External Awards
Below, please find a selection of award opportunities with links to program details.
If you are planning to apply or nominate a faculty member, please advise the Office of the Vice-President, Research and Innovation (OVPRI) as well as your Associate Dean (Research) and Department Chair.
For more information regarding external award opportunities or to suggest additions to this list, please email Elizabeth Mueller, Research Awards and Honours Facilitator, at elizabeth.mueller@torontomu.ca.
Tri-Council Awards
| Opportunity | External Deadline | Internal Approval Requirements |
|---|---|---|
Four awards: Impact, Discovery, Early Career and Transformation awards. ($100K each) |
TBD – on hold | None. |
Recognizes an individual, team or organization that has advanced the mobilization of research in aging at a local or regional level ($20K). |
TBD | None. |
For impactful interdisciplinary partnerships in science and engineering. ($250K) |
TBD | None. |
Senior career award for persistent excellence in science and engineering. ($1M) |
TBD |
None. |
For research leading to exceptional benefits for Canadian society, environment and economy. ($250K) |
TBD |
None. |
For a recent advance in science and engineering. ($250K) |
TBD |
None. |
For sustained and impactful partnerships with private, public and non-profit organizations in science and engineering. ($250K) |
TBD | None. |
For inspirational achievement in promoting science. ($10K-25K) |
TBD | None. |
Recognizes early career leaders in science and engineering. ($250K) |
TBD |
³ÉÈË´óÆ¬ may submit 6 nominations. Internal competition details will be advertised in advance. |
For sustained leadership, dedication and originality of thought in the social sciences and humanities. ($100K) |
TBD | ³ÉÈË´óÆ¬ may submit 1 nomination. Internal processes will be advertised in advance. |
For outstanding achievement from a single or multiple SSHRC-funded initiative(s). ($50K) |
TBD | ³ÉÈË´óÆ¬ may submit 1 nomination. Internal processes will be advertised in advance. |
Recognizes impacts arising from a formal partnership in the social sciences and humanities. Must hold a PG or PDG. ($50K) |
TBD | ³ÉÈË´óÆ¬ may submit 1 nomination. Internal processes will be advertised in advance. |
For an outstanding SSHRC-funded initiative that facilitates the exchange of research knowledge within and/or beyond the social sciences and humanities research community. ($50K) |
TBD | ³ÉÈË´óÆ¬ may submit 1 nomination. Internal processes will be advertised in advance. |
National and Provincial Awards
| Opportunity | External Deadline | Internal Approval Requirements |
For advancements in food production, processing, distribution, consumption, safety and/or human nutrition; $100K. |
TBD - On hold | |
Supports academics recognized for their expertise and research in areas related to the bank's core functions. Five-year term. ($90K) |
TBD | Must be nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ. Internal process requirements will be communicated in advance. Contact OVPRI if interested. |
Supports academics who are recognized for their expertise and research in areas important to the bank's core functions. ($30K/year for 2 years) |
TBD | Must be nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ. Internal process requirements will be communicated in advance. Contact OVPRI if interested. |
For exceptional contributions in applied and industrial mathematics within 10 years of PhD. |
TBD | None. |
Eight awards recognizing remarkable careers in the visual and media arts. ($25K) |
October 7, 2026 | None. |
For distinguished and sustained contributions to the social sciences/humanities and the arts. ($50K per category) |
October 7, 2026 | None. |
Two awards for mid-career scholars who, in the last 6 years, have produced a focused, cohesive and impactful body of scientific health research. (50K) |
July 15, 2026 | None. |
An opportunity to present research as part of the Gairdner Science Week. Five investigators are chosen to give 10-minute talks in association with the Laureate Lectures. |
TBD | None. |
Recognizes inspirational and trail-blazing women. |
May 12, 2026 | None. |
For exceptional contributions to the field of science policy (innovation policy and science for policy). |
June 14, 2026 | None. |
Elected members are national/international leaders in health sciences (natural sciences, engineering and social sciences). |
TBD | An institutional letter of support or nomination is normally included. Contact OVPRI if interested. |
Represents the highest honour for Canada's most accomplished nursing leaders in clinical practice, education, administration, research and policy. |
TBD | None. |
For outstanding contribution to physics within 12 years of PhD. |
TBD | None. |
Recognizes research achievement and career potential in Canadian geography within 8 years of a PhD. |
TBD | None. |
Awards: Outstanding Achievements in Cancer Research; Exceptional Leadership in Patient Involvement in Cancer Research; Exceptional Leadership in Cancer Research; Distinguished Service to Cancer Research |
TBD; awarded every two years | |
Four awards: Inclusive Excellence Prize, William E. Rawls Prize (ECRs in cancer control), Bernard and Francis Dorval Prize (ECRs in biomedical research), Robert L. Noble Prize (basic biomedical advancements), O. Harold Warwick Prize (cancer control research), Lifetime Contribution Prize. |
TBD | Note: this award tends to change deadlines frequently. |
For outstanding contributions to mathematical research within 10 years of PhD. |
September 30, 2026 | None. |
For substantial and distinguished contributions to linguistics within 10 years of PhD. |
TBD | None. |
For outstanding achievements in bioengineering (scientific or technical developments, leadership, or service) that contributed to the improvement of health care delivery in Canada. |
TBD | None. |
Canadians whose work has advanced health and whose outstanding leadership, integrity and contributions to medicine and the health sciences, in Canada or abroad. |
June 8, 2026 | None. |
For an outstanding contribution to research in nutrition within 15 years of PhD. |
TBD | None. |
For the exceptional quality of contributions of new researchers within 5 years of PhD to psychological knowledge. |
