Research Network of Excellence in Women’s Heart and/or Brain Health

Brain Canada and Heart & Stroke are pleased to launch the 2026 Research Network of Excellence in Women’s Heart and/or Brain Health

The third Research Network of Excellence in Women’s Heart and/or Brain Health, is focused on rehabilitation and recovery following acute heart-brain health events such as stroke, heart attack, and cardiac arrest.
 
Women recovering from heart-brain events—such as stroke, heart attack, or cardiac arrest—often encounter delays in accessing rehabilitation, lower referral rates, and reduced participation in recovery program compared to men. These inequities are further compounded by social determinants of health, including income, geography, ethnicity, disability, and caregiving responsibilities, which can limit access to culturally safe, gender-responsive care. 

The network will receive $5 million over five years to establish a Canada-wide collaboration of researchers. Its priority is to improve access to heart-brain rehabilitation and recovery programs for women, using a whole-person approach that considers physiological, psychological, emotional, social, and environmental factors. The launch of this funding opportunity marks a continued commitment to addressing systemic inequities in women’s health and driving forward research that leads to change. 

Please refer to the Request for Applications for additional details

Deadline for receipt of Registration : January 15, 2026 15:00 ET
Deadline for receipt of Full Application : April 9, 2026 15:00 ET