MHRC-Atlas Institute Research Award 2025

Deadline: Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 11.59pm ET

Funding Amount: up to $87,000 CAD

Research Topic: Rebuilding Identify: Veteran Resilience After Service

The transition out of military service often involves a shift in daily structure, roles, and relationships. For many Veterans, this period includes an ongoing process of identity exploration or redefinition. While it can come with challenges, many Veterans demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and even personal growth as they move into post-service life. A Veteran’s intention or motivation for joining the military may shape how they understand and experience this identity shift. In addition, families, including spouses, children, extended relatives, and chosen family—can play an important role in supporting or shaping the process of identity development after service.

This funding call is focused on better understanding the positive and resilient pathways that some Veterans take as they seek or re-establish their sense of identity after military release. What internal approaches, social supports, or external conditions contribute to meaningful and affirming transitions? How do Veterans define concepts like wellness, growth, or resilience for themselves? What are Veterans who report strong post-service wellbeing and identity doing and what can be learned from their experiences?

By focusing on the experiences of those who report meaningful or affirming transitions, this research aims to surface practical insights to inform how programs, policies, and services can better support identity development, purpose, and resilience across the broader Veteran community.

The project would need to begin by February 28th, 2026. 

This research funding opportunity will support a two-year project that aims to understand and explore the experience of resilience during identity seeking after military release. Research projects may focus on the factors that support meaningful identity development, personal growth, and wellbeing in the post-service period, as described by Veterans themselves. The population of interest are Canadian Veterans who have released from the Canadian Armed Forces and who reflect on their transition as involving positive or affirming experiences of identity redefinition, purpose, or resilience.

Eligible applicants must:

  • Ensure the fulsome engagement and involvement of people with lived and living experiences (CAF members and veterans) including participation on the research team throughout the research project.

  • Hold Canadian citizenship and/or permanent residence.

  • The Principal Applicant must be:

    • An independent researcher affiliated with a Canadian post-secondary institution whose appointment continues until the conclusion of the funding period

    • OR an individual affiliated with an Indigenous non-governmental organization in Canada with a research or knowledge mobilization mandate

    • OR an individual affiliated with a Veteran/Veteran Family non-governmental organization in Canada with a research or knowledge mobilization mandate.

  • The Principal Applicant must have completed a Sex-and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (SGBA+) course with proof of certification from a Canadian institution.

FOR COMPLETE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS, PLEASE READ THE ATTACHED CALL FOR PROPOSALS

We have also included a Budget template in Word to assist you in your application.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the Mood Disorders Society of Canada (MDSC) for their valued partnership in support of this MHRC-Atlas Research Award.

For questions pertaining to this partnership or application process, please contact:

Barani Ganapathi

Senior Manager, Research Grants and Organizational Impact

Mental Health Research Canada

bganapathi@mhrc.ca

Gabrielle Dupuis

Director, Research Partnerships

Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families

gabrielle.dupuis@theroyal.ca

FAQs

Can I collaborate with more than one community partner organization?

Yes, you are welcome to collaborate with more than one community partner organization, as long as each partner plays a meaningful role in the project. Your proposal should clearly define how each partner will contribute and how their involvement will enhance the project’s impact on community mental health. The participation of multiple partners can broaden the scope of the research and increase its relevance to different communities.

Are previous recipients of MHRC or Atlas funding eligible to apply again?

Yes, previous recipients of MHRC or Atlas funding can apply for this funding opportunity, provided they meet the eligibility criteria. However, applicants should clearly outline how this new project builds upon or differs from past funded work to avoid overlap.

Can I apply if I am conducting interdisciplinary research that intersects with fields outside psychology?

Yes, interdisciplinary research that connects mental health with fields such as public health, social work, or Indigenous studies is welcomed, as long as the project maintains a strong focus on mental health outcomes and community well-being. Collaboration across disciplines can enhance the research's scope and relevance to relevant communities.

What types of research methodologies are encouraged for this research award?

We encourage a range of research methodologies, including but not limited to community-based participatory research, qualitative studies (such as interviews and focus groups), quantitative research, or mixed-methods approaches. The key requirement is that the project must involve community perspectives and lived experiences at every stage, ensuring culturally relevant and impactful research outcomes.

Are there specific reporting or deliverable requirements during or after the award?

Yes, researchers are expected to submit updates during the research award and a final report outlining key findings, community impact, and any recommendations for further research. These reports must demonstrate how the project met its objectives and benefited the community involved.

What happens if my project faces delays or challenges with the community partner?

If project delays or challenges arise, you may need to adjust timelines or goals, but significant changes should be discussed with MHRC and Atlas, who will offer guidance. Extensions may be considered on a case-by-case basis.