TBD | None. |
For those under 40 years of age who have made outstanding contributions to Canadian agricultural, food, and/or biological engineering. |
May 15, 2026 | None. |
For those under 40 demonstrating distinguished contribution to chemical engineering. |
August 1, 2026 | None. |
For those within 7 years of their first professional appointment and demonstrating an outstanding contribution to chemical engineering. |
August 1, 2026 | None. |
For outstanding achievement in creative mechanical engineering within 10 years of PhD. |
January 31, 2027 | None. |
For outstanding research in one or more of the fields of biochemistry, molecular or cellular biology in Canada within 7 years of the first independent appointment. |
TBD | None. |
Honours sociologists who have made significant research contributions in the early stages of their career (within 5 years PhD). |
TBD | None. |
For outstanding achievement in mathematics within 8 years of PhD. |
TBD | None. |
For a researcher whose work has made an important contribution to policy debates relevant to building a more socially just Canada. |
TBD | None. |
For an outstanding early career researcher (within 12 years of PhD) who has made distinguished contributions in environmental chemistry or environmental chemical engineering. |
September 1, 2026 | None. |
For those within 7 years of their first appointment actively engaged in health-related research and demonstrating excellence and outstanding contributions in nutrition-related research. |
TBD | None. |
Three awards are available that recognize contributions to affordable housing research. ($12,500-$25,000) |
TBD | None. |
For a community-campus research partnership that has demonstrated excellence in community-based research. |
TBD | None. |
Recognizes and celebrates an individual who embodies community-based research values in their work. Must be 5 years from PhD / 5 years in position. |
TBD | None. |
For outstanding and sustained contributions to the field of computer science. |
TBD | None. |
For a contribution that notably improves our understanding of applying fabrication technology, design methods and computer-aided design tools and/or system architecture. Must have completed a PhD within the past 3 years. ($4500) |
TBD | Must be submitted by a research office. Contact OVRPI if interested. |
For distinguished Chinese Canadians with outstanding professional achievements. ($2500) |
July 31, 2026 | None. |
For outstanding Canadian innovators who help shape our future and inspire the next generation. |
TBD | Must be nominated through a nominating partner. Deadlines for partners vary in September/October. Contact OVPRI if interested. |
For a scholar who has made an outstanding contribution to scholarship and to the development of Canadian Studies internationally. |
TBD | None. |
For individuals who have made pivotal contributions to the advancement of knowledge in the health sciences and/or the improvement of therapeutics healthcare. ($20K) |
July 10, 2026 | None. |
Recognizes outstanding individuals whose work advances equitable participation in health research and access to health care in Canada, improving the well-being of all Canadians, particularly those facing inequities. |
TBD | None. |
Recognizes a highly respected leader who has inspired and led Ontario's life sciences community in more than one domain, including industry, government, academia, volunteerism, IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity and accessibility) and philanthropy. |
TBD | None. |
Seeks individuals who strive for the public good, have an excellent record of academic achievement, and excel at collaboration and mentorship. |
TBD | Must be nominated by a current or former fellow. Contact OVPRI if interested. |
Honours distinguished Canadian scholars with an award in humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, health sciences and engineering. ($100K) |
May 28, 2026 | None. |
For an individual or group having made a significant contribution to meritorious knowledge and understanding of the Canadian North. |
TBD | None. |
Recognizes people across all sectors of society who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to our nation. |
Continuous intake | None. |
For an Ontarian who has shown the highest level of excellence and achievement in any field and whose impact has left a lasting legacy in our province, in our country and around the world. |
March 31, 2027 | None. |
| The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation Fellowship is a prestigious three-year award recognized as a premier distinction for senior academics in the humanities and social sciences. Valued at up to $300,000 per fellow, the fellowship includes a $70,000 prize, research grants and support for a one-year teaching release to allow for transformative contributions to the Fellow's field and the public sphere. There are up to four fellows selected nationally per year. Eligibility & Themes The Foundation seeks nominees who are tenured professors (or near the rank of Full Professor) at a Canadian university with a national or international reputation for excellence. Candidates’ research must intersect with one or more of the Foundation's four key themes:
Expectations Fellows are expected to be effective communicators who engage with various sectors of society and demonstrate a commitment to supporting graduate students. They will participate in the Foundation’s leadership programs, including annual summer schools, and contribute to the Foundation’s vibrant intellectual community. |
May 15, 2026 | Internal Submission Process As the University is limited in the number of nominations it can submit to the Foundation, there will be an internal selection process. Selected candidates will be expected to develop and provide a complete dossier for the OVPRI’s feedback and review prior to submission. Please send an Expression of Interest to Victoria Paterson by March 16. |
Awarded in physiology/medicine, physics, chemistry, economics and literature. Must be within 3 years post-PhD. ($20K) |
TBD | Must be nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ. Applications are due to the Dean of Graduate Studies by March 2, 2026. Contact OVPRI if interested. |
