2026 Gairdner Early Career Investigator Competition

The Canada Gairdner Awards invite applications from early career investigators (ECIs) at the assistant professor or equivalent level across Canada.

The 2026 Gairdner ECI Award winners will have the opportunity to present their research, connect with this year's Laureates, and become an active member of the Gairdner scientific community. Up to six investigators will be selected, one for each of the areas being recognized by this year's awards.

ECI Award winners will speak alongside 2026 laureates at Gairdner Science Week events taking place October 19-23, 2026, and will have the opportunity to connect with current and past laureates, leading international researchers, and outstanding peers in the lead up to attending the 2026 Awards Gala in Toronto on October 22, 2026. They will also have to opportunity to attend a unique scientific networking meeting in May 2027 alongside past laureates, post graduate students and other early career investigators. Travel and accommodations are provided by the Foundation. 

This is a competitive process, with initial evaluation by a pool of Gairdner committee members and  finalists being selected by the laureates themselves.