NMD4C: The Neuromuscular Disease Network for Canada

Successful translational research relies on the seamless exchange of specialized techniques and expertise. To support this, the Collaborative Research Training Awards fund up to $2,000 research stays for trainees working on neuromuscular disease at Canadian institutions and applications are open to all trainees currently working in the NMD field in Canada. This includes MSc and PhD students, postdoctoral fellows as well as other research trainees.   

Objectives of the Award 

The program is structured to help trainees bridge technical gaps between laboratories. By facilitating a research stay at a different institution, the award allows participants to: 

• Gain hands-on experience with specific experimental models or analytical techniques. 
• Foster the transfer of knowledge that can be implemented in the trainee’s home laboratory. 
• Build professional relationships that lead to more robust, multi-center research efforts. 

Trainee Perspectives 

The value of these collaborative exchanges is highlighted in our Early Career Blog series. Past recipients have shared how these research stays provided the specific technical edge and fresh perspectives required to progress their work.
For instance, Dr. Emilie Groulx-Boivin discusses the professional impact of expanding one’s scientific environment, while Dr. Jeremy Slayter highlights how technical exchange is essential for progressing early-career research. Their stories illustrate how stepping outside of one’s primary laboratory can catalyze new ideas and accelerate career development. 

Application details and forms are available on the competition website, apply before June 15th 2026!

Visit Competition Webpage