Catalyst grant

The Catalyst Grant supports impactful projects that break down barriers for Deaf and hard of hearing individuals and their families. We welcome a wide range of research and initiatives—from hearing science and health to quality of life, employment, and community participation.

Whether your research focuses on physiology or quality of life, employment or community participation whether you use quantitative or qualitative methods and whether your findings are applied in clinical practice or based in service delivery; we welcome innovative projects that advance understanding and support individuals across the lifespan on their journey toward full participation in society.

Research Areas of Focus

Projects should align with one of the key research areas:

  • Hearing Health
  • Hearing Science
  • Deaf Studies
  • Quality of Life

Learn more about the Research Areas of Focus

Eligibility

Applicants must be affiliated with a not-for-profit organization.

Principal Investigators must be based at:

  • A Canadian university or affiliated institution (e.g., teaching hospital), or
  • A community-based not-for-profit organization, or
  • A Canadian Hearing Services–recognized Deaf or hard of hearing organization

 

Funding Details

 

  • Up to $50,000 per year
  • Funding available for up to two years

 

Application Process

 

The application process includes two stages:

  1. Letter of Intent (LOI): Reviewed for alignment and potential impact. Only approved LOIs will be invited to the Full Application stage.
  2. Full Application (by invitation only): Reviewed and ranked by the Grant Review Panel

Funding recommendations will be presented to the Board of Directors, which will make the final award decisions.

 

Collaboration Encouraged

 

We strongly encourage partnership-based projects. If you have an existing project and are seeking complementary funding, you may apply for partial funding from Hearing Research International. We strive to accelerate research across the field of knowledge and consider collaborative research a catalyst for progress.

Learn more about current funding applications.