Overview
The Canadian Neurodevelopmental Research Training Platform (CanNRT) and Brain Canada Foundation are accepting applications for the CanNRT-Brain Canada Fellowship
- Who can apply: Master’s and doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and clinical fellows enrolled at a Canadian university
- Research focus: Neurodevelopment or associated conditions
- Program length: Up to two years
- Entry award: A one-time award of $20,000 to $50,000 CAD, based on career stage. The award is held for one year.
- Training Passport: Up to $2,000 CAD per year while enrolled in the program
- Application language: English or French
- Application deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
About the Fellowship
The CanNRT–Brain Canada Fellowship supports outstanding graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and clinical fellows conducting research on neurodevelopment and associated conditions at universities across Canada.
CanNRT and Brain Canada recognize that excellence in neurodevelopmental research requires training that extends beyond academic knowledge and technical expertise. Through the Fellowship, successful applicants join a national learning community that connects research, practice, policy, and lived and living experience.
The Fellowship is designed to empower Fellows to become leaders in both scientific research and other sectors where critical capacity is needed. Fellows have opportunities to develop their research, strengthen their communication and leadership skills, build cross-sector networks, and learn alongside peers and mentors from across Canada and beyond.
What the Fellowship provides
Successful applicants will be enrolled in the program for up to two years and will benefit from comprehensive capacity-building opportunities and support, including:
Entry Award
Fellows will receive a one-time entry award ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 CAD, based on their career stage.
The award is held for one year and may begin on:
- September 1, 2027; or
- January 1, 2028.
Applicants who hold competitive federal or provincial fellowships are encouraged to apply. However, they must decline the CanNRT–Brain Canada entry award if their external award period overlaps with the two-year term of this program.
Training Passport
Fellows will receive up to $2,000 CAD per year while enrolled in the program.
This Training Passport supports activities related to each Fellow’s research and career development, such as:
- Attending conferences
- Pursuing additional or specialized training
- Participating in professional development activities
- Organizing workshops and other learning activities led by Fellows
Annual Summer School
Fellows take part in two one-week learning and networking experiences in Montreal, Québec in 2027 and 2028.
The Annual Summer School brings together Fellows and mentors from different disciplines and sectors. It includes lectures, career skills workshops, and opportunities to build professional connections.
Attendance at both Summer Schools is required to participate in the Fellowship. CanNRT covers Fellows’ travel and accommodation expenses.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a Canadian or international trainee enrolled at a Canadian university as a master’s or doctoral student, postdoctoral researcher, or clinical fellow when the Fellowship begins.
- Conduct research relevant to neurodevelopment and associated conditions (e.g., genetics, cellular and animal models, cognition, neuroscience, and interventions). Multidisciplinary, innovative and translational research is encouraged.
- Be a CanNRT member.
- Participate in and contribute to CanNRT activities.
Canadian citizenship or permanent residency is not required. International trainees may apply if they meet the Canadian university enrolment requirement.
Not yet a member? Become a CanNRT member
Evaluation
Applications will be evaluated using Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) evaluation criteria and weighting.
Language
Applications may be submitted in English or French.
Key Dates
Applications open: September 1, 2026
Application deadline: October 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET
Applicants notified: May 2027
Entry award begins: September 1, 2027, or January 1, 2028
Program start: At mandatory Summer School (Spring/Summer 2027, TBC)