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)

For post-award, contracting and reporting