SUMMARY 

Breakthrough T1D Clinician Investigator Fellowships are designed to attract and promote clinician scientists in the field of T1D research. This fellowship provides salary support for medical residents or fellows that are pursuing a graduate (MSc or PhD) degree, research training, or completing postdoctoral training in the field of type 1 diabetes (T1D) research. Projects that align with Breakthrough T1D’s Global Mission Strategy will be considered. 

Applicant Eligibility 

• Applicants must be fellows of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (or) residents registered in a residency training program that is accredited by the Royal College 

• Awardees must spend a minimum of 75% of their time conducting clinical research while holding the fellowship. In unique circumstances, clinical time could be increased over the 25% maximum with justification as to why the clinical time delivers key skills and knowledge relevant to the proposed research project.  

• Preference will be given to applicants enrolled in graduate degree programs, Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada (RCPSC) Clinician Investigator Program (CIP), or any other structured research training programs or fellowships.  

Breakthrough T1D is committed to funding a diverse group of trainees and encourages people from underrepresented groups to apply.  Please reach out to research@BreakthroughT1D.ca if accommodations are needed.  

Institutional Eligibility 

Breakthrough T1D abides by the funding rules of the Tri-Agencies (CIHR, NSERC, SSHRC). The applicant’s host institution must be eligible to hold Tri-Agency funding. Applicants are eligible to hold this award anywhere in the world, according to the policies of their home institution. 

Fellowship Details 

This is an award of up to $50,000 CAD to support the salary of a medical resident or fellow that is pursuing research training. This fellowship will be granted for 1-year, with potential to renew for an additional year based on progress, merit, financial need, and grant availability.  

This award may be held simultaneous to Provincial Health Services residency/fellowship salary as well as other external (e.g., CIHR) or internal (e.g., departmental) funding.  The amount of available funding will be dependent on other salary sources. The award will be adjusted on a case-by-case basis to fit an applicant’s situation and training opportunity.  

Applications are due to Breakthrough T1D by March 31, 2025, notices of decision will be released early May 2025, and funding must begin between July – October 2025.  For applicants interested in a start date outside this window, please email research@BreakthroughT1D.ca to discuss.  

Application Details 

Applicants are required to submit a complete application package using the online application form. The following materials must be included: 

1. Letter of Support from primary research supervisor, which should include the availability and appropriateness of resources required to carry out the proposed research (max 2 pages) 
2. Applicant CV (any format, including Canadian Common CV, will be accepted) 
3. Future Career Plan Statement (max 2 pages) 
4. Research Plan (max 2 pages) 

Please note: all materials can be from a CIP or graduate program application packages as long as they fit within the page limits noted above. French applications will be accepted and can be max 2.5 pages for each section (with the exception of the CV of any length). 

Review 

Applications will undergo a competitive peer review process and be evaluated based on alignment with Breakthrough T1D’s mission, applicant merit, environment for the research, strength of the career plan statement, and strength of the research plan. Applicants may be requested to revise the research plan based on review feedback, before funding decisions are made.  

Reporting Requirements 

Progress reporting will be required semi-annually through interim progress update calls and annual written progress reports.