The Ontario Ministry of Colleges and Universities has announced the launch of Round 17 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. The program is open to researchers in all disciplines.
Amount: Each award is a maximum of $100,000 and must be matched by an additional $50,000 from the researcher’s institution and/or partner organization.
| Deadlines | Required Steps |
| Internal: Thursday, September 15 | Submission of referee names to Western Research for support with securing letters Must include two arm’s length referees and one non-arm’s length referee (e.g. former supervisor, collaborator) |
| Internal: Monday, October 24 | Submission of draft proposal and application form to Western Research for content review and feedback |
| Internal: Thursday, November 24 | Submission of final proposal, including all attachments and referee letters, for institutional review and signature Submission of ROLA proposal |
| External: Thursday, December 1 | Submission of proposals to Ministry by Research Development |
Eligibility: In order to be eligible to apply, you must have received your first PhD, MD, or terminal degree on or after January 1, 2011, and have started your independent academic career on or after January 1, 2016. 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 rwprizes@uwo.ca
Applications: There is no notice of intent stage for this round; individuals planning to apply are asked to contact Sahana Mazumder as early as possible, so that you can be included in important program-related communications and updates. Please also contact your ADR and Research Officer if you plan to apply.
More information and resources for applicants…
Information Sessions will be organized by Western Research and details will be forthcoming.
Questions: contact Sahana Mazumder
