Call for Abstract Submissions

Application Deadline: January 30, 2026

Application Deadline Extended: February 15th 23:59 EST

The BHCare Training and Capacity Building Program invites applicants to submit abstracts that contribute to brain health research. Applicants will have the opportunity to propose projects aimed at improving brain health, through:

1. Risk reduction and protective factors
2. Care and support of people living with cognitive impairment
3. Care and support of care providers and caregivers

Put on your creative thinking cap and become a future leader in age-related neurodegenerative disease research! This award offers a unique opportunity for trainees to gain valuable research and professional skills that will support their growth and success within their academic programs. Take the chance to make a meaningful impact in brain health research and help shape the future of care, risk reduction, and support for those affected by cognitive impairment.

Award Amount: 

• The BHCare Undergraduate Summer Trainee Awards are valued at $1,500 (with at least $1,500 matching funds from the supervisor(s)) for undergraduate summer students.
• Up to 15 awards for undergraduate students will be awarded in March 2026.
• At least two awards will be allocated to projects focusing on Black communities and EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion), two awards for research on caregiver support and PWLLE (Persons with Lived Experience), and two awards for projects serving Indigenous communities.
• A minimum of 30% of the awards will be given to applicants from non-U15 institutions, ensuring a diverse range of institutional representation.

Use of Award Funds:
These awards are intended to support trainee stipends and may also be used for the following:

• Data collection and analysis
• Travel funds to meet with trainee co-applicant(s), community partners, or Elders
• Publication and conference fees
• Skills acquisition
• Data access fees
• Knowledge Translation and Exchange product or activity
• Costs associated with research participant compensation e.g., honorariums, thank you gifts, parking fees
• Supplies, software, and other materials

Eligibility:

• Be an undergraduate student registered full-time or part-time in a Canadian post-secondary institution under the supervision of a BHCare co-investigator.
• One investigator/supervisor must agree to participate and ensure that the eligibility criteria are met and that the trainee applicants fulfill the Trainee Award guidelines. The supervisor must agree to hold the funds at their institution and assist the trainee applicants with managing the account.
• Undergraduate students must commit at least 20 hours per week for 8 weeks between May-August to the project proposed for this award. If students and supervisors wish to increase this commitment, they should discuss the possibility based on the funding available from the supervisor.
• Supervisors who are not already BHCare members/co-investigators must register to become members for their trainees to be eligible to apply, click here to register. Membership requirements include the following commitments to actively support BHCare’s collaborative goals:
  • Participation in Working Groups: Engaging in one or more of our working groups (e.g., EDI, mentorship, online curriculum, or experiential learning).
  • Stipend/Award Peer Review: Serving as a reviewer for the stipend/award peer review process.
  • Webinar Contribution: Hosting or presenting in one BHCare webinar annually to share expertise and insights with our community.
• BHCare co-investigators must be faculty members in a Canadian institution in the field of brain health care.
• Proposed projects must align with BHCare’s key focus areas, specifically targeting brain health care. This includes research aimed at improving brain health through risk reduction and protective factors, enhancing care for individuals living with cognitive impairment, or developing support for caregivers of those with cognitive impairments.
• Supervisors must commit to provide matching funds for the stipend of the awardee (at least $1,500).
• Award recipients will become members of CCNA Societies and the BHCare Trainee Network and will be required to complete a series of core mandatory modules and courses.

Abstract Guidelines 

Title: Use sentence case for your title, capitalizing only the first word and any proper nouns. Avoid using abbreviations, quotation marks, or periods at the end.

Keywords: Include up to 3 keywords. Avoid abbreviations and capitalization.

Abstracts:

• Plain Language Abstract (250 words maximum): Provide a brief, plain-language summary of the research, accessible to a general audience, including patients, caregivers, and community members. This section should avoid technical jargon and present the research purpose and potential impact in everyday language. For guidance on structuring this summary, please refer to the following resources:
  • EPLED Website
  • Plain Language and Accessibility Guidelines

• Scientific Abstract (350 words maximum): The word limit does not include the title, authors, keywords, or references. The submitter must ensure the abstract does not exceed this limit, or it will be rejected. The following sections MUST be included in the structured scientific abstract:
  • Background/Introduction
  • Objectives
  • Methods
  • Expected Impact or Hypotheses
  • References

Authors:

• Include academic degrees (e.g., MD, PhD) for each author, but omit professional certifications or accreditations.
  • Correct: Alex Green MD MPH
  • Incorrect: Alex Green MD MPH FACS

• Co-authors should be listed in order of contribution.

Evaluation Criteria:
Applicants must achieve at least 60% of the total evaluation criteria to be eligible for the award.

1. Overall Abstract Quality
   • Relevance to brain health care and BHCare’s key focus areas
   • Clear introduction, rationale, and objectives
   • Feasibility, innovation, and expected impact
   • Incorporation of sex, gender, and EDI considerations
   • Knowledge Translation (KT) strategies
2. Focus Areas (If applicable)
   • Black Communities: Cultural relevance, engagement, and targeted KT.
   • Indigenous Communities: Relevance, culturally sensitive methods, and KT plans.
   • Caregivers & PWLLE: Addresses caregiver and PWLLE needs and provides tangible support.

Important Deadlines:

• December 1, 2025: Competition launch.
• January 30, 2026: Application Deadline. Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt within one week of submission. Late submissions will not be accepted.
• March 31, 2026: Selection of recipients. Letters of notification will be sent to awardees.

For inquiries, please contact the BHCare Training Program Coordinator: Kelly Baines at bhcaretrainingplatform@gmail.com.

Click here to apply.