Celebrating the Breakthroughs Shaping the Future of Canine Health. Meet the 2025 Canine Health Discovery Award Finalists.

Early Career Investigator Program

This program supports individuals in the first stage of their career as independent investigators focused on improving health outcomes for dogs. This award is designed to foster research that advances the health of dogs while also investing in the careers of the next generation of veterinary scientists.

Purpose of this Grant Program

The Early Career Investigator Program invests in the careers of promising researchers, supporting basic, translational and clinical research that directly benefits canine health. This program encourages investigations into mechanisms of canine disease, new diagnostic tools, therapeutic interventions, and clinical trials, which contribute to advancements in veterinary medicine. Proposals may be submitted under Acorn or Oak grant categories, depending on the project scope and budget.

Who is Eligible

Applicants must have a DVM, VMD, or equivalent degree and/or PhD, with a demonstrated commitment to a career in canine health research, and be within 6 years of completing their relevant training, including residency programs or post-graduate studies. This program encourages applications that foster the development of independent investigators committed to advancing veterinary science and improving the health of dogs.

Early-Career Investigators

Must have DVM/VMD or equivalent and/or PHD and be within 6 years of completing their training.

FUNDING HIGHLIGHTS

Measure the Impact of the Rising Researcher Program​

8

Grants funded to date, investing in new career scientists in canine health research.

$370,000

Funding distributed to date to support innovative projects in canine health discovery.

2024

Marked the program’s launch, addressing needs in both academic and canine health sectors.

Taking the Next Step

Ready to apply? Visit our Request for Proposal page to stay updated on upcoming funding opportunities and get prepared to submit your application when the next cycle opens. Be sure to review the guidelines and eligibility requirements in advance.

Grants

University of Pennsylvania Logo
2025 Active Grant
Sports Medicine & Rehabilitiation Residencies $244,372.68
03309-E: 2025 University of Pennsylvania Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Cynthia M. Otto, DVM, PhD, DACVECC, DACVSMR
Colorado State University Logo
2025 Active Grant
Sports Medicine & Rehabilitiation Residencies $250,000.00
03330-E: 2025 Colorado State University Canine Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Lindsay Hochman Elam, DVM, MPH, DACVSMR
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Logo
2025 Active Grant
Theriogenology Residences $150,000.00
03318-E: Virginia Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine 2025 Small Animal Theriogenology Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Dr. Julie T. Cecere, DVM, MS, DACT
2025 Active Grant
Theriogenology Residences $150,000.00
03342-E: 2025 Auburn University Small Animal Theriogenology Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Robyn R. Wilborn, DVM, MS
Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne Logo
2025 Active Grant
Clinician-Scientist Fellowships $15,000.00
03398-E: Developing early-phenotype canine CAR-T cells for treatment of solid cancers, and improving function through CRISPR-editing
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Paul Neeson, PhD
The Ohio State University Logo
2024 Active Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $148,302.00
03183-E: The Ohio State University 2024 Small Animal Theriogenology Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Dr. Erin E Runcan, DVM
Colorado State University Logo
2024 Active Grant
Theriogenology Residences $150,000.00
03182-E: Colorado State University 2024 Small Animal Theriogenology Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Fiona K Hollinshead, BVSc (Hons), MACVSc, PhD, DACT
University of Illinois Logo
2024 Closed Grant
Clinician-Scientist Fellowships $12,960.00
03151-E: 2023 Clinician-Scientist Fellowship – University of Illinois
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Timothy M. Fan, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
The Ohio State University Logo
2024 Active Grant
Clinician-Scientist Fellowships $12,000.00
03231-E: 2024 Clinician-Scientist Fellowship – The Ohio State University
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Jenessa A Winston, DVM, PhD, DACVIM
Michigan State University Logo
2024 Active Grant
Clinician-Scientist Fellowships $12,000.00
03232-E: 2024 Clinician-Scientist Fellowship – Michigan State University
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Dalen Agnew, DVM, PhD
North Carolina State University Logo
2024 Active Grant
Clinician-Scientist Fellowships $12,000.00
03234-E: 2024 Clinician-Scientist Fellowship – North Carolina State University
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Joshua A Stern, DVM, PhD
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine Logo
2023 Active Grant
Theriogenology Residencies $125,000.00
03078-E: Virginia Maryland Small Animal Theriogenology Residency
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Dr. Julie T. Cecere, DVM, MS, DACT
2023 Active Grant
Clinician-Scientist Fellowships $12,960.00
03152-E: 2023 Clinician-Scientist Fellowship – University of Wisconsin, Madison
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Freya Mowat, BVSc. Ph.D DECVO DACVO MRCVS
University of California, Davis Logo
2023 Closed Grant
Clinician-Scientist Fellowships $527.05
03153-E: 2023 Clinician-Scientist Fellowship – UC Davis
Breed(s): Italian Greyhound
Researcher(s): Anita M. Oberbauer, PhD
University of Pennsylvania Logo
2023 Active Grant
Clinician-Scientist Fellowships $10,959.40
03154-E: 2023 Clinician-Scientist Fellowship – University of Pennsylvania
Breed(s): All Dogs
Researcher(s): Erica Reineke, VMD

Explore All Investigator Opportunities

Discover a range of funding options designed to support and advance your research in canine health.