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Government of Canada invests $880 million to empower the next generation of researchers

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Thursday at 1:43pm ADT · October 22, 2026 5 min read

TORONTO, Oct. 22, 2026 /CNW/ — Canada has a proud history of turning bold ideas into discoveries that change lives. From the discovery of insulin to breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, Canadian researchers have helped shape the world.

We need to keep that momentum going by empowering researchers and giving the next generation the tools and resources they need to succeed.

That is why today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced $880 million from the Government of Canada to advance research and support the next generation of researchers across Canada.

The investment includes more than $400 million through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Project Grant program to support 439 health research projects, giving researchers the freedom to pursue promising ideas and advance discoveries that can improve lives. 

Among the projects receiving funding:

  • A team at the Université de Montréal is working to expand access to breast cancer screening in Quebec with the goal of reducing late-stage diagnoses.
  • A Vancouver-based research team is helping improve services for young people affected by the overdose crisis.
  • Researchers at SickKids in Toronto are studying how mutations in the PTEN gene affect brain development, with the goal of identifying new treatment strategies for children living with autism, epilepsy and other neurodevelopmental disorders.

Alongside investments in health research, the Government of Canada is investing more than $480 million through the Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS) to support 6,485 master’s and doctoral students and postdoctoral researchers across the country.

These investments will help the next generation of researchers develop the skills and expertise needed to drive innovation, tackle future challenges and build Canada strong.

CRTAS award recipients are pursuing research that includes:

  • understanding the impacts of health misinformation on public health;
  • exploring how artificial intelligence can be used to solve health challenges; and
  • building capacity for inclusive schools that meet the needs of neurodivergent students.

These investments are about more than research. They are about empowering Canadian talent, supporting innovation and building the knowledge and skills we need to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.

When we invest in our researchers, we invest in Canada’s future, and this is how we build Canada strong for all.

Quotes 

“Better health care begins with better research. By valuing our researchers and investing in the next generation of talent, we’re helping turn bold ideas into discoveries that improve health outcomes for Canadians. These investments strengthen our health care system, attract top talent, grow our economy and build Canada strong for all.”

The Honourable Marjorie Michel

Minister of Health 

“The Government of Canada believes wholeheartedly that one of the country’s greatest strengths is its people. That’s why we’re investing to attract and retain top talent, increase research capacity, and support researchers’ success. We are helping them make breakthrough innovations, while helping a new generation develop the ideas, skills and expertise that will shape Canada’s future.”

The Honourable Mélanie Joly

Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions 

“Great research starts with great ideas and the people with the curiosity and determination to pursue them. Through the Project Grant program and Canada Research Training Awards, we are supporting that continuum of discovery: from researchers taking their first steps, to research teams pushing the boundaries of what we know. Their work has the potential not only to improve health and change lives, but to fuel innovation, develop highly skilled talent and advance Canada’s prosperity. I look forward to seeing where their work leads.”

Dr. Paul Hébert

President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research 

“Today, we celebrate some of the brightest research talent in Canada. These outstanding award recipients are advancing new knowledge and innovative solutions that will help shape our future. Congratulations to all recipients. Your talent, creativity and ambition are strengthening Canada’s research excellence, competitiveness, and prosperity.” 

Professor Alejandro Adem, FRSC

President, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

“This is an important and valuable investment in Canada’s emerging talent in social sciences and humanities research. By supporting a new generation of creative and critical thinkers, we’re strengthening our base of knowledge and understanding about people, societies and the world.”

Dr. Sylvie Lamoureux

Chief Operating Officer and Vice-President, Research, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada

Quick facts

  • Since 2016, the Government of Canada has invested nearly $4.5 billion in health research through CIHR’s Project Grant program.
  • CRTAS includes the Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Master’s, Canada Graduate Research Scholarship – Doctoral, and Canada Postdoctoral Research Award.
  • By supporting researchers at different stages of their careers, Project Grant and CRTAS help strengthen Canada’s research capacity and develop the highly skilled talent needed to advance research and innovation.
  • The Canada Research Training Awards Suite (CRTAS) is administered by Canada’s three federal research granting agencies: CIHR, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.

Associated links

Contacts:

Alexandre Bergeron

Press Secretary

Office of the Honourable Marjorie Michel

Minister of Health

[email protected]

Media Relations

Canadian Institutes of Health Research

[email protected]

Gabrielle Landry

Deputy Director, Media Relations

Office of the Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

[email protected]

Media Relations

Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

[email protected]

At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada’s health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system.

SOURCE Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

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