DMRF Canada has encouraged and supported research related to the causes, mechanisms, prevention, and treatment of all forms of dystonia. The DMRF Canada’s major funding mechanism is based on requests for applications focusing on selected research areas, formulated after scientific meetings and workshops.
As done in the past, DMRF Canada will remain open to new investigator-initiated ideas and approaches, which will be accepted throughout the year. Opportunities will be posted throughout the year, along with information on guidelines and application deadlines.
If you would like to get on our distribution list, kindly email info@dystoniacanada.org with your name, email and institution.
Note: The Dystonia Coalition has resources that are easily accessible to the whole dystonia research community. These resources include educational materials, clinical data, video recordings of clinical exams, and DNA. To read more and access these resources through the Dystonia Coalition and Global Dystonia Registry visit https://dc.rarediseasesnetwork.org/resources-researchers-and-clinicians
Current Funding Opportunities:
- 2027 DMRF Canada Clinical and Research Fellowship - October 5, 2026
Clinical Fellowship
Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Canada, along with Parkinson Canada and the Huntington Society of Canada, invites applications for a jointly funded, one-year Clinical Movement Disorders Fellowship valued at $80,000.
- Application Deadline (Date of receipt): October 5, 2026 (5:00 pm EST)
- Application Notice of Decision: March 2027
- Funding Start Date: July 1, 2027
- Duration of Award: 1 year (non-renewable)
Additional Dystonia Research Fellowship:
Applicants who wish to undertake a second year focused on dystonia research may submit a brief research proposal directly to DMRF Canada at info@dystoniacanada.org, indicating that they have also applied for the joint clinical fellowship.
For program details and application requirements, click here.
- Banting–Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Canada Discovery Award - October 19, 2026
Award - Up to $30,000.
Application Timeline
- Notice of Intent submission deadline – October 19, 2026
- Invitation to Full Application Stage – November 27, 2026
- Full Application Submission – January 25, 2027
- Notice of Decision – June 2027
For full award details and application requirements, click here.
- DMRF (USA) Grants and Fellowships - TBA
- TRAVEL SCHOLARSHIPS - International Dystonia Symposium - October 26, 2026
7th Samuel Belzberg International Dystonia Symposium (SBIDS7) - April 2027, Seville, Spain
Travel stipends are available in the amount of $2,500 USD for attendees traveling from outside of Europe and $1,500 USD for attendees traveling within Europe. These stipends are made available through the generosity of Patient Advocacy Groups and a number of generous donors. The goal of this program is to encourage young clinicians and investigators to attend the meeting.
Applications must be received no later than October 26, 2026.
For guidelines and submissions, visit: www.dystonia2027.org/travel-scholarships/
Previous Funding Opportunities:
Click here for our archives on previously funded research in Canada