Pursuit Awards

The Pursuit Awards, made possible by the generosity of The Ward Family Foundation, is an international competition recognizing
exceptional PhD students and recent doctoral graduates who are advancing research to improve the lives of children and youth with disabilities, developmental differences, and acquired injuries as well as their families and communities. 

Prizes

• 1st place: $3,000 CAD
• 2nd place: $2,000 CAD
• 3rd place: $1,000 CAD

Eligibility:

• Current PhD student (less than six months away from defense); OR
• Postdoctoral trainee (within one year of receiving PhD); OR
• Recent graduate (within one year of receiving their PhD).

Criteria:

Finalists will be evaluated based on:

• Academic excellence, including academic training, experience, and awards of distinction
• Research potential, including originality, critical thinking, innovation, and the ability to influence practice, policy or research in childhood disability
• Knowledge translation, including efforts to engage partners, disseminate findings, and collaborate across disciplines
• Research productivity, including the quality and quantity of publications and presentations

How to apply: 

• To apply for the 2025 Pursuit Award competition, please fill out the application form  and submit according to the instructions to BRISymposium@hollandbloorview.ca by Friday, August 29, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. EST.

For more information about the award look at the Holland Bloorview Website.