Open to any person or team who has been involved for at least the last five years in research leading or making a substantial contribution to the diagnosis, prevention or treatment of disease. |
July 15, 2026 | Must have institutional approval. Contact OVPRI if interested. |
For an individual working in Canada who has made outstanding contributions to science communication. |
TBD | None. |
Recognizing excellence in promoting the public understanding of science by a Canadian organization. |
TBD | None. |
Recognizes individual(s) who have made outstanding efforts in advocating for health research at the local, provincial and/or national level. The Emerging Leader award is for those who are within 5 years of finishing their education. |
TBD | None. |
Funds bold and potentially game-changing projects that will challenge the status quo, spark change and take action to address persistent systemic barriers in the research ecosystem and academia. |
TBD | One submission permitted per university. Internal competition details to be communicated in Spring 2026. If interested, please contact OVPRI. |
For an outstanding rising star researcher in the field of mental health who is 45 years old or younger. ($100K) |
TBD | None. |
Elected members are within 15 years of their PhD and have demonstrated an exceptional level of achievement. |
TBD | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
Elected fellows are distinguished Canadians from all branches of learning who have made remarkable contributions to the arts, the humanities and the sciences. |
TBD | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For publication, instruction and research in the earth sciences that have contributed to public understanding and appreciation of the subject. |
December 15, 2026 (awarded biennially) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For an outstanding contribution to biological science during the preceding ten years or for significant additions to a previous outstanding contribution to biological science. |
December 15, 2026 (awarded biennially) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
Recognizes significant contributions by a Canadian scholar in the humanities and social sciences to further our understanding of issues concerning gender. |
December 15, 2026 (awarded biennially) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For outstanding research in a branch of astronomy, chemistry, mathematics, physics or an allied science, carried out mainly in the eight years preceding the date of the award. |
TBD (awarded biennially) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For a distinguished and sustained contribution to the literature of the social sciences, including human geography and social psychology. |
TBD (awarded biennially) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For outstanding work in the history of Canada. |
TBD (awarded biennially) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For an important publication in the history of medicine published in the five years preceding its nomination (a book). |
TBD (awarded annually) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For outstanding research in any of the branches of the mathematical sciences. In cases where there are two or more strong candidates, some preference is given to those whose age is not over forty in the year of the award. |
TBD (awarded biennially) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For achievement in critical or imaginative literature. Preference for Canadian subjects. |
TBD (awarded biennially) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For important research of sustained excellence in medical science. |
TBD (awarded annually) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For recognition of an individual who has made outstanding contributions to research, education and leadership in applied mechanics. Solid continuum mechanics, fluid mechanics and fluid-structure interaction are all included. |
TBD (awarded annually) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For significant contributions to the resolution of scientific aspects of environmental problems or for important improvements to the quality of an ecosystem. ($3,000 and a lecture) |
TBD (awarded annually) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For distinguished contribution to knowledge in the humanities other than Canadian literature and Canadian history. |
TBD (awarded biennially) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For outstanding research during the formative stage of a career in any branch of physics and chemistry. Must have received PhD within the last 15 years. |
TBD (awarded annually) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For important and sustained contributions in two domains of interest to the RSC or in interdisciplinary research. |
TBD (awarded biennially) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For outstanding research in earth sciences and ocean and atmospheric sciences. |
TBD (awarded biennially) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For recognition of an outstanding contribution to the governance of public and private organizations. |
TBD (awarded annually) | If interested in being nominated by ³ÉÈË´óƬ, please contact OVPRI. |
For a scientist or engineer 40 years of age or younger for outstanding scientific research carried out in Canada. ($10K) |
August 31, 2026 | None. |
For significant contributions to toxicology within 15 years of PhD. |
July 1, 2026 | None. |
For projects, products and people exemplifying the best of the best in Canada's water sector. |
April 24, 2026 | None. |
Honours persons who have contributed in an innovative, distinctive and exceptional way to the instruction of undergraduate laboratory courses in a faculty or school of engineering at a Canadian University. ($3K) |
TBD | None. |
International Awards
Professional Association Awards (National)
The associations listed below administer a variety of awards for the full range of career levels. If you have suggestions for additions, contact Elizabeth Mueller at elizabeth.mueller@torontomu.ca If you would like to pursue a nomination or nominate a colleague, contact your faculty/department and the OVPRI.
Updated: April 16, 2026