Apply now for Rising Stars Trainee Awards 2026 (Canada)

Deadline: 26-Jun-2026

The Rising Stars Trainee Awards 2026 are designed to support the next generation of neuroscience researchers in Canada. The programme recognizes high-quality trainee research and helps build a stronger national brain research ecosystem.

The awards cover several major areas of neuroscience, including ALS, mental health, brain cancer, and aging and neurodegeneration. In addition to stipend support, the programme also includes travel funding to help trainees attend conferences or specialized training linked to their research.

Key facts

• Programme type: Trainee research award.

• Country: Canada.

• Eligible participants: Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and medical residents.

• Host institution: Canadian institution.

• Award period: January 1 to December 31, 2027.

• Stipend amount: CAD 10,000 per year, non-renewable.

• Travel support: Up to CAD 2,500.

• Sex/gender top-up: CAD 2,000.

Research areas

The programme includes four main award streams:

• ALS research.

• Mental health research.

• Brain cancer research, with a focus on glioblastoma.

• Aging and neurodegeneration, with emphasis on Parkinson’s disease and related mechanisms.

These streams reflect a broad commitment to supporting both fundamental and clinically relevant neuroscience research.

Who can apply

Eligible applicants must be:

• Full-time M.Sc. or Ph.D. students.

• Postdoctoral fellows.

• Medical residents.

• Enrolled at a Canadian institution.

• Actively conducting neuroscience research for the full award period.

Applicants must also meet additional stream-specific requirements.

Ineligible applicants

The following are not eligible:

• Individuals holding an overlapping major fellowship or studentship valued at CAD 25,000 or more during the award period.

• Previous recipients of the Rising Stars Trainee Awards.

• Individuals in independent academic or research positions.

Applicants may submit only one application to one 2026 Trainee Award opportunity.

Funding details

The stipend awards provide:

• CAD 10,000 per year.

• Non-renewable support.

• One-year project duration.

The number of awards available is:

• Up to six in ALS research.

• Up to seven in mental health research.

• Two in brain cancer research.

• Four in aging and neurodegeneration.

Additional support includes:

• CAD 2,000 top-ups for projects with sex and/or gender-based analysis.

• Up to nine top-ups available.

• Travel awards of up to CAD 2,500 for conferences, symposia, or training courses.

Review process

Applications are reviewed in two stages:

1. Administrative eligibility check by Brain Canada.

2. External peer review by at least two reviewers.

Evaluation focuses on:

• Training environment.

• Quality of the research proposal.

• Applicant track record and potential.

The weighting of criteria varies depending on whether the applicant is a master’s student, doctoral student, postdoctoral fellow, or medical resident. Funding decisions are made based on ranked scores within each category.

What strong applications should show

A competitive application will usually demonstrate:

• Strong neuroscience relevance.

• A clear and feasible research plan.

• A supportive training environment.

• Evidence of academic or research promise.

• Clear career development potential.

• Good alignment with the chosen research stream.

Why it matters

This programme matters because early-career support is often critical in shaping strong research careers. By funding trainees directly, the awards help build skills, confidence, and momentum for future neuroscience leaders.

It also matters because the award areas target some of the most significant brain research challenges. Supporting work in ALS, mental health, glioblastoma, and neurodegeneration can contribute to future breakthroughs and better care.

How to prepare

1. Choose the right stream.
   Match your project to ALS, mental health, brain cancer, or aging and neurodegeneration.

2. Confirm eligibility early.
   Make sure you fit the training status, institution, and funding rules.

3. Strengthen the training environment section.
   Explain how your institution and supervisors support your development.

4. Present a focused research plan.
   Show that the project is clear, feasible, and well aligned with the stream.

5. Highlight your potential.
   Demonstrate your contribution to neuroscience and your future development.

Common mistakes and tips

• Mistake: Applying while holding a disqualifying major award.

  • Tip: Check all overlapping funding before applying.

• Mistake: Submitting more than one application.

  • Tip: Only one application is allowed.

• Mistake: Ignoring stream-specific eligibility.

  • Tip: Read the requirements for your chosen award area carefully.

• Mistake: Weakly linking the project to neuroscience training.

  • Tip: Show how the project advances both research and career development.

FAQ

Who can apply?

• Full-time graduate students.

• Postdoctoral fellows.

• Medical residents at Canadian institutions.

How much funding is available?

• CAD 10,000 per year for stipends.

• Up to CAD 2,500 for travel awards.

• CAD 2,000 top-ups for sex/gender analysis projects.

What research areas are supported?

• ALS.

• Mental health.

• Brain cancer, especially glioblastoma.

• Aging and neurodegeneration, especially Parkinson’s disease.

Can previous recipients apply again?

• No.

• Previous Rising Stars Trainee Award recipients are not eligible.

Are independent researchers eligible?

• No.

• Individuals with independent academic or research positions are excluded.

Conclusion

The Rising Stars Trainee Awards 2026 are a strong opportunity for emerging neuroscience researchers in Canada who want to build their careers through high-quality research and training. The best applications will combine strong science, a supportive training environment, and clear potential for future contribution to brain research.

For more information, visit Brain Canada Foundation.