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
  • 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 operating costs.

How to submit your application

The deadline for this round has passed and we are no longer accepting applications.


Please continue to visit this page for updates on the next application round.

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