How to Apply

Applications for the award will be accepted from July 9th 2026, as part of the CLSA’s data access application process.

Application Deadline: October 7, 2026

Applications for this award are submitted through the Magnolia application portal, through a CLSA Data Access application.

Applicants must indicate their wish to be considered for the award within the Magnolia system and must submit the following materials through the Magnolia application portal, in addition to all standard requirements for applying for CLSA Data: 

1. A Tri-Agency CV 
2. An application letter (500-1000 words) outlining the applicant’s suitability for the award. The letter must address: 
   1. how the proposed project aligns with Dr. Kirkland’s areas of research;
   2. the applicant’s relevant research achievements and impacts; and
   3. how receipt of the award will enable meaningful contributions to aging research in Canada.

Eligibility

The award is open to Canadian applicants who meet all of the following criteria:

• Are an Early Career Researcher, defined as within 7 years of their first independent research appointment;
• Are eligible to access CLSA data under CLSA’s Data and Sample Access Policy;
• Have a clearly defined research project requiring CLSA data; and
• Demonstrate alignment with at least one of Dr. Kirkland’s areas of research or values, such as:
  • Healthy aging
  • Women’s health
  • Chronic disease prevention and management
  • Health equity and social determinants of health.

Applications from individuals belonging to equity‑deserving groups are strongly encouraged. 

Evaluation and Selection Process 

Applications will be evaluated by the CLSA Executive Committee based on the following criteria: 

1. alignment with Dr. Kirkland’s areas of research; 
2. the applicant’s relevant research achievements and impacts; and 
3. the potential for the proposed work to make meaningful contributions to aging research in Canada.

Requirements

Successful applicants will be required to: 

1. Acknowledge the award in all outputs related to the approved project using CLSA data;
2. Submit a brief summary report within 12 months of receiving their data, outlining: 
   1. Preliminary findings, and
   2. Any resulting abstracts, presentations, or publications;
3. Lead a knowledge‑mobilization activity in the form of a CLSA webinar presentation sharing findings emerging from the award-supported project.