We love our CF researchers!

We could never have improved the lives of Canadians living with cystic fibrosis as much as we have over the last 65 years without the skills, dedication and innovation of CF researchers. We are grateful to every lab and researcher who contribute regularly to our increased knowledge of this disease and our progress toward easing its burden.

Research leads to lives without limits

Cystic Fibrosis Canada funds research that tackles the health-related issues that are important to our Canadian CF community, builds on the current knowledge base and accelerates the impact of CF research in Canada. We are committed to maintaining and future-proofing the Canadian CF research capacity through strategic funding and bringing the right people together in the right ways to build and maintain Canada’s robust and dynamic CF research environment.

Funding opportunities

In addition to our annual open-call grant competition, early career investigator awards and research fellowships, in 2023 we introduced new small and large grants, including team grants, to researchers who are addressing priority needs, taking innovative approaches, partnering with others to explore new avenues or deepening existing knowledge about the disease and how to treat it.

Basic Science Research Grants

To support innovative basic science research projects that improve our understanding of CF and/or have a significant impact on the concepts, methods, treatments, and/or technologies applicable to CF. Valued at up to $100,000 per year for up to 3 years.

Clinical Research Grants

To support clinical research projects that: improve the health and quality of life of CF patients and/or bridge the gap between research and clinical care. Valued at up to $100,000 per year for up to three years.

Seed Grants

Seed Grants are valued at up to $50,000 for up to 1 year to study a new, innovative research idea for which the researcher doesn’t yet have preliminary data or other research funding. The goal of the Seed Grants program is to support researchers to develop initial data on innovative new high risk, high reward research projects that can then be used to apply for new funding from other sources.

Team Grants

Team Grants are valued up to $2 million over four years. This new approach is a focused effort that will see a team working together to tackle a single topic of importance to the CF community. This year the grant will focus on improving airway infection detection. Impact-focused by nature, team grants are designed to galvanize collaboration and speed up the pace of discovery.

Training awards

Training awards provide salary support and in some cases research laboratory support for researchers at specific stages in their career to help develop the next generation of Canadian CF researchers and clinicians.

Early Career Investigator Awards

An independent researcher who has not held a Cystic Fibrosis Canada grant in the past and has held his/her first full- time academic or research appointment for a period no longer than 60 months are eligible to apply.

Research Fellowship Awards

Individuals who hold MD or PhD degrees and who, as first-time applicants as of the application deadline, have completed less than four years of training after completing their PhD or post-MD clinical training, are eligible to apply.

Clinical Fellowship Awards

Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have an MD degree, have recently completed their clinical training, are exam eligible, and have obtained medical licensure in Canada, are eligible to apply.

More information on funding opportunities

Please see our Grants and Awards Guidelines and learn more about Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s research strategy.

Grants and Awards Guidelines

CF Canada’s research strategy

Applications and forms

The table below details the Grants & Awards available and the approximate deadlines for 2026.

Further details on the Research Grants & Awards Program are available in the 2025-26 Grants and Awards Guide.

If you require an accessible version of this guide please reach out to Info@cysticfibrosis.ca.

Clinical Grants and Awards

Type of Grant or Award	Application Deadline	Forms Available	Notification of Funding
Type of Grant or Award: Clinic Education Grants	Application Deadline: April 17, 2026	Forms Available: Applications were open on ProposalCentral	Notification of Funding: Mid May
Type of Grant or Award: Clinic Incentive Grants	Application Deadline: April 15, 2026	Forms Available: Applications were open on ProposalCentral	Notification of Funding: June
Type of Grant or Award: Clinical Fellowships	Application Deadline: December 2026	Forms Available: Applications were open on ProposalCentral	Notification of Funding: February

Research Fellowship Awards

Type of Grant or Award	Application Deadline	Forms Available	Notification of Funding
Type of Grant or Award: Research Fellowship Awards	Application Deadline: October 1, 2026	Forms Available: Applications open on ProposalCentral	Notification of Funding: Mid March

Basic Science Research Grants

Type of Grant or Award	Application Deadline	Forms Available	Notification of Funding
Type of Grant or Award: Letter of Intent (LOI) to apply for a Basic Research Grants	Application Deadline: August 14	Forms Available: Applications open on ProposalCentral	Notification of Funding: N/A
Type of Grant or Award: Basic Science Research Grants - Full Application	Application Deadline: October 1	Forms Available: Approved LOIs will be invited to complete a full application on ProposalCentral	Notification of Funding: Mid-March 2027
Type of Grant or Award: Application form for accessing Canadian CF Registry data	Application Deadline: Year round	Forms Available: Apply	Notification of Funding: Notification of approval 6-8 weeks

