CIHR Operating Grant : Leadership Award for Vaccine Research – Full Application

Well-being, Health and Biomedical Discovery

Deadlines

Academic Unit: Inquire with unit

Memorial Deadline: Friday 13th, February 2026

External Deadline: Wednesday 18th, February 2026

Description

A convergence of factors such as climate change, increased global connectivity, population density, environmental degradation, social disparities, and antimicrobial resistance, has created a situation where infectious disease outbreaks and health emergencies are becoming more frequent and economically burdensome for societies worldwide. This issue has been illuminated most recently by the COVID-19 pandemic. The opportunity to avoid or respond to future pandemics and catastrophic health emergencies will depend on our capacity to better prevent and prepare for timely responses.

As infectious diseases respect no borders, strong national and international relationships are a necessity in order to coordinate a rapid response to future threats that may emerge from anywhere, at any time. It is therefore imperative that research capacity be maintained even during periods of “peacetime”. Support for researchers throughout their careers, including investments into research areas such as vaccines and the novel technologies and expertise that enable them, is critical to meeting this need.

Purpose

This funding opportunity builds upon previous investments in vaccine research for pandemic preparedness. The first iteration of this award was launched in 2021 as the CIHR-CEPI Leadership Award for Excellence in Vaccine Research for Infectious Diseases of Epidemic Potential. It supported the career development of mid-career researchers (i.e., researchers who, at the time of the funding start date, assumed their first independent research position 5-15 years ago) and aimed to contribute to national and international efforts to prevent and prepare for future global health threats and position Canada as a leader in this research area.

This funding opportunity will build capacity and provide mid-career vaccine researchers in Canada with:

• Exposure to national and global expertise,
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and facilities, and
• Expanded academic, public health, and industrial networks that are crucial for driving innovations in the vaccine space.

Ultimately these collaborations will leverage Canada’s research capabilities to accelerate progress in vaccine research, strengthen scientific partnerships, and contribute to global health security and pandemic preparedness.

CIHR is planning a 2-step process for this competition: an Expression of Interest (EOI) stage, and a Full Application stage.

See ResearchNet for more information.

Funding Sources

Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR)