About the opportunity
Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s annual Pursuit Awards international competition recognizes PhD students and recent doctoral graduates from around the world for their outstanding contributions to childhood disability research. The awards honor promising young minds whose work enables personalized versions of a good life across the lifespan for individuals with childhood-onset disabilities, acquired injuries, and developmental differences, alongside their families and communities. The competition is supported by contributions from The Ward Family Foundation, Holland Bloorview Foundation donors, and the Bloorview Research Institute. Top candidates are evaluated by an esteemed panel of scientists, staff, and family leaders, with winners announced during the annual Bloorview Research Institute (BRI) Symposium.
Funding and benefits
- 1st place: $3,000 CAD
- 2nd place: $2,000 CAD
- 3rd place: $1,000 CAD
- Recognition at a ceremony held during the annual Bloorview Research Institute (BRI) Symposium
Who can apply?
- Open to applicants from around the world
- PhD research must focus on pediatric disability
- Must be a current PhD student (less than six months away from defense), a postdoctoral trainee (within one year of receiving PhD), or a recent graduate (within one year of receiving their PhD)
Required documents
- Completed application form submitted as one PDF
When to apply
- Application deadline is Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. EST
- Annual BRI Symposium and announcement ceremony take place on November 5-6, 2026
How to apply
- Download the application form
- Fill out the application form and save it as one PDF
- Email the application PDF to BRISymposium@hollandbloorview.ca by the deadline
- Use the required email subject line: '2026 Pursuit Award Application – [Your Full Name]'
Additional information
- Finalists are expected to pre-record their presentations for the annual BRI Research Symposium and be available to participate in the event on November 5-6, 2026.
- For inquiries, contact BRISymposium@hollandbloorview.ca using the subject line '2026 Pursuit Award Query – [Your Full Name]'
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- PhD students or recent graduates focused on pediatric disability research
- Researchers seeking international recognition and professional networking within the Bloorview Research Institute community
What should you think carefully about?
- Finalists must be available to pre-record presentations and participate in the symposium on November 5-6, 2026
- The application requires a specific, single-PDF format and strict adherence to email subject line protocols
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This award is an excellent opportunity to gain visibility for your doctoral research on an international stage and connect with a dedicated community of scientists and family leaders, which can be a significant boost for early-career researchers in the disability field.
Our take
PhD students and recent graduates with high-impact work in pediatric disability should apply; those whose research does not align with the specific focus on childhood-onset disabilities or developmental differences may find other awards more suitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
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