For researchers

What's new

A researcher examines brain and heart scans on a computer screen.

2026/27 Heart & Stroke Research Competitions are now open

We are pleased to announce our 2026/27 research competitions. Please see details below.

Heart & Stroke is proud to fund Canada’s best heart and brain health researchers. The links below provide a comprehensive guide to our funding opportunities, application processes, peer review and more.

Apply to current opportunities
Heart & Stroke funding +–

2026/27 Heart & Stroke research competitions are now OPEN!

Heart & Stroke is pleased to announce that we are launching the 2026/27 research competition. This year, we will be funding five competitions:

  • Grants-in-Aid: Application must be submitted online using CIRCUlink by 15:00 EDT August 28, 2025. CIRCUlink will not accept submissions after this deadline.
  • New Investigator: Application must be submitted online using CIRCUlink by 15:00 EDT September 4, 2025. CIRCUlink will not accept submissions after this deadline.
  • Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards: Application must be submitted online using CIRCUlink by 15:00 EDT October 2, 2025. CIRCUlink will not accept submissions after this deadline.
  • Personnel Awards for Women’s Heart & Brain Health: Application must be submitted online using CIRCUlink by 15:00 EDT October 2, 2025. CIRCUlink will not accept submissions after this deadline.

Application deadline support notice: Heart & Stroke will attempt to provide support to all applicants requiring assistance leading up to the deadline of 15:00 EDT for each award. Please be advised that due to limited resources Heart & Stroke cannot provide any assurances of available support after 14:00 EDT on the specified deadline date. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that a completed application is submitted prior to the deadline. Heart & Stroke strongly recommends that applications be submitted well before the 15:00 EDT deadline.

New for the 2026/27 funding opportunity cycle

Heart & Stroke wishes to alert all applicants that we have updated our guidelines and documents. These updates come into effect starting with the 2026/27 funding opportunity cycle. Updates include creating a consistent guideline layout that provides specific program information and eligibility requirements upfront followed by more general information related to our research programs. We have also  introduced  new requirements in our ongoing commitment to responsible research and inclusive practices. New and notable guidelines updates include: 

  • Artificial Intelligence (AI) Guidance on using AI in grant and award applications to assure a consistent, transparent, and responsible approach to AI use for applicants and reviewers.
  • Research Security Compliance Guidance regarding compliance with the Government of Canda directives on research security as outlined in the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships and the Policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC Policy).
  • Sex and Gender Based Analysis and Reporting (SGBAR), Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI): SGBAR guidelines updated to require the integration of SGBAR into their research design and inform applicants it will now be explicitly included in the evaluation criteria in the 2026/27 competition. EDI guidelines updated to inform that applicants are required to describe how EDI considerations have been integrated into their research design (EDI-RD), as appropriate. For GIA application only EDI-RD considerations, as appropriate, will be included in the evaluation criteria in the 2026/27 competition.
  • Heart & Stroke BioSketch: We have developed our own version of a BioSketch to replace the soon-to-be discontinued Common CV. This new document will replace the Common CV as part of the application process. A BioSketch form must be completed and uploaded for the PI, Co-PI, trainee, supervisor and any all Co-Applicants named on the application via CIRCUlink.

Applicants are expected to review the relevant sections in the updated guidelines to ensure their submissions align with current requirements. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all submissions conform to the guidelines of the funding opportunity to which they apply.

Please note: Applicants from New Brunswick are now required to contact the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick at info@hsf.nb.ca prior to developing a GIA application.

Resources

If you have any questions regarding Heart & Stroke research programs, please contact us at research@heartandstroke.ca.

Sign up to get the latest news regarding Heart & Stroke’s research programs and funding opportunities.

Observership Program +–

The Heart & Stroke Observership Program offers postdoctoral fellows and early career researchers the opportunity to sit as observers on grant review committees to help develop key competencies related to grant writing skills and peer review. 

