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Peter Gilgan Canada Gairdner Momentum Award 2027
The Peter Gilgan Canada Gairdner Momentum Award annually recognizes 2 mid-career investigators (typically 10-15 years past their first independent research appointment) working in Canada who have produced exceptional scientific research contributions with continued potential for impact on human health. Submissions from all areas of health research are welcome, including but not limited to discovery, clinical, global health, and population science and translational research.
Successful nominees will have produced a focused, cohesive body of scientific research that has made a significant impact in health research. Consideration will also be given to a nominee’s contributions to the growth and enrichment of the Canadian research community.
Each award is valued at $100,000 and is for the personal use of the recipients. The winner will also receive a medal. They take part in Gairdner Week events and the annual Awards Gala in late October, presenting and celebrating their awarded work.
Eligibility
A typical nominee for the award will:
- Be a mid-career researcher (10-15 years after their first independent research appointment);
- Have produced exceptional scientific research contributions, in the past 6 years and in Canada, with continued potential for impact on human health.
Nomination Process
Candidates can self-nominate or be nominated by others.
Nomination Elements:
- Nominee's contact details and basic professional information;
- Citation identifying the nominee's body of research (1-2 sentences);
- Research Summary: overview of impactful research performed/published in the last six years, and an explanation of the nominee's suitability for the award (maximum 2 pages);
- List of Top 5 Publications or other material related to the research summary with a brief outline of the impact of each;
- Short CV including training, positions, honours & awards, publication list (excluding abstracts) and significant contributions to the scientific community (maximum 10 pages);
- Names and contact information for 5-7 referees (half should be outside Canada). Referees will be contacted by the Foundation if the nominee progresses to the second stage of adjudication.
Program Resources
- Award Guidelines
- Webinar Registration (Dates available: May 6, May 27, June 11, June 17, and July 6)
Institutional Coordination & Support
Nominations supported by Awards & Distinctions will receive the following:
- Assistance with identifying suitable referees.
- Support for developing all written materials, and providing feedback and review (including access to templates, frameworks, and other resources).
- Assistance with navigating and completing required forms and documents.
- Document management: collecting and compiling all letters, forms, and written documents for submission to the Gairdner Nomination Portal.
EDID Supports
Western Research offers support and resources for knowledge mobilization, Indigenous Research, and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Decolonization. You can complete a request for support form to receive more information or request additional support. If you are unsure if your project involves Indigenous research, it is recommended that you contact Western Research early for determination and support.
Submission
Please submit nominations through the Gairdner Nominations Portal .
Deadline(s)
| Date | Required Steps |
|---|---|
|
May 27, 2026 |
Email Notice of Intent to Nominate to rwprizes@uwo.ca. |
|
June 22, 2026 |
For full support and coordination of your nomination, submit drafts (Word version) of all of your required nomination documents noted above to rwprizes@uwo.ca. |
|
July 15, 2026 |
Submission to Gairdner Nominations Portal |
|
Early August 2026 |
Notification on Advancement to Round 2 |
Contact Us
Potential nominators and nominees are encouraged to contact Research Awards & Distinctions at rwprizes@uwo.ca regarding Western Research support and coordination of your nomination.