2026 Collaborative Research Training Awards is still open!
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
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Scheduled Maintenance
Please note that this website, imPORTND, and the NNLS training platform will undergo maintenance from July 23 until July 27, 2026.
Discover Neuromuscular Talent Across Canada
The NMD4C Neuromuscular Talent Pool is now live with new trainees! We invite supervisors and research groups to explore the Talent Pool to identify candidates whose skills, experience, and interests align with your work and upcoming positions. Trainees interested in being included in the Neuromuscular Talent Pool can register by completing the short form, uploading a CV and brief personal statement outlining their experience, interests, and career goals. For more information and to access the Talent Pool, please visit our website.
Join Us at the 2026 NMD4C Annual Meeting on 25 September
The 2026 NMD4C Annual Meeting will take place in Calgary on Friday, September 25, 2026. The agenda will feature a brief network update, trainee and early-career recognitions, flash talks, a health economics research showcase, and a series of cross‑disciplinary and parallel clinical/pre‑clinical discussion sessions to explore key topics, including advocacy and therapy access, strategies to sustain and strengthen pre-clinical programs, and network sustainability and strategic planning.