Master’s Personnel Awards for Black Scholars (BSA-MSc) in Canada

The 2027 Master’s Personnel Awards for Black Scholars (BSA-MSc) is a funding initiative by the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada and Brain Canada Foundation. Designed to support Black scholars in Canada, this program funds Master’s level research in heart and/or brain health. Applications are due by 28 January 2027.

Opportunity at a Glance:

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

- Type: Master’s Personnel Award

- Funding Amount: Up to $54,000 CAD for two years ($27,000/year)

- Eligible Applicants: Black scholars in Canada at the Master’s level

- Eligible Countries: Canada

- Application Deadline: 28 January 2027, 3:00 PM ET

- Award Notification: July 2027

- Award Start Date: 1 September 2027

About the Opportunity

This award aims to eliminate systemic barriers by supporting Black scholars who are pursuing research in heart and/or brain health. The program is part of a broader commitment to enhance diversity and increase the number of qualified Black trainees in these fields. The research should focus on conditions affecting cardiovascular and cerebrovascular health, including prevention, treatment, and recovery related to heart conditions, strokes, and mental health.

Funding and Benefits:

- Total Funding Pool: Up to $270,000 CAD

- Individual Awards: Up to $54,000 CAD over two years

- Use of Funds: Exclusively for salary support for the recipient

Who Is Eligible?:

- Applicants must self-identify as Black. - Must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Protected Persons under Canadian law. - Enrollment in or application to a full-time Master’s program at a Canadian institution by 30 September 2027. - Must have a research Supervisor at an eligible Canadian institution. - Applicants must not have more than two years elapsed since starting their Master’s program. - Applicants and their Supervisors cannot have funding from the tobacco industry.

Eligible Activities or Priority Areas:

Research should address heart and/or brain health, focusing on any of the following: - Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions - Prevention, treatment, and recovery related to heart conditions, stroke, and vascular cognitive impairment - Mental health issues related to the above conditions

Why This Opportunity Matters:

This award provides crucial financial support and mentorship opportunities for Black scholars, facilitating their focus on impactful research in vital health sectors. It addresses equity in academia while fostering innovation and new insights into heart and brain health.

How to Apply:

- Registration: Complete registration by 12:00 PM ET on 28 January 2027.

- Application Submission: Submit complete applications by 3:00 PM ET on 28 January 2027.

- Required Documents: Ensure inclusion of all necessary forms, including Self-ID Confirmation and BioSketch.

- Submission: Follow guidelines in Section B of the competition document.

- Letters of Reference: Due by the application deadline.

For detailed instructions, refer to the official application guidelines.

Next Steps:

Eligible candidates should review the official guidelines thoroughly and prepare their applications in advance of the deadline. Ensure all eligibility requirements are met and all necessary documents are included. For further information, contact Heart & Stroke at research@heartandstroke.ca.