaman-Bolton.

2022 DMRF Graduate Studentships for Medical Neuroscience Research

The 2022 DMRF Graduate Studentships for Medical Neuroscience Research were awarded to support trainees in the Brain Repair Centre in pursuit of a MSc or PhD degree, whose research falls under the umbrella of neuroscience. Candidates were expected to show high potential for future research achievement and productivity. Funding was made possible by DMRF and five trainees received awards starting in September 2022.

Other Grants (non-BRC)

ALS Canada-Brain Canada Discovery Grant Program 2026 

Brain Canada and the ALS Society of Canada are thrilled to announce the launch of the 2026 Discovery Grant Program.The purpose of the Discovery Grant Program is to invest in high-impact projects focused on identifying causes of, or treatments for, ALS and/or related neurological diseases, including primary lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy, and ALS/FTLD (frontotemporal lobar dementia) or advancing research aimed at maximizing function, minimizing disability, and optimizing quality of life through symptom management and support for individuals or families living with ALS.

Examples include, but are not limited to, management of secretions and cramps, psychological interventions to address mental health issues, nutritional interventions, respiratory care, engineering applications to reduce physical limitations, and programs to address the needs of caregivers. These priorities align with ALS Canada's vision of "A world free of ALS" and its strategic goal of leading Canada’s contribution to global ALS research.

The Discovery Grant Program supports collaborative projects and encourages multidisciplinary teams, particularly those that bring together individuals from outside the field who can combine their expertise in innovative ways. It also aims to provide successful, preliminary data-driven ideas with opportunities for larger, multi-year funding, ideally leading to translational programs that will bring us closer to a world free of ALS.

Deadline for receipt of Full Applications: July 3, 2026 at 13:00 ET 

For details of available funding, streams, etc. visit braincanada.ca/research/funding-opportunities

Brain Canada Rising Stars Trainee Awards 

Brain Canada is excited to announce the 2026 Rising Stars Trainee Awards. Trainees are the learners of today and the leaders of tomorrow and we are committed to supporting the next generation of researchers to help ensure the success of the Canadian brain research ecosystem.   

This program aims 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. With the goal of helping trainees launch their academic careers and pursue their professional goals, the Rising Stars Trainee Awards aim to broaden the funding opportunities available to trainees and support their efforts to impact the future of brain research. 

Brain Canada’s hope is that these awards will continue to aid in the development of the next generation of Canadian scientists and their critical mission of understanding the brain.   

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

Deadline for receipt of applications: June 26th 2026 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, and our donors and partners.  

Alzheimer’s Association Alzheimer’s Disease Strategic Fund: Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia 2026 - Understanding Mechanisms of Dysfunction (VCID-UMD)       

Brain Canada is excited to support the Alzheimer’s Association on the Alzheimer’s Disease Strategic Fund: Vascular Contributions to Cognitive Impairment and Dementia 2026 - Understanding Mechanisms of Dysfunction (VCID-UMD)   

The VCID-UMD 2026 Grant Program aims to fund concerted and collaborative efforts that will explore these questions to advance our understanding of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia and its contributions to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders. While multidisciplinary team approaches to addressing these complex scientific questions are welcome to apply, this award is structured as an individual research grant, with funding administered through the recipient’s institution and recipient’s institution will be expected to manage subcontractors with collaborators. 

The Alzheimer's Association and Brain Canada Foundation are pleased to consider partnership for successful Canadian-led applications.  

Click here to view the request for applications 

Deadline for receipt of Letters of Intent: June 15, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET 
Deadline for receipt of Full Applications: September 14, 2026, at 5:00 pm ET  

For any questions, please emailgrantsapp@alz.org

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

Call for Collaborative Research Projects on the Brain 

Brain Canada and CQDM are joining forces to support interprovincial collaborative biopharmaceutical research and development (R&D) projects on the brain. This partnership creates a unique funding opportunity that brings together experts from academia and industry to support the development of platforms, tools and biopharmaceuticals that will pave the way for new advances in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders. This initiative is focused on brain research relevant to biopharmaceutical applications. The aim of the initiative is to increase research collaborations, foster technological maturation, and to promote the knowledge, capabilities and new technologies developed in public institutions.  

Investigators must be affiliated with and conduct research at an eligible Canadian institution, as defined by CIHR, for the full duration of the grant.

The principal investigator must be based at a research institution in Quebec (university and affiliated hospital, research institute, public research center). They must work in close collaboration with at least one other independent researcher working in a research institution in another Canadian province or territory, as well as with at least one Quebec company.

Evidence clearly shows that increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in research environments enhances excellence, innovation, and creativity. Brain Canada is committed to excellence through equity, and we encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply to our funding opportunities, which will promote the expression of diverse perspectives, approaches, and experiences, including those of underrepresented groups.  

Click here to view the Request for Applications. 

Deadline to notify CQDM of intent to apply: June 3, 2026 

Deadline for receipt of Applications: June 30, 2026, at 17:00 ET

Funding Opportunity in Huntington Disease Research

Brain Canada and Huntington Society of Canada are pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 Navigator Research Program

Huntington disease, is a genetic brain disorder with physical, mental, and emotional symptoms. Huntington disease is often described as having elements of Parkinson disease, ALS, Alzheimer disease, and schizophrenia, all at the same time. One in every 7,000 Canadians has Huntington disease and approximately one in every 5,500 is at risk for developing the disease.  

The Navigator Research Program is designed to provide funding for Canadian scientific research of direct and immediate relevance to Huntington disease; to provide a platform for the future recruitment of outstanding investigators to Huntington disease research; to facilitate research collaboration nationally and internationally, and research which is relevant to other neurodegenerative disorders as well as Huntington Disease.

Click here to view the Request for Applications.
Deadline for Letter Of Intent :  March 13, 2026 (5:00 PM ET)
Deadline for receipt of  Full Applications: June 5, 2026 (3:00 PM ET)
Send Letters of Intent and applications to: research@huntingtonsociety.ca
Questions may be directed to: research@huntingtonsociety.ca

Lilly George Travel Award

In honour of Mrs. Lily George, this award will assist budding neuroscientists, who are senior level Dalhousie undergraduates in neuroscience, psychology, or biochemistry by providing funding to travel to a brain-related science conference in Canada or the USA. The award can be used for, but not limited to, the cost of registration, transport, accommodation, and food in accordance with department criteria.

The recipient will have demonstrated research excellence, intellectual, curiosity, originality, and rigor, and will show promise to become an independent researcher. Furthermore, the recipient should be a good communicator, both in oral settings and in written work, and should value cooperation and collegial interaction.

The next call for applications will be in the Spring of 2026.