Funding Opportunity for Trainees in ALS Research

Brain Canada and the ALS Society of Canada are delighted to announce the launch of the 2026  ALS Canada-Brain Canada Trainee Program.   
 
Brain Canada and ALS Canada believe that attracting the brightest young minds to ALS research will contribute to a succession plan for the Canadian ALS research community and will support compelling breakthroughs across the spectrum of brain-related disease.  
 
A $315,000 pool of funds will be available for this program. Each Doctoral Award would be funded at $25,000 per year for up to three years, and each Postdoctoral Fellowship would be funded at $55,000 per year for up to three years. The funds awarded through this fellowship will be utilized to support the stipend/salary of the awardee(s).  
 
All applicants should have demonstrated contributions to research which may or may not have related directly to ALS, but proposed future research and training must be ALS-related.  

Doctoral Scheme  
 
At the time of application, eligible trainees have applied to, been accepted for, or are within the first three years of a PhD program under the supervision of an investigator who holds an academic position at qualifying Canadian institution, defined according to CIHR guidelines.  
 
Postdoctoral Scheme  
 
Qualifying trainees currently hold or have secured a postdoctoral position under the supervision of an investigator who holds an academic position at a qualifying Canadian institution, defined according to CIHR guidelines. At the time of application, applicants should be transitioning from graduate work to a postdoctoral position or be within the first two years of postdoctoral studies.  
 
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 Terms of Reference. 
 
Deadline for receipt of Applications: April 1, 2026 at 13:00 ET  
 
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 ALS Society of Canada.