The Ministry of Colleges and Universities has announced the launch of Round 16 of the Early Researcher Awards. The Early Researcher Award (ERA) program helps promising, recently-appointed Ontario researchers build their research teams of undergraduates, graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, research assistants, associates, and technicians. The goal of the program is to improve Ontario’s ability to attract and retain the best and brightest research talent.
Eligibility: The program is open to researchers in all disciplines. In order to be eligible to apply, you must have received your first PhD, MD, or terminal degree on or after January 1, 2010, and have started your independent academic career on or after January 1, 2015. Eligible interruptions, such as parental leaves or mandatory training (e.g., medical residencies) are taken into consideration by review panels when determining applicant eligibility. If you have questions regarding your eligibility, contact Research Development.
| Deadlines | Required Steps |
| Internal: Monday, May 10, 2021 (.ics file) | Submission of draft proposal to Research Development for content review Submission of referee names to Research Development for support with letters |
| Internal: Friday, June 4, 2021 (.ics file) | Submission of final proposal, including all attachments and referee letters, for institutional review and signature Submission of ROLA proposal |
| External: Friday, June 11, 2021 | Submission of proposals to Ministry by Research Development |
Amount: $100,000 (must be matched by an additional $50,000 from the researcher’s institution and/or partner organization)
More information:
Western’s information and resources for the ERA program, along with copies of the application form and program guidelines, can be found on the Western Research website.
Details along with program guidelines are also available on the Ministry ERA website
Interested Applicants: There is no notice of intent stage for this round; individuals planning to apply are asked to contact rwprizes@uwo.ca as early as possible, so that you can be included in important program-related communications and updates.
Information Sessions: Details on information session(s) will be forthcoming
Questions: Please direct questions to rwprizes@uwo.ca