All Grant-in-Aid peer review committees will be participating in the Observership Program and will support up to two observers on each committee.  Below, are the committees and their sub-committees:

  1. (clinical cardio- & cerebrovascular research: mechanistic studies & clinical trials / health services research)
  2. (Integrative studies:  Genetic manipulations/imaging/bioengineering)
  3. (Basic science stroke/neurophysiology/neuroregulation)
  4. (Molecular, biochemical and cellular physiological approaches to cardiovascular health and disease, vascular)
    1. Molecular, biochemical, and cellular physiological approaches to cardiovascular health and disease, vascular disorders.
    2. Cardiac arrhythmias, cardiac mechanics, electrophysiological approaches to cardiovascular health and disease, ischemia related disorders.
    3. Cardiovascular complications associated with obesity/diabetes, metabolism, and cardiac development/remodelling
  5. (Molecular basis of cardiac and vascular function)
  6. (thrombosis / lipids & lipoproteins / fundamental nutrition research)
  7. (behavioural research / health psychology / rehabilitation / population health)
    1. Health services and Public Health
    2. Health behaviour; health psychology

Eligibility criteria for Early Career Investigators

  • 0-5 years of first academic/independent research appointment.
  • Have not received a Heart and Stroke Grant-in-Aid as a Principal Applicant

Eligibility criteria for Postdoctoral and Clinical Fellows

  • Must have completed1 full year (12 months) of their Fellowship in Canada prior to September 1, 2025. 
  • Clinical Fellows must be in a research stream.

Interested in this opportunity? Reach out to us straightaway at research@heartandstroke.ca for more information as spots will be allocated in order of request/appropriateness. We will also keep a contingency or alternate list, so don’t delay. Inquires after September 19, 2025, will be directed to future programs.

Grants and awards
Chairs and Professorships +–

A Chair/Professorship supports a leading investigator to focus on heart disease and/or stroke, often building a network or centre of excellence at the institution. These initiatives are typically designated endowments or done in partnership with like-minded organizations. They provide salary and infrastructure support to enable a leading researcher to develop a specific heart disease and stroke research focus at a Canadian university.

Meet our Heart & Stroke Chairs and Professors

Congenital Heart Disease Team Grants +–

Heart & Stroke, together with Brain Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health and Institute of Genetics, are excited to announce the three successful research teams of the Congenital Heart Disease Team Grants competition. Researchers will focus on congenital heart disease (CHD) throughout the lifespan and in the context of physical as well as mental health, with considerations for sex and gender, Indigenous health and wellness, and health equity.

Congratulations are extended to the following winning teams:

  1. Dr. Luc Mertens, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
  2. Dr. Thalia Field, University of British Columbia
  3. Dr. Andrew Mackie, University of Alberta
Global Cardiovascular Research Funders Forum +–

To learn about our partnership in the Global Cardiovascular Research Funders Forum, please click here.

Grants-in-Aid +–

The Grant-in-Aid (GIA) program provides operating funds to support important, pertinent, novel research in the areas of heart disease and stroke. GIA funding promotes research discovery, exploration and innovation across all health research themes. Knowledge gained from scientific findings contributes to the cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health of Canadians through prevention, treatment and recovery.

Research is supported across the four health research themes:

  • Basic biomedical
  • Clinical
  • Health services/systems
  • Social, cultural, environmental and population health.

Researchers at all career stages are encouraged to apply to the GIA program. Principal Investigators (and co-PIs) must have a full-time academic or faculty appointment (i.e., at minimum, at the assistant or clinical assistant professor level) in Canada at the time of application.

Heart & Stroke funding +–

2025/26 Heart & Stroke research competitions are now closed

Heart & Stroke is pleased to have launched the 2025/26 Research Competition. This year, we will be funding FIVE competitions:

Please check back on July 1, 2025 for our next launch. Results from the 2025/26 are expected autumn 2025. 

Heart-Brain IMPACT Award +–

After rigorous international peer review, the recipients of the Brain Canada and Heart & Stroke Heart-Brain Connection IMPACT Award are:

Douglas S. Lee, MD, PhD, FRCPC
University Health Network

Peter Liu, MD, FRCPC
University of Ottawa Heart Institute 

The multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional competition awards these two teams grants of up to $2.9 million each. Read more about the winning projects.  

