The Early Researcher Awards program gives funding to new researchers working at publicly funded Ontario research institutions to build a research team. To be competitive, researchers are encouraged to be actively involved in conducting research that has been supported by peer-reviewed funding and to demonstrate academic independence from previous supervisors.

Applicants must have the approval of their ADR to apply to this program.

Program Overview

Eligibility

You are eligible if you:

• Are a full-time faculty member or principal investigator based at an eligible research institution
• Have started your academic career on or after January 1, 2021 (meaning you had the ability to conduct independent research and supervise your own students)
• Have completed your first Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, Medical Doctor or terminal degree on or after January 1, 2016
• Have not already held an Early Researcher Award
• Are not a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair

Eligible leaves (e.g. parental) can extend the window of eligibility (on a 1:1 replacement ratio).

Project Value and Duration

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 and/or partner organization.  The government will provide up to $40,000 to the university for indirect costs.  Project duration is five years.

Program Website

Ontario Research Fund – Early Researcher Award

How to Apply

Internal Resources

• Appendix B Template
• ERA CV Template
• UoG Guide to MCURES Research Security Requirements

External Resources

• Early Researcher Awards | ontario.ca (will be updated on program launch)
• Mitigating Economic and Geopolitical Risk Checklist for ORF Applications
• Application Attestation Form for ORF Applications