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:

  1. Download the updated Early Researcher Awards Round 18 application form (version 2).
    This version of the application form must be used.
  2. Download and 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. 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:

era@ontario.ca