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The Royal-Mach-Gaensslen Prize for Mental Health Research
The Royal-Mach-Gaensslen Prize for Mental Health Research is awarded to an outstanding rising star researcher in the field of mental health, to recognize, encourage and support them as they pursue their research interests and goals.
The annual prize provides $100,000 in funding to early-career researchers in Canada with a demonstrated track record in research; excellence in scientific rigor, innovative thinking, imagination and originality; and a clear ability to work in partnership with other disciplines and/or research teams external to the institution with which they are affiliated.
Eligibility
Eligible Candidates must:
- be outstanding researchers who are 45 years of age or younger at the deadline date.
- Canadian citizens living in Canada, or residing abroad but committed to return to Canada within six months from the date of the Prize. Non-Canadian citizens who are currently residing in Canada and who intend on living in Canada for the 12 months following award of the prize are also eligible.
- have a primary affiliation with a Canadian academic/research organization.
- conduct research in a mental health discipline.
Notes:
- Eligible leaves (e.g., maternity, parental, medical, bereavement) will be credited at twice the amount of time taken; part-time leaves will be taken into consideration, calculated according to the percentage of leave taken, and credited at twice the amount of time taken.
- Post-doctoral fellows are not eligible.
Nomination Process
A final nomination will consist of the following documents, in the order listed:
- A completed and signed application form
- A cover letter written by the applicant; this letter should provide an introduction to the applicant and highlights of your research and accomplishments (maximum 2 pages)
- A 1,000 word summary of your research on a separate page
- A CV [free form; 50 pages maximum] highlighting the following sections, presented in this order:
- education (degrees and credentials);
- employment experience (academic and non-academic; please indicate primary affiliation);
- prizes, awards, recognitions;
- peer-reviewed publications;
- other publications or research outputs (e.g., clinical guidelines; datasets, quality of care metrics);
- complete research funding history;
- supervision, mentoring;
- knowledge translation activities, intellectual property and transfer activities;
- academic research presentations;
- interviews and media communications;
- other academic activities;
- partnership activities (e.g., roles in collaborations, partnerships, networks);
- leadership roles (e.g., roles on advisory committees, working groups, task forces, editorships, community and client engagement or education).
- Three signed letters of support (see application form for details)
- Confirmation that the applicant is a Canadian citizen, has landed immigrant status in Canada, or a primary affiliation at a Canadian academic/research institution (e.g., a photocopy of the main page of the applicant’s passport and work permit (as applicable)). Non-relevant sections and identifiers may be redacted, however date of birth and citizenship must be visible to verify eligibility.
The Selection Committee will use the following weighted criteria in assessing applications:
- Applicant’s career to date, including most significant contributions to research and/or to practical applications. This is in line with DORA’s approach to responsible research assessment [30%]
- Applicant’s academic and/or clinical leadership potential [30%]
- Research program, strategy and vision, including dissemination and translation plans [25%]
- Strength of letters of reference [15%]
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 The Royal-Mach-Gaensslen Prize for Mental Health Research.
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 a single searchable PDF file to research.awards@theroyal.ca; please title and submit as indicated: Last Name_First Name RMG Prize Application.pdf
Deadline(s)
| Date | Required Steps |
|---|---|
|
August 20, 2026 |
Notice of Intent to Apply – email the Awards & Distinctions Team if you wish to have Research Awards & Distinctions support and coordination of your nomination. Please include your current CV and 3-4 potential referees. |
|
September 17, 2026 |
If you are receiving institutional coordination and support on your nomination, submit drafts (Word version) of all of your required nomination documents noted above to the Awards & Distinctions Team. |
|
October 1, 2026 |
Nomination submission deadline. |
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.