Clinical Research Grants

Type of Grant or Award	Application Deadline	Forms Available	Notification of Funding
Type of Grant or Award: Clinical Research Grants, Letter of Intent to Apply (LOI)	Application Deadline: August 14	Forms Available: Applications open on ProposalCentral	Notification of Funding: N/A
Type of Grant or Award: Clinical Research Grants, Full Application	Application Deadline: October 1	Forms Available: Applications open on ProposalCentral	Notification of Funding: Mid March 2027

Early Career Investigator Awards

Type of Grant or Award	Application Deadline	Forms Available	Notification of Funding
Type of Grant or Award: Early Career Investigator Awards, Letter of Intent to Apply (LOI)	Application Deadline: August 14, 2026	Forms Available: Applications open on ProposalCentral	Notification of Funding: August
Type of Grant or Award: Early Career Investigator Awards, Full Application	Application Deadline: October 1, 2026	Forms Available: Approved LOIs will be invited to complete a full application on ProposalCentral	Notification of Funding: Mid March

Seed Grants

Type of Grant or Award	Application Deadline	Forms Available	Notice of Funding
Type of Grant or Award: Seed Grants	Application Deadline: September 3, 2026	Forms Available: Applications open on ProposalCentral	Notice of Funding: February
Type of Grant or Award: Seed Clinical Trial Planning Grants	Application Deadline: September 3, 2026	Forms Available: Applications open on ProposalCentral	Notice of Funding: February

Managing your grant - FAQ

What are the reporting requirements for my CF Canada Grant?

Please check your deliverables on Proposal Central. Each granting competition has slightly different requirements and timelines. Typically CF Canada requires annual progress and financial reporting.

Can I get a no cost extension for my CF Canada Grant? How do I submit a request for a no-cost extension?

Requests can be made for no cost extensions by e-mailing research@cysticfibrosis.ca.

Can I get a renewal for my CF Canada Grant?

Many CF Grants are eligible for renewals. This requires the submission of an application to the appropriate competition. Please see the current Grants and Awards Guidelines for specifics.

Does CF Canada have any policies related to Research?

Yes, please see the following link.

I’m moving institutions can I take my CF Canada grant with me?

In some instances you may be able to take your CF Canada grant to a new institution. Please contact the Program Director Research and Clinical Trials to discuss whether this will be possible at research@cysticfibrosis.ca.

Can I submit more than one application to the same competition?

Please see the current Grants and Awards Guidelines for specifics.

CF CanACT Clinical Trials Network

The Cystic Fibrosis Canada Accelerating Clinical Trials network (CF CanACT) increases access to clinical trials to provide earlier access to future therapies for Canadians with CF. Operating at ten sites (13 CF clinics) across Canada and hosting pharmaceutical, observational and investigator trials, the network is directly accessible to 60% of the Canadian CF population, and to all Canadians with CF via the referral program.

Current trials

Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Registry

Cystic Fibrosis Canada has maintained the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Registry since the 1970s with the goal of monitoring important clinical trends in the Canadian CF population. As the majority of CF patients attend one of 40 CF clinics (paediatric and adult) within Canada, the Registry gives a comprehensive picture of the cystic fibrosis population in Canada and can be a vital resource for researchers.

2023 Canadian CF Registry Report

Elevate

Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s Elevate program is an opportunity for researchers to get insight from people impacted by cystic fibrosis. It enables Canadians living with or affected by cystic fibrosis to help inform your research by sharing their perspectives, needs, and experiences. To invite Elevate members to participate in any stage of your research, please fill out the Project Intake form. Have questions? Email us: elevate@cysticfibrosis.ca.

Learn more about Elevate

Two lab technicians working in a Sick Kids laboratory.

Elevate your research

Are you a researcher looking for insights from the Canadian cystic fibrosis community? Elevate is CF Canada's community input program for people affected by cystic fibrosis.

To submit a project to Elevate, please fill out the project intake form

Find out more information in the Elevate Guidelines

If you have questions, please email elevate@cysticfibrosis.ca