Early Researcher Awards
How to apply for government funding to build a research team in Ontario.
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, 2018
- have completed your first Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, Medical Doctor or terminal degree on or after January 1, 2013
- have not already received an Early Researcher Award
- are not a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair
Eligible institutions include Ontario's:
- 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 overhead costs.
How to submit your application
You must take the following steps to submit your application:
- Download the updated Early Researcher Awards Round 18 application form (version 2).
This version of the application form must be used. - Download and read the program guidelines to learn how to complete and submit your application.
- Notify your institution’s research office that you plan to apply for this funding.
- Work with your institution’s research office to submit your completed application form by:
5 p.m. (EDT), Thursday, July 25, 2024.
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: