Apply for funding

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Kanta Marwah Research Innovation Fund 

Parkinson Canada remains actively engaged in research activities and programs that foster collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and build capacity for quality research in Canada. In recognition that there is a growing need for funding that can be responsive to the rapid pace of Parkinson’s research around the world, Parkinson Canada has established the Kanta Marwah Research Innovation Fund (KMRIF).

The KMRIF is complimentary to Parkinson Canada’s existing grant programs, with the goal of funding research projects and initiatives that will ultimately improve the lives of people with Parkinson’s. The Pilot Project Grant program (link) continues to be Parkinson Canada’s primary funding opportunity to support early-stage research projects. Whereas the KMRIF aims to be a complimentary funding opportunity to:

1. Enhance large multi-center or interdisciplinary research projects by adding a new Parkinson’s Disease study arm, or expansion to include Canadian participation in a global project. (Average budget – $40,000 – $80,000)
2. Catalyze new ideas and approaches for Parkinson’s research and care by funding collaborative forums for knowledge exchange and consensus-building activities within research that bring together world leaders in Parkinson’s. (Average budget – $5,000 – $15,000)
3. Supporting preclinical or clinical development of translational research projects to help bridge gaps needed to bring novel therapies or diagnostic technologies to the clinic. (Average budget – $40,000 – $80,000)

Proposals for KMRIF funding will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and is contingent on the availability of funds.

To learn more about this funding opportunity please reach out by email research@parkinson.ca and refer to the following document:

Research Innovation Reference Document

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Travel Award Program

Parkinson Canada is pleased to provide travel awards to support exceptional trainees to attend globally-recognized conferences related to Parkinson’s Disease, so that they can present their research, further their education and participate in career-building activities. Awards will be valued at $1,000 (conferences within North America, or $1,500 (conferences outside of contiental North America). A maximum of 1 travel award may be granted to members of the same lab or clinic for each conference. Awarded Funds are intended to cover costs for conference registration, transportation to the event and accommodation only. For more information on the program and award policies  click here.  

Eligible Conferences:

Where to Apply 
Apply on Parkinson Canada’s Research Application Website (SMApply)

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Pilot Project Grant (PPG)

• Up to $75,000 (1-year term) 

• To foster novel, high-potential projects, and ideas with a trajectory for major grants with larger granting institutions 

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Graduate Student Award (GSA)

• $20,000 per year (2-year term) 

• Full-time graduate students at the PhD level conducting research relevant to the cure, cause, prevention, improved treatment and/or understanding of Parkinson’s disease or related disorders. 

Note: The Graduate Student Award for the Master’s level is not available.   

GSA Partnership Awards 

Parkinson Canada/Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS) Partnership Award. 

• For candidates submitting applications to the Parkinson Canada/FRQS Partnership Program, funding amounts are $27,500/year for years 1 & 2. Additionally, candidates are eligible for funding for years 3 & 4 at the FRQS base award value ($25,000/year) as per regular FRQS competitions. Candidates for the Parkinson Canada/FRQS funding opportunity must submit applications to both FRQS and to Parkinson Canada and must indicate that this has been done. Research supported under this Program must be carried out at a University or affiliated institution (including hospitals and research institutes) within the province of Quebec. 

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Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (PRF) 

• $45,000 per year (2-year term) 

• Candidates must hold a doctoral degree (PhD or MD) obtained in the last 5 years and are exclusively conducting research relevant to the cure, cause, prevention, improved treatment and/or understanding of Parkinson’s disease or related disorders. 

PRF Partnership Awards 

Parkinson Canada/Fonds de recherche du Québec – Santé (FRQS) Partnership Award. 

• Candidates must submit applications to both Parkinson Canada and FRQS and indicate on their application that they wish to be considered for this partnership award. The program offers up to two years of joint support with the possibility of renewal for a third year from FRQS. Stipends in this program for fellowship candidates are the same as that which is offered for the Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. The amount of funding available for the third year is based on eligibility for funding renewal in their third year as per regular FRQS competitions and is restricted to FRQS regular funding amounts. Please see FRQS funding guidelines for 2024-2026 amounts. 

Parkinson Canada/Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Partnership Program 

• Candidates must submit applications to Parkinson Canada only and indicate on their application that they wish to be considered for this partnership award. Research supported under this Program must be carried out at a University or affiliated institution (including hospitals and research institutes), within the Province of Saskatchewan. For more information please visit the SHRF website (SHRF). Funding is available for 1 awardee in this program for fellowship candidates are the same as that which is offered for the Postdoctoral Research Fellowships plus a $10,000/year research supplement. 

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Clinician Scientist Research Fellowship (CSRF) 

• $50,000 per year or $75,000 per year (2-year term) 

• For applicants who are actively pursuing a research project related to Parkinson’s Disease while concurrently undergoing clinical training. 
  • $50,000 per year for Residents in Neurology/Neurosurgery 
  • $75,000 per year for Clinical Fellows 

CSRF Partnership Awards 

Parkinson Canada/Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Partnership Program 

• Candidates must submit applications to Parkinson Canada only and indicate on their application that they wish to be considered for this partnership award. Research supported under this Program must be carried out at a University or affiliated institution (including hospitals and research institutes), within the Province of Saskatchewan. For more information please visit the SHRF website (SHRF). Funding is available for 1 awardee in this program for fellowship candidates are the same as that which is offered for the Postdoctoral Research Fellowships plus a $10,000/year research supplement. 

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Clinical Movement Disorder Fellowship (CMDF) 

• $75,000 per year (1-year term) 

• A training award for applicants who are enrolled in a clinical fellowship for movement disorders

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New Investigator Award 

• $45,000 per year (3-year term) 

• A project grant to encourage and support early career researchers in the field of Parkinson’s Disease who were appointed to their first faculty appointment within the last 5 years.