The Brain Health Care (BHCare) Graduate (Masters and PhD) Trainee Scholarships
Call for Proposal Submissions
Application Deadline: June 14, 2026

The BHCare Training and Capacity Building Program invites graduate (Masters and PhD) applicants to submit proposals for research projects 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 for later life brain health
2. Care and support of aging populations living with cognitive impairment
3. Care and support of care providers and caregivers for older adults with dementia

Scholarship recipients will be given the opportunity to enhance their research skills and contribute meaningfully to the field of brain health and dementia care in Canada. This scholarship is intended for graduate research students to gain valuable experience and professional expertise in their fields.

Scholarship Amount: 

• The one-year, one-time BHCare Masters Trainee scholarships are valued at $8,750 (with at least $8,750 matching funds from the supervisor(s)) for each Masters trainee
• The one-year, one-time BHCare PhD Trainee scholarships are valued at $10,500 (with at least $10,500 matching funds from the supervisor(s)) for each PhD trainee
• Five Master’s and five PhD trainees will receive funding for September 2026, or for a one-year term starting within one year of the scholarship offer
• These scholarships can be held in conjunction with other scholarships (e.g., ASRP, CIHR, NSERC, or other institutional awards)
• In alignment with CIHR’s commitment to addressing the systemic disadvantages that have led to the underrepresentation of Black and Indigenous scholars in research, BHCare will provide funding for a minimum of one Black and a minimum of one Indigenous (First Nations and/or Métis and/or Inuit) scholar. By prioritizing this support, we strengthen our collective capacity to build culturally, and racially informed knowledge systems grounded in equity, respect, and relevance. This approach enriches the research landscape by centering Indigenous worldviews, supporting Indigenous self-determination, and ensuring that diverse voices and lived experiences are reflected in the pursuit of research excellence.

Use of Scholarship Funds:

These scholarships are intended to support trainee stipends, not to fund the conduct of research activities as part of graduate research work or travel related to research dissemination.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled (or expected to enroll by Sept 2026) as full-time Masters or PhD students at a Canadian institution.
• Co-supervision by two Principal Investigators (PIs) is encouraged but not required.
• One investigator/supervisor must agree to participate and ensure that the eligibility criteria are met and that the trainee applicants fulfill the Trainee Scholarship guidelines. The supervisor must agree to hold the funds at their institution and assist the trainee applicants with managing the account.
• Each supervisor may only support one funded graduate trainee (Master’s or PhD) per competition year. Multiple trainees from the same supervisor may apply. However, to support equitable distribution of awards across supervisors, institutions, and regions of Canada, the committee may limit funding to one award recipient per supervisor in a given competition year.
• Supervisors who are not already BHCare members/co-investigators must register to become members for their trainees to be eligible to apply. 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.
• 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 for later life brain health, care and support of aging populations living with cognitive impairment, and care and support of care providers and caregivers for older adults with dementia.
• Supervisors must commit to provide matching funds for the stipend of the scholarship recipients (at least $8,750 for masters trainees and at least $10,500 for PhD trainees).
• Scholarship 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 throughout the one-year duration of their funding.

Application Guidelines 
Required Documents:

• Completion of the BHCare Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Survey 
• Plain Language Summary of the Research: (250 words): Applicants should provide a plain language summary describing the proposed research in everyday, non-scientific language at a Grade 8 reading level. The summary should be accessible to a general audience, including patients, caregivers, and community members. For guidance on structuring this summary, please refer to the following resources:
  • EPLED Website
  • Plain Language and Accessibility Guidelines
• Research Proposal:
  • Project Proposal (1,000 words): Include the scientific rationale, hypothesis, objectives, methodology, analysis and reporting plan, project timeline, the applicant’s role, and knowledge translation plan for the proposed research. Include references and an appendix for figures and tables only.
    • Incorporating Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Describe how aspects such as sex, gender, race, ethnicity, and culture are reflected in the research approach, including the study design, data analysis, and result interpretation. If these elements are not applicable to your research, provide a well-reasoned explanation for their exclusion.
  • Mentorship & Training Plan (500 words): The applicant and supervisor should submit a joint, letter outlining a comprehensive plan for the applicant’s research, academic training, and mentorship. This plan should include:
    • The supervisor’s and institution’s commitment to supporting the research with adequate space, resources, facilities, and personnel.
    • The technical and professional skills the applicant will develop during the scholarship and how these skills will support their long-term career goals.
    • If applicable, a description of the co-supervision arrangement, including how responsibilities and mentorship will be shared between supervisors, and how the co-supervised structure will enhance the trainee’s experience and project outcomes.
  • Personal Statement (500 words): Explain why you are the ideal candidate to carry out this project and highlight your interest in the field. Applicants should describe their relevant experiences—lived, academic, and/or community—that have shaped their career goals and motivation for pursuing this opportunity.
• Applicant’s CIHR Biosketch CV & Supervisor’s CIHR Biosketch CV(s)
• Certificate of Completion of Sex and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (SGBA+) Modules: Applicants must complete the CIHR-ICRH Sex and Gender Training Modules and submit the Certificate of Completion.
• Letter of Support: A letter from the applicant’s supervisor is required, confirming commitment to the project. If there are co-supervisors, they may co-sign the single letter (Maximum 1 page).

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

• Personal Component (30%)
  1. Letter of Support (20%)
     • Referee should provide meaningful insights into the applicant’s character, research potential, relevant personal experiences, motivation, capacity for success in a graduate research environment, and commitment to advancing brain health research.
  2. Personal Statement (10%)
     • Applicants are assessed on how effectively they connect their personal and academic experiences to the proposed research. Strong applications will demonstrate clear alignment between the applicant’s long-term career goals and a commitment to brain health research. Additionally, reviewers will look for evidence of leadership, community engagement, or other relevant contributions, as well as a clear expression of passion and motivation for pursuing research in this field.
• Research Component (50%)
  1. Mentorship & Training Plan (20%)
     • The evaluation focuses on the level of institutional and supervisor support, including aspects such as mentorship, facilities, and resources. It also assesses the clarity of the training plan, specifically the skills the applicant will gain throughout the process. Additionally, the alignment of the research environment with the applicant’s goals is considered, as well as the availability of necessary programs, technologies, and infrastructure to support the proposed research.
  2. Research Summary (30%)
     • Proposals will be assessed on the clarity and innovation of the research rationale, goals, and objectives, as well as the suitability of the methods to address the research questions. The integration of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) will be considered, with a rationale required if not relevant. Evaluation will also focus on the feasibility of timelines, potential real-world impact on brain health, contributions to addressing gaps or challenges in the field, and knowledge translation plan.
• Academic Component (20%)
  1. CIHR Standardized CV
     • Reviewers will consider the applicant’s academic performance, relevant coursework, awards, employment history, research funding, and experience with mentoring, knowledge translation, or community engagement. They will also evaluate scholarly contributions, such as publications and presentations, recognition through scholarships or fellowships, and involvement in collaborative or interdisciplinary research projects.

Important Deadlines:

• May 1, 2026: Competition launch.
• June 14, 2026: Application Deadline. Applicants will receive acknowledgment of receipt within one week of submission. Late submissions will not be accepted.

For inquiries or to submit your application, please contact the BHCare Training Program Coordinator: Kelly Baines at kelly.baines@sjhc.london.on.ca

Click here to apply.