Doctoral Personnel Awards for Women’s Heart and/or Brain Health (WPA-PhD) – Canada

The 2027 Doctoral Personnel Awards for Women’s Heart and/or Brain Health (WPA-PhD) offer funding opportunities for doctoral candidates focusing on women’s heart and brain health research in Canada. Sponsored by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada and the Brain Canada Foundation, this initiative supports research aimed at enhancing health outcomes for women. Applications are due by 26 January 2027, at 3:00 PM ET. Opportunity at a Glance

- Provider: Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, Brain Canada Foundation

- Funding Type: Doctoral Personnel Awards

- Funding Amount: Up to $120,000 CAD over three years ($40,000/year)

- Eligible Applicants: Doctoral students in Canadian institutions focusing on women’s heart and/or brain health

- Eligible Countries: Canada

- Application Deadline: 26 January 2027, 3:00 PM ET

- Award Start Date: 1 September 2027

About the Opportunity

The WPA-PhD awards aim to increase the number of researchers dedicated to women’s heart and brain health in Canada. The program supports projects that explore women’s health in diverse and inclusive ways, considering various aspects such as physical, biological, psychological, and social health across different life stages. The research may include prevention, treatment, and recovery from heart conditions, stroke, and related neurological issues. Funding and Benefits

- Total Award Value: Up to $120,000 CAD for three years.

- Funder Contribution: Heart & Stroke and Brain Canada will provide up to $60,000 CAD ($20,000/year).

- Institutional Contribution: Host institutions must match the funder’s contribution, sourced independently from Heart & Stroke funds.

Who Is Eligible?

- Citizenship: Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.

- Education: Enrolled in or applied for full-time admission to a doctoral program at a Canadian institution, or transitioning from a Master’s to a Doctoral program by 30 September 2027.

- Research Focus: Projects must address women’s heart and/or brain health.

- Other Requirements: Applicants must have a research supervisor at an eligible Canadian institution and should not have held funding from the tobacco industry. Eligible Activities or Priority Areas

Research proposals should focus on:

- Women’s heart and brain health - Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health conditions - Prevention, treatment, and recovery related to heart conditions, stroke, and mental health Why This Opportunity Matters This award supports the development of future leaders in the field of women’s heart and brain health research, promoting gender-specific health insights and innovations. By increasing research capacity in this area, the program aims to enhance health outcomes and inform policy and practice. How to Apply

- Register: Begin the application process as outlined in the guidelines.

- Prepare Application: Ensure all required documents, including confirmation of enrollment and institutional signatures, are ready.

- Submit Application: Complete and submit the application by 26 January 2027, 3:00 PM ET.

- Include References: Ensure letters of reference are also submitted by the deadline.

For detailed application instructions, refer to the official guidelines document. Next Steps Interested candidates should thoroughly review the guidelines and prepare their applications in accordance with the instructions. For any questions, contact research@heartandstroke.ca.