Research Awards
As the largest non-governmental funder of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) research in Canada, Crohn’s and Colitis Canada proudly celebrates and recognizes Canadian IBD researchers for their exceptional contributions to the field of IBD research through four awards.
The notable awards, which you can learn more about below, include:
- Women in IBD Research Award
- Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in IBD Award
From seasoned investigators to emerging researchers, the recipients of these awards drive essential research that advances our promise to discover cures and improve quality of life for people affected by Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
We encourage you to nominate your colleagues to recognize their contributions to the Canadian IBD research landscape. Self-nominations are also accepted.
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to submit nominations as early as possible. The deadline for nominations is August 15, 2025 by 5:00 pm ET. Award recipients will be notified in October.
Please note that each award has its own eligibility, nomination, and selection criteria. To submit a nomination, you must complete an online application form and provide other required materials by the stipulated due date.
Research Leadership award
The Research Leadership Award recognizes an individual who demonstrates leadership in the field of IBD research, significantly contributes to advancing Crohn’s and colitis research in Canada, and makes exceptional contributions to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s mission and promise.
Learn more about the past recipients of the Research Leadership Award.
Rising Star award
The Rising Star Award recognizes the basic or clinical research accomplishments of an outstanding emerging investigator, within five years of their first faculty appointment (the five year period criterion will be extended for individuals who have taken extended leaves of absence due to life circumstances, such as parental or sick leave). The recipient is an innovative leader who advances Crohn's and colitis research in Canada, and has made an outstanding contribution to Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s mission.
Learn more about the past recipients of the Rising Star Award.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in IBD awards
Crohn’s and Colitis Canada, in partnership with Pfizer Canada, proudly presents the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) in IBD Awards program. This initiative represents an expansion of our ongoing partnership, aimed at providing program funding to acknowledge and support individuals who have made exceptional contributions to advancing DE&I in IBD research and/or clinical care for IBD patients. Recipients of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in IBD Awards exemplify creativity, initiative, and unwavering dedication to the progress of IBD research and the enhancement of patient care quality in Canada.
We are thrilled to introduce two new awards with updated funding. For both awards, we welcome applications on an ongoing basis. We strongly encourage you to submit nominations at your earliest convenience.
Nominations will be reviewed based on the nominee's significant influence on the Canadian IBD community, their dedication to furthering Crohn's and Colitis Canada's Promise, and their demonstration of innovation and leadership in the IBD field. The award selection process will be conducted by an independent panel of subject matter experts in IBD research. This panel operates autonomously and is not influenced by affiliations with pharmaceutical partners.
Please note that nominations are accepted continuously, and we urge you to submit your nominations well in advance. The nomination deadline is August 15, 2025 by 5:00 pm ET. Award recipients will be notified by late September.
Women in IBD Research award
This award acknowledges an outstanding female researcher, whether in basic or clinical science, who has served as an inspirational leader and role model within the realm of IBD research. Their substantial contributions have significantly advanced Crohn's and Colitis Canada's Promise. The recipient will be granted $20,000 in support of their IBD research program.
Learn more about the Women in IBD Researcher Award.
Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in IBD award
This award acknowledges an individual whose clinical work or research aligns with Crohn’s Colitis Canada’s Promise and is dedicated to addressing or comprehending matters pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion in IBD. The recipient will be granted $20,000 in support of their clinical or research program.
Learn more about the Advancing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in IBD Award.