How it works

The Early Researcher Awards program gives funding to new researchers working at publicly funded Ontario research institutions to build a research team.

Who is eligible

You are eligible if you:

  • are a full-time faculty member or principal investigator based at an eligible research institution in Ontario
  • have started your academic career on or after January 1, 2020
  • have completed your first Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, Medical Doctor or terminal degree on or after January 1, 2015
  • have not already received an Early Researcher Award
  • are not a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair

Eligible institutions include Ontario's:

  • universities
  • colleges
  • Indigenous Institutes
  • research hospitals
  • non-profit research institutions

Funding amount

Each award to a leading researcher is a maximum of $100,000 and must be matched by an additional $50,000 from the researcher's institution.

The government will provide up to $40,000 to your research centre for overhead costs.

How to submit your application

You must take the following steps to submit your application:

  1. Download the Early Researcher Awards Round 19 application form and program guidelines.
  2. Read the program guidelines to learn how to complete and submit your application.
  3. Notify your institution’s research office that you plan to apply for this funding.
  4. Register for a free online information session to learn more about the Early Researcher Awards Round 19.
  5. Work with your institution’s research office to submit your completed application form by 5 p.m. (EST) on Thursday, November 27, 2025.

Online information sessions

Learn more about the Early Researcher Awards Round 19 and how to complete your application. Register for 1 of 3 free online information sessions:

Information session 1

Tuesday, October 7, 2025 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (EST)
Register for session 1

Information session 2

Wednesday, October 8, 2025 from 10:00 a.m.to 11:00 a.m. (EST)
Register for session 2

Information session 3

Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. (EST)
Register for session 3

Note:

  • Information sessions will take place in English with French closed captioning.
  • The information session deck will also be available in French upon request.
  • Event capacity is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Register to reserve your spot today.

Selection process

The review panel scores applicants on:

  • excellence of the researcher
  • quality of the proposal
  • development of research talent
  • benefits for Ontario

Projects funded

Find information about projects supported through the Early Researcher Awards on the Ontario Data Catalogue.

If you have questions, please contact:

era@ontario.ca