Canadian research efforts have helped to advance treatment discoveries and shed light on the complex genetic, biological and environmental factors involved in ALS. We will continue to fund the most promising ALS research in Canada to accelerate progress toward reaching our collective vision of a world free of ALS.
How to apply
Submit your full application with all requested documentation to research@als.ca within the competition deadline.
For full details, please view the Terms of Reference of each program.
Full details and requested documentation on each program’s application process is found within its specific Terms of Reference. These are found under the Details section.
Open opportunities
There are currently no open opportunities. Please check back again soon.
Closed opportunities
ALS Canada-Brain Canada Career Transition Award
The Career Transition Award has the long-term goal of developing the next generation of scientists across various disciplines within basic and clinical sciences, contributing to knowledge generation and translation in ALS. To fulfil this mission, ALS Canada and Brain Canada will support a talented young investigator to pursue advanced research and transition into a junior faculty position at a Canadian institution.
- The award will be for up to three (3) years for a total of $250,000 CAD.
- Each year, ALS Canada and Brain Canada will provide a $60,000 salary and $20,000 research allowance, with $30,000 for research allowance in year three.
- Year two funding will be dependent on a progress interview with an expert panel. Year three funding will begin upon achieving an independent position at a qualifying Canadian institution.
Terms of Reference
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ALS Canada-Brain Canada Discovery Grant Program
Discovery Grants are designed to support teams of multiple investigators and especially encourages multidisciplinary teams with individuals from outside the field who can combine their expertise in novel or innovative ways.
The purpose of the program is to invest in the best possible projects that are:
- 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)
- Research focused on avenues to maximize function, minimize disability and optimize quality of life through symptom management, and support to persons or families living with ALS.
The program consists of two streams, which both consist of novel or innovative research approaches, supported by sound rationale and a feasible experimental plan, and maintain the high-risk/high-reward mindset:
- Stream 1 is aimed at nurturing novel ideas looking to obtain preliminary data or to pursue ideas supported by very early data signals. Preliminary data may enhance competitiveness but is not necessarily required. Up to six awards of $125,000 will be awarded in this cycle. The one-time award is intended to be used for research projects over a 24-month period.
- Stream 2 consists of more ambitious projects that are supported with some level of preliminary data to justify the larger investment. Up to two awards of $300,000 will be awarded in this cycle. The one-time award is intended to be used for research projects over a 36-month period.
ALS Canada-Brain Canada Clinical Research Fellowship
Specialized training of young MDs in both clinical care and research skills related to ALS is crucial to building better clinical infrastructure across Canada. The ALS Canada-Brain Canada Clinical Research Fellowship is designed to support the further training of a clinician for development of the skills necessary to be a specialist in ALS and to provide experience/training in clinical or fundamental research relevant to the field.
- Awards will be for two (2) years, for a total of up to $200,000.
- One-year fellowships may be requested if the eligibility criteria are met.
- Funds may only be used as stipend/salary support, with anticipation that tuition costs are included within. A budget should be submitted to outline the requested support and where no tuition fees are involved appropriate justification for the request should be made.
ALS Canada-Brain Canada Trainee Program
It is important that promising young investigators are nurtured in the early stages of their careers, so they might strive to promote discovery and advancement. Attracting the brightest young minds to ALS research will contribute to a succession plan for the Canadian ALS research community and will nurture and support innovative ideas and compelling breakthroughs.
- A $315,000 pool of funds will be available for this program.
- The distribution of Doctoral Awards and Postdoctoral Fellowships will be determined by relative merit of the applications.
- Each Doctoral Award would be funded at $25,000 per year for up to three years.
- Each Postdoctoral Fellowship would be funded at $55,000 per year for up to three years.
- Funds may only be used as stipend/salary support.
External opportunities
A number of other ALS organizations support researchers around the globe with ALS research funding. In our efforts to lead Canada’s contribution to global ALS research, we are pleased to provide this resource for external funding opportunities to the Canadian research community.
We appreciate any support in keeping it current and welcome any additions or corrections at research@als.ca.
External funding opportunities
Travel Awards Program & Meeting Sponsorship
In addition to funding ALS research projects and initiatives, we aim to foster international collaboration and support Canada’s presence in the global ALS research community.
Towards this goal, for nearly 15 years, ALS Canada has provided Travel Awards to support Canadian ALS researchers to attend and present their work at ALS conferences of international scope and significance.
Additionally, the ALS Canada Research Program accepts requests for sponsorship of meetings that will enhance the capabilities, knowledge, and collaboration of the Canadian ALS research community. This funding allows our research community to share knowledge on timely topics related to ALS and to actively respond to new ALS research discoveries that reflect the needs of our community.
Find more information on our Travel Awards Program & Meeting Sponsorship.
Please reach out for any questions and additional information about the ALS Canada Research Program and application process.
