Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved is the interim director of WE-SPARK Health Institute. (KYLE ARCHIBALD/University of Windsor)
By Sara Elliott
WE-SPARK Health Institute is ready to support innovative health research and education projects with the launch of its 2026 grant competition.
The competition provides seed funding to stimulate research development in Windsor-Essex.
“Supporting early-stage research is one of the most important ways we can accelerate new discoveries,” said Dr. Dora Cavallo-Medved, interim director of WE-SPARK Health Institute. “These grants help researchers explore innovative ideas that have the potential to transform health and care in our region.”
This year’s funding opportunities include Igniting Discovery Grants for early-stage research, and IDEA Grants aimed at supporting small-scale pilot projects.
A new Student Research Training Grant is also being introduced in 2026. Funded by the University of Windsor Students' Alliance and the St. Clair College Student Representative Council, the grant supports student-led research and training.
Applications are open to health researchers affiliated with any of WE-SPARK’s five partner institutions: Erie Shores HealthCare, Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare, St. Clair College, the University of Windsor, and Windsor Regional Hospital.
Letters of intent for all three grant streams are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Full competition details and application information are available on the WE-SPARK website.