With its unique competition guidelines, the Heart-Brain Connection IMPACT Award will enable breakthroughs in research aimed at generating new knowledge and accelerating its translation into action for people living with conditions that impact the heart and brain, such as heart disease, stroke and vascular cognitive impairment (VCI). 

Watch this space for information or sign up for our quarterly Research e-newsletter for updates.

International Research Challenge on Women’s Cardiovascular Health +–

Global Cardiovascular Research Funders Forum (GCRFF) - International Research Challenge on Women’s Cardiovascular Health

Taking strides to better understand and improve women’s cardiovascular health around the world, the International Research Challenge on Women’s Cardiovascular Health will fund a world-class international research program for up to US $10 million over five years.

The grant will be awarded by the Global Cardiovascular Research Funders Forum (GCRFF) – an international alliance of 12 major funders of cardiovascular research across the world – to address areas of unmet clinical need within women’s cardiovascular health. This is the first significant joint investment from the GCRFF to support research on the international stage.

Personnel Awards for Black Scholars +–

Heart & Stroke, along with Brain Canada, is pleased to support annual Personnel Awards for Black Scholars.

Through these awards, Heart & Stroke seeks to increase the representation of best-in-class Black researchers across heart and brain health research fields in Canada. By removing financial burdens, the awards enable outstanding students to focus on their studies, undertake a program of research, and engage with mentors as part of their training and development.

These awards are offered to students accepted to or enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs in Canada who identify as Black and who are studying in an area specific to heart or brain health. These multi-year awards will function as salary stipends intended to enable trainees to focus on their studies and advance in their chosen field.

The current application window is now closed. Please check back in the fall of 2025 for the next competition launch and sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news regarding Heart & Stroke’s research programs and funding opportunities.

 

Personnel Awards for Indigenous Scholars +–

Heart & Stroke, along with Brain Canada, is pleased to support annual Personnel Awards for Indigenous Scholars.

Through these awards, Heart & Stroke seeks to increase the representation of best-in-class Indigenous researchers across heart and brain health research fields in Canada. By removing financial burdens, the awards enable outstanding students to focus on their studies, undertake a program of research, and engage with mentors as part of their training and development.

These awards are offered to Indigenous students accepted to or enrolled in master’s or doctoral programs in Canada and who are studying in an area specific to heart or brain health. These multi-year awards will function as salary stipends intended to enable trainees to focus on their studies and advance in their chosen field.

The current application window is now closed. Please check back in the fall of 2025 for the next competition launch and sign up for our newsletter to get the latest news regarding Heart & Stroke’s research programs and funding opportunities.

 

Personnel Awards for New Investigators +–

This award provides salary support to individuals who have clearly demonstrated excellence during their doctoral and post-doctoral training in cardiovascular or cerebrovascular research. New Investigator awards are tenable in Canada only.

Personnel Awards for Women’s Heart & Brain Health +–

Our new Women’s Personnel Awards will support young scholars invested in women’s heart and brain health early in their training stage (Doctoral) and during their transition (post-doctoral) to becoming independent researchers. These awards aim to jump start careers, sparking interest in women’s heart and brain health research. 

Postdoctoral Fellowship Awards +–

Heart & Stroke’s personnel award programs provide salary support to Canada’s top researchers across the career continuum. This support helps ensure the training, retention and success of Canada’s cardiovascular and cerebrovascular researchers. The objective of the competition is to increase the number of researchers and clinician-scientists in Canadian universities and research institutions devoted specifically to cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular health. The stipends awarded will enable Postdoctoral Fellows to pursue their program of research and engage with mentors as part of their training.

Research Networks of Excellence in Women's Heart and or Brain Health +–

Heart & Stroke, along with the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Institute of Gender and Health (CIHR-IGH), is excited to announce the winners of the Research Networks of Excellence in Women’s Heart and/or Brain Health. The researchers will focus on creating a better understanding of women’s risk factors for heart conditions during pregnancy and improving diagnosis and treatment of women living with the effects of stroke.

