The purpose of this grant is to provide assistance for academic members in obtaining pilot data in support of a larger funding application at a recognized foundation or agency (CIHR, Heart and Stroke Foundation, Diabetes Canada, NSERC, etc.)

  • The applicants must become a CSEP member within the initial five years of their first faculty appointment. 
  • International CSEP members are eligible, however preference will be given to CSEP members who are appointed at a Canadian institution.
  • The goal of this grant is to provide funding for the research. Thus, eligible expenses include research supplies, graduate student stipend support, and study participant honorariums. Ineligible expenses include travel, committee participation, position statements, etc.
  • It is expected that the successful applicant will assist in the peer review process of subsequent seed grant applications.
  • The applicant must be an active CSEP member in good standing at the time of application. 

  • The research proposal must be no longer than two-pages (not including references), single spaced (12-point Times New Roman font, or 11-point Arial font, 2 cm margins).
  • The application should include the following information:
    • Importance of the research questions/rationale
    • Outline of study design
    • Highly qualified personnel (HQP) training plan
    • How the seed grant will be used to support future applications
  • On a separate page (not included in the two-page limit) include a budget justification and statement of financial needs. 
  • In addition to the proposal, applicants must submit a Canadian Common CV (CCV), in accordance with the CIHR Academic guidelines. 
  • Please note that incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
  • The applications will be reviewed by the CSEP Member Services Committee. 
  • One-third of the score will be based on the past track record of research productivity and excellence, two-thirds will be based on the novelty and importance of the research question, strength of the design, and alignment with the advancement of the CSEP mission. 
  • A CIHR scale one to five will be used. 
  • An in-depth review of unsuccessful applicants is provided with feedback comments. 
  • Priority may be given to those with less funding and a greater financial need.  
  • The award recipient will receive a $5,000 (CAD) monetary award, and a complimentary registration for the CSEP Annual Conference. 
  • The award must be claimed within two calendar years from the date of award receipt. 
  • It is expected that successful applicants will present the findings of their research stemming from the seed grant at this time. 
  • The successful applicant will be invited to write a short review martial on the topic of their seed grant in the APNM journal.
  • The award recipient will be named at the CSEP Annual Conference during the Gala.

Submission is now closed.

Equity, Diversity,


and Inclusion Statement

The Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the Society’s business. This includes, but is not limited to, applications for membership, awards and grant review, and employment and volunteer positions. CSEP welcomes applications and participation from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression. In its commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, members of the Society, its committees and employees and/or any award/grant recipients are expected to uphold the same policies in their work related to the Society.