2026 Lupus Canada Catalyst Grant | Applications Now Closed

Supporting new research ideas in discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

About the Catalyst Grant

Applications Now Closed. Recipients will be announced in Spring 2026. Please check back for updates.

The Catalyst Grant, funded by Lupus Canada with administrative support from the Lupus Foundation of America, is designed to kickstart new research projects focused on discoid lupus or systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

This grant complements traditional Canadian funding mechanisms—including CIHR, SSHRC, and NSERC—by helping investigators launch innovative ideas that can grow into future large-scale studies.

Applications for the 2026 Catalyst Grant closed on January 16, 2026. Thank you to all applicants advancing lupus research in Canada.

Award Information:

• Grant Amount: 1 award of up to $75,000 CDN per year
• Application Deadline: January 16, 2026
• Award Notification Date: March 30, 2026

Eligibility Requirements:

To qualify for the 2026 Lupus Canada Catalyst Grant:

Applicant Eligibility

• Applicants must hold an academic appointment at a Canadian university, teaching hospital, or accredited institution eligible for tri-council funding.

• Postdoctoral trainees may apply but must list a Co-Principal applicant with an academic appointment.

• All applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

Collaboration Requirements

• Collaborators outside Canada are permitted.

• No Lupus Canada funds may be transferred outside of Canada.

Application Limits

• Principal Investigators may submit one application per competition.

• A PI may only receive a Lupus Canada Catalyst Grant once within two consecutive competitions but may still be listed as a co-applicant or collaborator.

Lupus Canada is committed to supporting innovative research in discoid and systemic lupus erythematosus.

We encourage researchers to check back or follow Lupus Canada for updates on upcoming funding opportunities.

Full Application Criteria

For full eligibility and application requirements, see the 2026 RFA.

Contact Information:

For questions or more information, please contact:

Jaren Crump
Research Grants & Contracts Manager
Lupus Foundation of America
Email: crump@lupus.org

Why This Grant Matters

This Catalyst Grant helps advance vital research in lupus by supporting:

• Early-stage investigations

• High-potential new ideas

• Projects bridging gaps in SLE or discoid lupus research

• Future applications to CIHR, SSHRC or NSERC

By investing in innovative Canadian research, Lupus Canada continues to champion progress toward Life Without Lupus.