Brain Canada – Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research
Overview
Supported by the Canada Brain Research Fund, 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. This Program encourages innovative, unorthodox, and exploratory research that may be in the early and conceptual stages of project development but has potential for significant impact on our understanding of the brain. The data generated will enable early-career researchers to apply for larger grants that will lead to long-term projects and create innovative and sustainable research programs.
Funding Value and Duration
Up to 20 grants of $100,000 each, over two years.
Indirect costs are not eligible.
Eligibility Criteria
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) will be excluded when calculating the five-year window. Extended Eligibility Window: Brain Canada is implementing an extended eligibility window, in line with federal granting agencies, to account for the ongoing delays to research caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. An Eligibility window of 84 months can be considered for those who assumed their position on or before December 31, 2022.
Applicants must be conducting research at an eligible Canadian institution for the entire duration of the grant and must be considered an independent researcher at their institution.
Projects should be distinct from other research projects conducted by the investigator. 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.
Special Requirements
- Applicants must be able to devote a minimum of 50% of their time to research activities.
- Applicants must submit a Letter of Intent in order to be eligible to submit a Full Application.
Sponsor’s Website
Brain Canada – Future Leaders in Canadian Brain Research
Internal Contacts
Deadlines
| Faculty Deadline | Consult your Faculty Research Facilitator. |
| OVPRII Approval Form Deadline | November 3, 2025 |
| Letter of Intent | November 7, 2025 17:00 ET |
| Full Applications (by invitation) | February 20, 2026 17:00 ET |
Submitting Your Application
- Step 1) Submit an internal Carleton Approval Form
Login to CUResearch and submit an internal Approval Form
Download the CUResearch user’s guide on submitting an Approval Form. - Step 2) Submit an external application to the granting agency
Submit an external application to the corresponding grant or award agency by following the Sponsor’s submission guidelines.