Early Researcher Awards
How to get government funding to build a research team.
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
- have started your academic career on or after January 1, 2016
- have completed your first Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, Medical Doctor or terminal degree on or after January 1, 2011
- have not already held an Early Researcher Award
- are not a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair
Eligible institutions include:
- universities
- colleges
- research hospitals
- research institutes
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 operating costs.
How to submit your application
Coming soon: The new program guidelines and application form for Round 17 will be posted on or before July 8, 2022.
Selection process
The review panel scores applicants on:
- excellence of the researcher
- quality of the proposal
- development of research talent
- benefits for Ontario (e.g. cultural, economic, etc.)
Projects funded
Information about projects supported through the Early Researcher Awards can be found on the Ontario Open data website.
Questions
If you have questions, please contact:
For application and adjudication
Toni Glick (primary contact)