Congratulations are extended to the following two teams that will each receive $5M in funding over five years, led by:

  1. Dr. Rohan D'Souza, McMaster University
  2. Dr. Amy Yu, Sunnybrook Research Institute, University of Toronto
Scholarships +–

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada - McDonald Scholarships

The McDonald Scholarship was established in honour of Ewing (Mac) McDonald, executive director of Heart & Stroke from 1968 to 1987. Each year, the scholarship is awarded to the highest-rated applicant in the New Investigator competition. Recent winners:

  • 2021-22: Dr. Emilie Belley-Cote (McMaster University) Beyond the Scalpel: Optimizing outcomes after cardiac surgery
  • 2020-21: Dr. Scott B. Widenmaier  (University of Saskatchewan) — Investigating the molecular interface underlying immunometabolic homeostasis in obesity-linked cardiovascular disease
  • 2019-2020: Dr. Marie-Annick Clavel (Universite Laval) - Sex-dependent differences in pathophysiological mechanisms, presentation, outcome, and treatment of aortic valve stenosis
  • 2018 – 2019: Dr. Gopinath Sutendra (University of Alberta) — Metabolic modulation as a novel therapy for chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity.
  • 2017 – 2018: Dr. Wenbin Liang (University of Ottawa Heart Institute) — Role of Wnt signaling in cardiac arrhythmogenesis.

The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada - Henry J. M. Barnett Scholarships

The Henry J. M. Barnett Scholarship is presented annually to a highly rated investigator working in the area of cerebrovascular research. This prestigious award was established to honour Dr. Barnett’s exceptional contributions to stroke research, education, and patient care in Canada.

  • 2021-22: Dr. Maria Ioannou  (University of Alberta) The mechanisms and function of neuronal lipid particle release during ischemic stroke
  • 2020-21: Dr. Amy Yu (Sunnybrook Research Institute) — Determining sex disparities In Stroke Care and Outcomes to optimize recoVERy (DISCOVER) 
  • 2019 - 2020: Dr. Ashkan Shoamanesh (McMaster University) - Preventing hemorrhagic stroke and improving the lives of hemorrhagic stroke survivors
  • 2018 – 2019: Dr. Thalia Field (University of British Columbia) — SECRET: Safety of rivaroxaban for CeREbral venous Thrombosis.
  • 2017 – 2018: Dr. Glen C. Jickling (University of Alberta) — Genomics of high risk transient ischemic attacks.
Stroke Clinical Research Catalyst Grant program +–

Together with our esteemed partners Brain Canada and the Canadian Stroke Consortium, we are thrilled to announce the recipients of the 2022 Stroke Clinical Research Catalyst Grants. The purpose of this program is to increase capacity for clinical stroke research within Canada, with an aim to reduce the burden of stroke, prevent recurrence, and improve patient outcomes through clinical research that will improve our understanding of stroke and advance stroke care.

This exciting program provides ten leading stroke researchers with the initial seed funding they need to develop new lines of research and to generate preliminary data. The goal is that this initial investment will support successful applications to larger grants.

The ten projects receiving $100,000 grants include:

Dr. Sean Dukelow, University of Calgary: The TeleTaCAS Randomized Controlled Feasibility Trial.

Dr. Aravind Ganesh, University of Calgary: Development and testing of a system for remote ischemic conditioning in preparation for clinical trials in cerebral small vessel disease and pre-hospital stroke care.

Dr. Raed Joundi, McMaster University: Incidence, Trends, Determinants, and Prognosis of Post-Stroke Dementia (INTREPID): A 20-year registry and population-based cohort study.

Dr. Aristeidis Katsanos, McMaster University: blooD prEssure management in sTroke following EndovasCular Treatment (DETECT).

Dr. Ethan MacDonald, University of Calgary: Developing a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) based pH Mapping Tool for Clinical Stroke Assessment.

Dr. Michelle Ploughman, Memorial University: Verifying aerobic training protocols to benefit both heart and brain in subacute stroke.

Dr. Alexandre Poppe, Université de Montréal: A multi-centre, prospective, randomized, open-label, blinded endpoint (PROBE) controlled trial comparing acute cervical internal carotid artery stenting to no stenting during endovascular thrombectomy for anterior circulation stroke due to acute tandem occlusion: Endovascular Acute Stroke Intervention – Tandem OCclusion trial (EASI-TOC).

