SMART Training Platform Funding Call 2026-2027
SMART Training Platform Funding 2026-2027
The SMART Healthy Cities Training Platform addresses an urgent need to build capacity in implementation science to support the development of healthy cities from a systems and equity perspective, utilizing state-of-the-art methods that range from effective community engagement to computational science.
The SMART Healthy Cities Training Platform was established in 2021 through a Healthy Cities Training Grant from CIHR-NSERC-SSHRC. The original team included faculty from 10 post-secondary institutions from across Canada, 11 non-governmental agencies/community partners and the Public Health Agency of Canada. Since 2023, the SMART Training Platform trainee awards program has expanded eligibility to support trainees at all Canadian post-secondary institutions. Also, all perspectives of healthy cities and implementation science are eligible for consideration.
SMART will be entering their final year of funding next year as such all awards are one year awards for the 2026-2027 academic year. We are pleased to have supported 126 students from undergrads to postdocs over the past 5 years and are looking forward to support the final cohort of SMART Trainees.
Our Program
Our initiative stands out for its innovative approach to addressing urban challenges. Utilizing extensive and varied datasets, we work together to develop intelligent solutions customized for urban communities. With a focus on experiential learning, participants tackle societal issues through both independent projects and collaborative efforts, employing cutting-edge methodologies like design thinking and co-creation. Embracing digital technologies and big data, our program facilitates interdisciplinary collaboration and cross-sectoral partnerships, driving rapid progress towards our overarching objectives.
Our Objectives
The SMART Training Platform funding aims to provide competitive awards to support trainees in their pursuit of training and research within the realm of healthy cities. Our program offers foundational courses that equip trainees with a foundational understanding of implementation science. Furthermore, we offer a variety of opportunities such as annual conferences, summer schools, webinars, and more, fostering a diverse and immersive environment where trainees can apply their knowledge and research to effect real-world transformation!
Funding Availability
The training platform is committed to capacity building supporting highly qualified trainees seeking to diversify and acquire new skills in healthy cities and implementation science. For our final year, we are offering 13 one year awards, amounts listed below. Please note, students holding major awards are eligible to apply but students with financial need or equity deserving candidates will be prioritized.
The SMART Training Platform is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes applications from racialized persons / persons of colour, women, Indigenous / Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.
Awards
| 1 Year Bursary Award | Amount | # of Awards Available | Funding Term |
|---|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate | $5,000*** | 3 | 2026-2027 |
| Masters | $15,000 | 3 | 2026-2027 |
| Doctoral | $15,000 | 5 | 2026-2027 |
| Postdoctoral | $15,000 | 2 | 2026-2027 |
*** May be used as research assistantships or summer support. Must clearly define a healthy cities and implementation project.
Key Dates
Application opens: January 2nd, 2026
Application due date: February 5th, 2026 by 11:59pm EST
Funding decision date: April 1st, 2026
** Date is subject to change, if we receive higher application numbers.
Application Procedure
On January 2nd 2026, the SMART application portal will open where you will be able to fill in the application and submit any supporting documentation.
We have provided the questions for the application below, to allow for ample preparation time but please note the application portal will not open until January 2nd. Questions can be directed to [email protected]
Eligibility Guidelines
- No more than 2 applications from the same supervisor.
- Students must confirm enrolment in their home institution’s undergraduate, Master’s, PhD or PDF program prior to receiving the funding
- Students must have plans for thesis related project or publication focused on a ‘healthy cities topic and relevance to implementation
- Students must have a committed advisor to supervise a healthy cities-focused research paper/project
- Major award holders are eligible, however, students with financial need will be prioritized
- Students must complete the following mandatory components to receive funding
- Methods Café Course (Fall semester)
- Attend annual Healthy Cities Conference
- Commitment to experiential learning placement
Optional Offerings
- Implementation Design Lab course
- Agent Based Modelling Course
- Summer School
- Webinars