Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s 16th annual Pursuit Awards international competition is now accepting applications.
This prestigious competition recognizes PhD students and recent doctoral graduates from around the world for their outstanding contributions to childhood disability research—enabling personalized versions of a good life across the lifespan for all individuals with childhood-onset disabilities, acquired injuries and developmental differences, their families and communities.
Over the years, the Pursuit Awards have celebrated some of the most promising young minds in the field—researchers who have, for instance, explored how physical activity can benefit youth with neurodevelopmental conditions, or developed tools to help families make informed decisions for children living with brachial plexus birth injury.
Award details
The top three candidates, selected by an esteemed panel of scientists, staff and family leaders, will be announced at a ceremony held during the annual Bloorview Research Institute (BRI) Symposium on November 5-6, 2026.
- 1st place: $3,000 CAD
- 2nd place: $2,000 CAD
- 3rd place: $1,000 CAD
The Pursuit Awards is made possible by the generous contributions of The Ward Family Foundation, Holland Bloorview Foundation donors, and the Bloorview Research Institute.
Application Process for the 2026 Pursuit Award
Eligibility
The Pursuit Awards are open to applicants from around the world. You are encouraged to apply if your PhD research focuses on pediatric disability, and you are a:
- Current PhD student (less than six months away from defense); OR
- Postdoctoral trainee (within one year of receiving PhD); OR
- Recent graduate (within one year of receiving their PhD).
Criteria
Finalists will be evaluated on:
- Academic excellence, including academic training, experience, and awards of distinction
- Research potential, including originality, critical thinking, innovation, and the ability to influence practice, policy or research in childhood disability
- Knowledge translation, including efforts to engage partners, disseminate findings, and collaborate across disciplines
- Research productivity, including the quality and quantity of publications and presentations
Finalists are expected to pre-record their presentations for the annual BRI Research Symposium which will take place on November 5-6, 2026. It is expected that finalists are available to participate in the event.
Applications for the Pursuit Awards competition are now closed. Please check back next year for information about the 2027 application cycle.
