Dr. Catherine Wang Seed Fund Grants in Global Health 2026 targets researchers who are ready to move beyond ideas and test them in real-world settings. With limited funding available for just a small number of projects, the focus is clear: support early-stage work that can realistically grow into larger, externally funded research. It is particularly relevant for teams working on health equity outside infectious disease topics.
The Dr. Catherine Wang Seed Fund Grants in Global Health 2026 is a McGill-based seed funding program offering up to $25,000 for early-stage global health research. It supports 12–24-month projects focused on health equity, to help teams build a foundation for future external funding.
Quick Facts
| Funding: | Up to $25,000 per project |
| Duration: | 12 to 24 months |
| Host Country: | Canada |
| Eligible Countries: | Researchers affiliated with McGill University and partner institutions |
| Deadline: | Sunday, April 19, 2026 (11:59 PM EDT) |
What is the Dr. Catherine Wang Seed Fund Grants in Global Health 2026?
Some research funding is designed to scale existing work. This one sits earlier in the process.
The Dr. Catherine Wang Seed Fund Grants in Global Health 2026 support projects that are still taking shape, ideas that need pilot data, collaboration, or a clearer pathway before they can compete for larger grants.
This is the first round of the program, launched by McGill Global Health Programs (GHP). Only up to two projects will be funded. That alone signals how selective the process will be.
What stands out is the intent behind the funding. This is not about supporting activity for its own sake. The expectation is that funded projects will produce something concrete, evidence, partnerships, or outputs that can strengthen future external grant applications.
This opportunity is officially offered by McGill Global Health Programs (GHP), and applicants should follow the official submission instructions provided by the program.
What Does the Program Fund?
Not every global health project will fit here.
This round deliberately excludes infectious disease research, shifting attention toward broader health equity challenges. That opens space for areas that are often underfunded in traditional calls.
Relevant themes may include:
- Reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health (RMNCH)
- Women’s health across the life course
- Climate change and health
- Global mental health
- Non-communicable diseases (NCDs)
- Other equity-focused global health topics
At the core, projects must demonstrate:
- A clear focus on health equity
- Relevance to underserved or vulnerable populations
- Work-based in LMICs or within Canada
For Canada-based projects, eligible populations include:
- Indigenous communities
- Immigrant or refugee populations
- Other underserved groups
Some proposals will not be considered. These include:
- Infectious disease-focused research
- Lab or bench work without a clear real-world pathway
- Early-stage tech or engineering not ready for validation
- Clinical work without a global health equity angle
- Projects already funded elsewhere
- Gap funding between grants
In simple terms, the fund is best suited to research that is early, grounded, and positioned for growth.
Who is Eligible for the Dr. Catherine Wang Seed Fund Grants in Global Health 2026?
This is not an open public grant. Eligibility is tied to institutional affiliation and research status.
Applicants should meet the following:
- The Principal Investigator (PI) must hold a primary appointment at McGill University or an affiliated institution
- Must qualify as a University Researcher or Clinical University Researcher
- Expected to dedicate over 50% of time to research and teaching
- Can only participate in one proposal per cycle (as PI or Co-PI)
- May hold a maximum of two active GHP seed grants
Proposals may also include:
- Co-Principal Investigators (internal or external)
- Senior faculty and clinical staff
- Postdoctoral researchers
- International collaborators
- External partners
Submission requirements include:
- Application in English
- Single consolidated PDF
- Email subject line: “2026 Catherine Wang SFG”
- Strict adherence to the deadline (no late submissions)
You may also like: William T. Grant Scholars Program 2026 ($425,000 Research Grant)
Benefits
Financial Benefits
Selected projects may receive:
- Up to $25,000 in funding
- One-time disbursement at project start
- Support for a 12–24 month research period
- Coverage for approved research expenses
Eligible costs include:
- Salaries for research staff and trainees
- Materials and supplies
- Data and platform fees
- Small equipment (up to $7,000)
- Project-related travel
Not covered:
- PI salaries
- Conference travel
- Institutional overhead
Career / Professional Benefits
The funding itself is only part of the value.
Projects can also:
- Generate pilot data for future grants
- Strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration
- Improve competitiveness for external funding
- Build clearer links between research and policy or practice
For many teams, this kind of grant serves as a starting point rather than an endpoint.
Who Should Apply
This grant is for researchers at an intermediate stage.
You may already have a solid idea. Maybe even early groundwork. But not enough yet to secure major funding.
That is where this becomes useful.
It works well for teams working in:
- Women’s health
- Mental health
- Climate and health
- Non-communicable diseases
- Health equity research
- Translational global health
What matters most is timing. If your project is too early, it may struggle. If it is already fully developed, it may not need this type of support.
The strongest proposals will likely come from researchers who can explain not only what they want to study but also why this stage matters now.
How to Apply for the Dr. Catherine Wang Seed Fund Grants in Global Health 2026
Follow these steps carefully:
1) Confirm your eligibility
Make sure the nominated Principal Investigator (PI) meets McGill and GHP eligibility requirements before preparing a submission.
2) Review the funding scope
Check that your proposed project aligns with the competition’s priorities, especially:
- non-infectious disease global health research
- health equity
- underserved or vulnerable populations
3) Prepare your application package
You must submit your full application as one single consolidated PDF.
4) Include all required sections
Your application package should contain:
- Project information
- Project description
- Team implementation section
- Plan for seeking extramural funding
- Budget
- References
- CVs and signature page
5) Respect the formatting rules
The core application package must not exceed 9.5 pages, excluding CVs and signature pages.
6) Attach supporting documents
Make sure to include:
- CVs for the nominated PI and up to two additional key team members
- Signed acknowledgement from all Co-PIs (if applicable)
7) Submit by email before the deadline
Send your completed application in PDF format to:
Use this exact email subject line:
2026 Catherine Wang SFG
8) Submit in English and before the cut-off
All application materials must be submitted in English no later than:
Sunday, April 19, 2026 at 11:59 PM EDT
Late submissions will not be accepted.
For a grant like this, precision matters more than volume.
Reviewers are not looking for the biggest idea on paper. They are looking for a project that is clearly scoped, realistic within the budget, and strong enough to justify future external funding.
Before submitting, it is worth double-checking the formatting, required sections, and email submission details carefully.
ACCESS THE OFFICIAL CALL FOR PROPOSALS
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Dr. Catherine Wang Seed Fund Grants in Global Health 2026?
A McGill-based seed grant offering up to $25,000 for early-stage global health research focused on equity.
Who can apply?
Principal Investigators affiliated with McGill or its partner institutions who meet research eligibility criteria.
How many projects will be funded?
Up to two projects in this round.
What is the funding amount?
Each selected project can receive up to $25,000.
Are infectious disease projects eligible?
No. This round focuses on non-infectious disease research.
