Muscular Dystrophy Canada (MDC) is the single largest funder of neuromuscular research in Canada. Through our research funding, we are committed to advancing research that will ultimately lead to cures for neuromuscular disorders.

MDC‘s annual Neuromuscular Disorder Research Grant Program invests in clinical and translational research projects related to the diagnosis, treatment, or clinical care of neuromuscular disorders. These research grants help fill current gaps in the funding landscape. We support investigators that develop new research projects and create proof-of-concept, feasibility and pilot studies. This is in preparation for larger-scale, longer-term grants from external sources.

If you would like to receive notifications about research opportunities, please email research@muscle.ca

For more information on the scope and guidelines of this competition, please see below. All applications are available online at proposalCENTRAL.

Working Together for World-Class Care: 2025 Neuromuscular Clinical and Translational Research Grant Recipients

Each year, Muscular Dystrophy Canada invests in cutting-edge research that fuels future discoveries and advances treatments, therapies and potential cures. Thanks to generous giving, these grants will ensure that the Canadian neuromuscular community has access to life-changing treatment and care options today, tomorrow, and forever.

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and partners, this year, Muscular Dystrophy Canada is pleased to invest $900,000 into our annual Neuromuscular Research Grants competition. Through this year’s competition we are excited to be supporting clinical and translational research projects focused on managing symptoms, healthcare assessments, understanding diagnosis and disease progression, enhancing care, discovering new treatments and therapies, and moving research towards the development of cures. While this year’s competition supports research across a range of neuromuscular disorders, we are especially proud to fund two projects focused on Friedreich ataxia (FA) – made possible through a dedicated joint sub-call in partnership with Ataxia Canada.

This funding will save lives by fueling future discoveries and ensuring Canada is prepared to provide access to new life-changing treatments, while also filling the immediate need for advanced treatment and care options.

Together, we’re shaping a future where every Canadian diagnosed with a neuromuscular disorder can access the care and research they need.

2025 CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE RESEARCH GRANT RECIPIENTS:

Dr Carolina Barnett-Tapia MD PhD
Multimodal remote screening for bulbar dysfunction in myasthenia gravis – University Health Network Toronto General Hospital

Dr Cynthia Gagnon PhD
Selecting a patient-reported outcome to enhance dysphagia assessment in myotonic dystrophy type 1 and Friedreich ataxia – Université de Sherbrooke

Dr Jodi Warman-Chardon MD PhD FRCPC (Neurology)
Biomarker discovery in inclusion body myositis – Ottawa Hospital Research Institute

Dr Melissa Fiscaletti MD FRCP(C) MSc
Harnessing polygenic risk scores to transform osteoporosis screening in Duchenne muscular dystrophy – Centre hospitalier universitaire Sainte-Justine

Dr Vincent Picher-Martel MD
Development of antisense oligonucleotide therapy for oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy using advanced 3D tissue modeling – Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval

Dr Marie-Claude Sincennes PhD
Analysis of tissue organization and cell type-specific defects in oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy – National Institute of Scientific Research

Dr Mark Currie PhD
Developing a reporter system for rapid screening of drugs to treat Emery-Dreifus muscular dystrophy – University of Toronto

Dr Yan Burelle PhD
Targeting mitochondrial quality control to promote muscle regeneration in Duchenne muscular dystrophy – University of Ottawa

Dr Toshifumi Yokota PhD FCAHS
Development of an enhanced antisense therapy using lipid nanoparticles for Friedreich ataxia and spinobulbar muscular atrophy – University of Alberta

Learn more about Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s research investments and the incredible projects that will improve our understanding and drive the development of new treatments and cures for neuromuscular disorders:

Current Grants

Looking to connect with Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s Research Team? No problem! Contact our Research Hotline at research@muscle.ca

See also: