Rising Star Award in Mental Health, in Memory of Vivian Distler

Brain Canada, with support from Naomi Azrieli O.C., is poised to present the Rising Star Award in Mental Health Research, in memory of Vivian Distler. Open to full-time graduate students (M.Sc., Ph.D.), postdoctoral fellows, and medical residents attending a Canadian institution, this award will support trainees conducting research in the field of mental health.

Funding for this award has been made possible by the Canada Brain Research Fund (CBRF), an innovative arrangement between the Government of Canada (through Health Canada) and Brain Canada Foundation, and by Naomi Azrieli O.C.

Purpose: To provide financial support to full-time graduate students (M.Sc., Ph.D.), postdoctoral fellows, and medical residents conducting research at a Canadian institution in the field of mental health. All else equal, priority will be given to trainees who do not currently hold other stipend awards from major funding sources (e.g., CIHR, FRQS, etc.).

Value: $10,000 CAD per award for one year, non-renewable.

Number of awards: Up to two (7) awards.

Deadline: June 26, 2026

Specific Award Eligibility:

• Open to graduate students conducting research in the neuroscience of mental illnesses and disorders.
• Research must focus on the fundamental neural and biological mechanisms underlying mental health conditions.
• Projects should contribute to understanding the nature, onset, and/or progression of mental illnesses and disorders.
• Eligible research areas include, but are not limited to:
  • Substance use disorders
  • Depression
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Eating disorders
  • Schizophrenia
     

For application, please visit Brain Canada Rising Stars Trainee Awards