Dr. Deborah Siegal, University of Ottawa: Intensive Cancer Screening for Cryptogenic Stroke (INCOGNITO) Pilot Randomized Trial.

Dr. Nishita Singh, University of Manitoba: Adaptive Platform Trial to Investigate VArious ThErapies in Carotid-Associated Stroke (ACTIVATE-CAS)- Pilot Phase.

Dr. Luciano Sposato, Lawson Health Research Institute:  STARGATE (Sweet spoT for cArdiac Rhythm monitorinG After sTrokE) Pilot Trial: A pilot-feasibility randomized controlled trial.

 
Competition results
Latest results +–

Heart & Stroke is honoured to fund the best and brightest researchers across Canada. Our awardees will lead us to ground-breaking discoveries that will help people affected by heart disease and stroke live longer, healthier lives.

Our researchers and their projects represent innovative work within their respective disciplines, as determined by a rigorous peer review process by our Scientific Review Committee (SRC).

We are proud to support the following researchers (listed by research program):

Learn more
Post grant and award administration
Post grant and award administration +–

The Grant Management and Award Guidelines outline the administration and management of funded applications during the course of the grant. 

Grants-in-Aid +–

All reporting templates for Grants-in-Aid (GIA) are available on CIRCUlink, Heart & Stroke’s online grants management system. Submissions should adhere to the following schedule:

  • Progress reports: A satisfactory progress report must be filed with Heart & Stroke on an annual basis no later than 30 days following the one-year anniversary date.
  • Final reports: Following completion/termination of the award, a satisfactory final report must be filed with Heart & Stroke within 30 days (this may be the approved carry forward year which extends beyond the normal term of the grant).
  • Close-out reports: A satisfactory close‐out‐report must be filed with Heart & Stroke before the first anniversary of the project completion date.

Guidelines

GIA Financial Report

Personnel Awards +–

All reporting templates for Personnel awards are available for download below. Completed reports must be emailed to research@heartandstroke.ca.

  • Progress reports: A satisfactory progress report must be filed with Heart & Stroke on an annual basis no later than 30 days following the one-year anniversary date.
  • Final Reports: Following completion/termination of the award, a satisfactory final report must be filed with Heart & Stroke within 30 days.
  • Additional Funding Spreadsheet
Strategic Research Awards +–

All reporting templates for Strategic Research Awards are available for download below. Completed reports must be emailed to research@heartandstroke.ca.

Progress Report Template (Word Version)

Progress Report Template (PDF Version)

Final Report Template

Research Fund Initiatives Financial Report

Notify us of an upcoming paper +–

Heart & Stroke strives to showcase our amazing research and highlight the outcomes of our funding to our donors and volunteers. 

To facilitate transparency and promote our research, Heart & Stroke must be notified in advance of the publication date of any major publications and/or news releases arising from research funded by Heart & Stroke. Ideally, papers accepted for publication should be forwarded to Heart & Stroke when you send your revisions back to the journal. This ensures that we have appropriate time to review and identify potential opportunities for promotion. 

Important: Please send all research publications to research@heartandstroke.ca.

Should Heart & Stroke decide to promote your research, we will work closely with you to draft any relevant materials. While we can't issue a news release for every paper that we receive, we can communicate it via channels including our website and social media.

Publication update +–

GIA

Only updates to the six (6) representative publications attached as part of the proposal and progress sections of the application will be accepted.

Please click to download the Publication Update form and send the completed form with the publication update to research@heartandstroke.ca. Heart & Stroke staff will notify the applicant on acceptance of the publication update.

Heart & Stroke will not accept letters indicating confirmation of acceptance for publication of a paper after 01 December 2025.

New Investigator

Only updates to the three (3) representative publications attached as part of section 13 of the New Investigator application will be accepted.

Please click to download the Publication Update form and send the completed form with the publication update to research@heartandstroke.ca. Heart & Stroke staff will notify the applicant on acceptance of the publication update.

Heart & Stroke will not accept letters indicating confirmation of acceptance for publication of a paper after 01 December 2025.

