Kanta Marwah Research Innovation Fund 

Since the 1980s, Parkinson Canada has been on the forefront of driving Parkinson’s research in all its forms. We’ve supported doctors and scientists across Canada who are doing innovative work to understand the underlying causes of Parkinson’s, identifying therapeutic strategies that alleviate symptoms and improve daily living, and developing novel drugs that can slow, stop or even reverse Parkinson’s. Throughout our time as stewards and supporters of this important work, the need to address gaps in how research is ultimately serving the community has always been a key consideration. 

To that end, we’re proud to announce the launch of our newest funding arm, the Kanta Marwah Research Innovation Fund (KMRIF). This is a special funding arm to support important research projects that address key areas of unmet need for people living with Parkinson’s and to help bring these new discoveries from the lab bench to the clinic. This might include opportunities to adapt learnings and therapeutic strategies from other neurological disorders to treat Parkinson’s, or supporting the developmental pathway for new diagnostic tools, novel therapeutics or innovative technologies. Parkinson Canada always strives to ensure that research is ultimately serving the needs of people affected by Parkinson’s, and this new funding opportunity is part of our dedication and focus on that aim. 

Dr. Kanta Marwah, the benefactor primarily supporting this fund and for whom it is named, is a longstanding donor to worthy philanthropic causes across Canada and within Ontario. We’re incredibly proud to be working with her on this new initiative and helping continue her legacy of support for health research and are certain that it will lead to many important discoveries soon and well into the future. 

More About Dr. Kanta Marwah 

Dr. Kanta Marwah is a Professor Emeritus of Economics at Carleton University, renowned for her unwavering commitment to philanthropy. Throughout her life and career, Dr. Marwah has been a steadfast benefactor of research focused on health and well-being, channeling her resources and energy into initiatives that enrich her community. Dr. Marwah not only has supported Parkinson Canada, but she has also set up endowment funds at variety of institutions and community organizations over the years including fund at the National Arts Centre, the National Gallery of Canada, and most recently the University of Ottawa Heart Institute.  Dr. Marwah is a pillar of her community who aspires always to give back and help drive health research forward so that others can benefit from the life-saving work taking place every day. 

Dr. Marwah’s philanthropic philosophy is deeply rooted in the values instilled by her parents, who emphasized the importance of always giving back to one’s community. She believes strongly in contributing to the well-being of others and that one should always strive to make a positive impact. Her work exemplifies the profound difference an individual can make through dedication, compassion, and a commitment to service. 

Dr. Marwah is also someone living with Parkinson’s herself, who has seen firsthand how it can impact someone’s daily life. Through establishing the KMRIF, she hopes to inspire new and innovative research that will make a real difference in the lives of herself and others living with this condition. “My philosophy of daily life is very simple: be a decent human being, always aspire to raise reality up to your ideals, rather than lowering your ideals to match reality.” 

To learn more about how to apply to the KMRIF and our other research funding opportunities, please visit our webpage.

Learn about the KMIF