Advancing Canada's research community
through competitions & symposia
Gairdner Connects people and science.
By convening students, researchers, policymakers and the public, the Foundation strengthens the pipeline that drives Canadian discovery and global impact.
What are the competitions?
Gairdner’s regional programming brings international science to Canadian research hubs by inviting research communities in Quebec, Alberta, and Ontario to propose symposia that reflect their most pressing scientific priorities. Leading researchers, clinicians, trainees, and partners convene to exchange ideas, build capacity, and advance discovery.
Gairdner also supports researchers at post-doctoral and early investigator career stages to participate in national competitions to share their own work and connect with Gairdner laureates. These competitions place emerging researchers in direct conversation with global scientific leaders—supporting career development, fostering collaboration, and reinforcing Canada’s commitment to retaining and advancing the next generation of research talent.
Provincial Symposia
Calls for proposals to participate in the provincial symposia across Alberta, Ontario and Quebec are announced annually. Gairdner seeks the strongest and most compelling ideas for knowledge exchange and learning, ensuring each program blends local and international expertise.
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Applications open: June 18, 2026Competition closes: August 21, 2026View competitionSupported by: Fonds de recherche du Québec -
Applications open: June 18, 2026Competition closes: August 21, 2026View competitionSupported by: Krembil Foundation -
Applications open: June 18, 2026Competition closes: August 21, 2026View competitionSupported by: Government of Alberta
Researcher competitions
Each year, the Gairdner Foundation invites researchers at the post-doctoral stage of their career, and those at the Assistant Professor level into participate in national competitions for the opportunity to share their work and connect with Gairdner laureates.
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Applications open: March 31, 2026Competition closes: May 29, 2026View competition -
Applications open: September 02, 2026Competition closes: November 02, 2026View competitionSupported by: Gairdner Foundation
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Partners & Funders
The support from our partners —Fonds de recherche du Québec, the Government of Alberta, and the Krembil Foundation —is essential in strengthening regional research ecosystems, sparking critical scientific dialogue, and ensuring ideas, talent, and discovery can flourish across Canada.
