Groundbreaking research begins with bold ideas, and bold ideas need more than funding to thrive. The Discovery Mentorship Program is designed to give early-career researchers the tools, guidance, and connections they need to transform promising concepts into world-changing solutions.
Launched in 2023, this national initiative goes beyond awarding seed grants. It provides awardees with direct access to experienced mentors, targeted professional development, and a collaborative network that spans disciplines, institutions, and regions. By equipping researchers with both the resources and the strategic skills to succeed, we help them accelerate their impact on Canadian health and healthcare.
From grant writing and research operations to communication, leadership, and knowledge translation, participants receive targeted training to strengthen the skills that drive long-term success in science.
Awardees work closely with seasoned scientists, past Banting Discovery Award recipients, and industry leaders who understand the unique challenges of launching a research career. These relationships provide invaluable guidance, accountability, and encouragement during the most critical years of a researcher’s professional growth.
The program fosters a vibrant network of peers and senior researchers who exchange ideas, share opportunities, and collaborate across disciplines. Our annual Discovery Open House serves as a national hub for knowledge exchange, networking, and recognition of Canada’s emerging scientific talent.
Thanks to the generosity of the William and Nona Heaslip Foundation, early-career researchers from institutions across the country including Université de Montréal, Université Laval, Memorial University, Université de Sherbrooke, Trent University, University of New Brunswick, Carleton University, Queen’s University, and Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières attended our 2025 Career Development Day. These gatherings bring together Canada’s brightest young scientists to share discoveries, explore collaborations, and build the leadership skills essential to sustained impact.
We are most grateful to our partner, Shift Health, for supporting the launch of the pilot event, the Discovery Open House, which was held in Toronto in May 2023. The success of this new initiative was attributable to Dr. Ryan Wiley, President, Dr. Anne Mullin, Head of Consulting, and Martin Thame, Director of People & Operations who played a crucial role in our program development.
The Discovery Mentorship Program is a cornerstone of our mission: to identify promising biomedical researchers early and give them the tools to thrive. By combining strategic mentorship with critical early funding, we help launch careers and accelerate the arrival of solutions that will shape the future of health in Canada.
Your support can make the difference by enabling us to expand this transformative program and ensuring that the best ideas do not stall for lack of guidance or opportunity. Together, we can nurture the innovators who will define the next century of Canadian biomedical discovery.
Thank you again for the fantastic opportunity. My mentor is the very best (she has scheduled to meet with me once every two months!). It was wonderful to get to meet such enthusiastic and productive scientists. I really appreciate it. I came back feeling refreshed and ready for a great summer of research!
Your support is the spark that ignites the next wave of transformative health research. By investing in the Banting Discovery Foundation, you’re not just funding studies—you’re fueling innovation, championing early-career scientists, and driving breakthroughs that change lives. The future of discovery awaits us. Join us in shaping that future, and together, let’s embark on this exciting journey of scientific exploration and human advancement.
