Deadline: Brain Canada - Discovery Grant Program
Brain Canada and the ALS Society of Canada are thrilled to announce the launch of the 2025 Discovery Grant Program.The purpose of the 2025 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鈥檚 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.
Funding
The Discovery Grant Program consists of two streams, designed to support a modest pipeline of ideas and further development. A total funding pool of $1,500,000 will be utilized with flexible allocation across these streams. The distribution of grants between the two streams will depend on the quality of applications and the results of peer review. Both streams seek innovative research approaches, supported by sound rationale and a feasible experimental plan.
The Seed Grant (Stream 1)
This stream is designed to nurture novel ideas by providing support for obtaining preliminary data or pursuing ideas supported by early data signals. Although preliminary data may enhance competitiveness, it is not necessarily required. Applicants may request $125,000 for research projects over a two-year period. This stream emphasizes high-risk, high-reward research. Projects initially funded through the Seed Grant stream that generate promising preliminary data may serve as a foundation for future applications to the Development Grant stream.
The Development Grant (Stream 2)
This stream aims to support projects that build on a strong foundation of preliminary data, driving towards eventual translation to human impact. Given the highly competitive and underfunded nature of federal multi-year operating grants in Canada, prioritizing ALS within a single lab or clinical research strategy can be challenging. Applicants may request $500,000 for research projects over a three-year period. These grants are designed to support teams with a collaborative and translational vision, contributing to long-term progress in the field.
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.
Please refer to the for additional details.
ORS internal deadline: June 24, 2025
Funder deadline: July 9, 2025 at 2pm AST
Unless otherwise specified, the standard ORS internal deadline is 10 business days ahead of the funder deadline. Researchers are encouraged to check with their faculty regarding their incremental internal deadline.
The鈥痝rants facilitator for your faculty or this opportunity can be found on the staff contact page. For additional resources,鈥�痆login required] on internal deadlines and submission processes.
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