Peer review
Information on Peer Review +–

Peer review at Heart & Stroke is conducted through the Scientific Review Committee (SRC). The SRC’s primary purpose is to ensure transparency, integrity and impact of the resources available for research. In addition to application peer review and program development, the SRC is also responsible for the scientific post-grant administration of funded grants, including scientific monitoring of grants on behalf of multiple funders. The SRC also works with other advisory volunteer bodies within Heart & Stroke.

The SRC peer reviews well over 500 applications on an annual basis. Membership spans all four themes of health research. SRC members donate an estimated 45,000 volunteer hours every year. 

The overall peer review system is led by the SRC executive chair and vice -chair along with approximately 26 members of the Executive Committee composed of SRC sub-panel chairs and deputy chairs.

The SRC oversees the peer review of all research led by Heart & Stroke; SRC panels are formed based on funding opportunities and applications submitted for Grants-in-Aid, Personnel Awards and Impact Awards.

Explore the steps and stages of peer review.

Resources
Find research participants +–

Heart & Stroke can promote research studies and clinical trials in Canada and help researchers recruit participants. We post short descriptions of studies on our website and in a monthly newsletter and circulate to our extensive e-registry of people with lived experience, both caregivers and survivors. 

Heart & Stroke prioritizes studies that have ethics approval, include gender and sex-based analysis and reporting and offer accessible participation (e.g., accommodate for linguistic, financial, medical/physical restrictions). 

If you are interested in having your study included, please complete the application form.

Heart & Stroke will review and respond within 10 business days after receipt of a completed application. Any questions about this process or the application form should be directed to kthp@heartandstroke.ca.

View current requests for research volunteers

Letters of Support +–

If you are applying for financial grants and awards at another funding organization (e.g., CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC, provincial health funding agencies, or other) and would like a letter of support from Heart & Stroke to accompany your application, please include the following information and email us at research@heartandstroke.ca. Please provide at least four (4) weeks turnaround time to process your request. 

  • your name and contact information
  • names and institutions of all Co-Principal Investigators and Co-Applicants
  • the name and institution of the award you are applying for, including the funding agency or agencies, and deadline for application
  • details on the role and goals for Heart & Stroke involvement
  • a draft letter of support, that will be edited/signed by Heart & Stroke, indicating the core objectives/impacts of the proposed activities 
  • a copy of the lay and scientific summary
  • timeline for response from Heart & Stroke
Women's Research Network +–

Women's Research Network 2016-2021

Through a contribution agreement with Health Canada, Heart & Stroke was funded to undertake foundational work to begin correcting historic disparities in access to care faced by women in Canada. Through several key activities, the project contributed to new knowledge to change policy and practice as well as adoption of sex/gender-based analysis and reporting. 

Funding for Heart & Stroke’s Advancing Women’s Heart & Brain Health initiative was announced in the 2016 Federal Budget, with $5 million over five years to:

  • Support targeted research on the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease and stroke in women.
  • Promote collaboration between research institutions across the country.
  • Invest in female and Indigenous researchers to build capacity amongst Canadian scientists engaged in research focused on women’s vascular health. 

The initiative was completed in 2021. Heart & Stroke has accomplished the following:

  • Developed a Research Network comprised of 200 individuals to share evidence, tools and best practices to build capacity. (no longer active)
  • Funded 26 research projects across Canada working on diverse areas affecting women’s heart and brain health including four women’s research chairs (one focused on maternal health and two on Indigenous women, and one on increased risk of heart disease for breast cancer patients).
  • Now requires sex- and gender-based analysis as a component of all research applications submitted to Heart & Stroke

Women’s Research Network 2.0

We are now in the second phase of our women’s research initiative. In March 2024, we launched a public campaign on women’s unique risk factors. Please visit our digital hub here to learn more.

Heart & Stroke is also a funder of the following current research initiatives for women’s health:

For more information, please contact us: research@heartandstroke.ca

Contact us and Subscribe to our Research Newsletter +–

If you have any questions regarding Heart & Stroke research programs, please contact us at research@heartandstroke.ca.

Sign up to get the latest news regarding Heart & Stroke’s research programs and funding opportunities.

Policies and Resources +–

The following policies apply to all researchers funded by Heart & Stroke:

If you have questions about the above policies, please contact research@heartandstroke.ca.