Funded research

Since 2017, we’ve awarded almost $3 million in research funding, through annual studentships, fellowships, grants and other awards. The researchers we fund increase our understanding of lung disease, improve treatments and save lives.

Fellowships

Fellowship awards build Canadian research capacity that contributes to the field of respiratory health in Canada. The fellowship competitions are open to post-doctoral or MD Fellows who are conducting respiratory research at a Canadian university. Studentships support individuals completing research related to basic, clinical, or translational studies using quantitative or qualitative methodologies. The project must align with the vision and mission of the Canadian Lung Association.

Studentships

Studentship awards build Canadian research capacity that contributes to the field of respiratory health in Canada. The studentship competition is open to PhD or MD trainees in the first three years of their program who are conducting respiratory research at a Canadian university. Studentships support individuals completing research related to basic, clinical, or translational studies using quantitative or qualitative methodologies. The project must align with the vision and mission of the Canadian Lung Association.

Allied health research awards

The Canadian Lung Association funds patient-centred or clinically focused research carried out by respiratory health professionals from a recognized clinically based discipline, including registered nurses, nurse practitioners, physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, cardio-pulmonary technologists, polysomnographic technologists, kinesiologists, dieticians occupational therapists, social workers or psychologists. MDs are not eligible.

The research can be related to an applied or clinical question using quantitative or qualitative methodologies and may include a basic science component, but the primary research questions must be patient-centred or clinically focused. Allied health research grants or operating grants are open to eligible allied health professionals. Recipients of an allied health fellowship must be enrolled in a Masters or Doctoral level program.

More research awards funded by CLA

Early Career Researcher Awards in Asthma

Emerging Clinician-Scientist Awards

CIHR Team Grants in Lung Health

COPD Catalyst Grants

Respiratory Health Effects of Long COVID Operating Grants

Travel awards

Funded researchers – Fellowships

Kawsari Abdullah, Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, 2019 Fellowship
Long-term respiratory outcome of children diagnosed with bronchiolitis in the first year of life: A prospective cohort study using linked clinical and health administrative data

Silvia Cardani, University of Alberta, 2022 Fellowship
Sex hormones and their use in hypoventilation syndromes: site of action and mechanism

Sophie Collins, McGill University, 2025 Fellowship
Association of a novel index of early life growth adversity with later-life lung structure and function

Adèle Coriati, Providence St. Joseph’s and St. Michael’s Healthcare, 2018 Fellowship
Understanding differences in cystic fibrosis health outcomes and survival: A systematic comparison of Canadian and French registry data

Nermin Diab, McMaster University, 2023 Fellowship
Mepolizumab for the treatment of chronic cough with eosinophilic airways disease

Razieh Enjilela, Toronto Metropolitan University, 2023 Fellowship
Development of magnetic resonance imaging airway segmentation to assess and monitor cystic fibrosis lung disease

Gillian Goobie, University of British Columbia, 2021 Fellowship
Air pollution as a modulator of molecular, structural, and clinical outcomes in patients with fibrotic interstitial lung disease

Tara Janes, University of Alberta, 2020 Fellowship
Progesterone promotes respiratory recovery in a rat model of congenital central hypoventilation syndrome: Site of action and mechanisms

Miranda Kirby, University of British Columbia, 2017 Fellowship
Small airway disease and emphysema in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Clarus Leung, University of British Columbia, 2023 Fellowship
Endo-phenotyping of asthma and COPD overlap by airway inflammation

Danuzia Marques, Université Laval, 2022 Fellowship
Linking neonatal stress and anomalies of immune development in rats: novel insights into the origin of sex-based differences in viral infection severity

Kozeta Miliku, University of Manitoba, 2018 Fellowship
The role of human milk oligosaccharides in the developmental origins of lung function and asthma

Led by Asthma Canada in partnership with AstraZeneca Canada, Canadian Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Foundation (CAAIF) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (CIHR-ICRH)

Chelsea Morin, University of Alberta, 2020 Fellowship
A randomized control trial comparing three methods of cardiopulmonary resuscitation using an infant piglet model of asphyxia

Carli Peters, University of British Columbia, 2022 Fellowship
Utilizing optical coherence tomography and exercise to develop novel biomarkers of respiratory impairment in people living with human immunodeficiency virus

Shirley Quach, SickKids, 2024 Fellowship
Effectiveness, safety, and equity of virtual care for people with respiratory diseases beyond the pandemic

Annia Schreiber, University of Toronto, 2025 Fellowship
Muscle recruitment during neck flexion and inspiratory muscle training in difficult and prolonged weaning patients: a physiological study: The FLEX study

Annia Schreiber, University of Toronto, 2024 Fellowship
Physiological evaluation

Funded researchers – Studentships

Samin Abbasidezfouli, University of British Columbia, 2024 Studentship
Cartilage-associated protein (CRTAP) as an environmentally sensitive target in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

Tina Afshar, University of British Columbia, 2022 Studentship
The lung health effects of e-cigarette cessation

Javad Alizadeh, University of Manitoba, 2018 Studentship
Stiff substrates enhance mitophagy/EMT crosstalk

Fatemeh Aminazadeh, University of British Columbia, 2022 Studentship
The contribution of sex differences to small airways disease in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Cole Bowerman, Dalhousie University, 2023 Studentship
Hidden amongst healthy: Normalization of respiratory pathology and health disparities by reference equations

Chanèle Cyr-Depauw, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, 2019 Studentship
Defining the next-generation umbilical cord-derived cell-therapy for treatment of neonatal lung disease

Konstiantyn Dmytriiev, University of Alberta, 2023 Studentship
Pulmonary vascular dysfunction and exercise in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Maks Dziura, University of Windsor, 2023 Studentship
Investigating the isomeric effect of synthetic nicotine on respiratory functionality

Olivia Ferguson, University of British Columbia, 2022 Studentship
The physiological mechanisms of improved exertional dyspnea and functional exercise capacity associated with antifibrotic therapy in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)

Anne Fu, University of Toronto, 2022 Studentship
Respiratory oscillometry for early diagnosis of chronic rejection after lung transplant

Cassie Gilchrist, University of British Columbia, 2024 Studentship
Exploring the impact of cannabis smoke exposure on lung health with single-cell RNA sequencing and microbiome analysis

Felix Girard, McGill University, 2023 Studentship
Effects of (un)loading stimuli on the human diaphragm activation at rest and during exercise: Implications for a better understanding of dyspnea

Makenna Gomes, University of Waterloo, 2025 Studentship
Assessing the health risks of e-cigarette use among young people in Canada: A longitudinal study of biomarkers of exposure and product differences

Cameron Griffiths, University of Alberta, 2018 Studentship
Interactions between respiratory syncytial virus and cell surface nucleolin during viral entry

Mohammadreza Hajipour, University of British Columbia, 2022 Studentship
Alternative metrics of sleep apnea severity derived from polysomnography

Carlos Hiroki, University of Calgary, 2021 Studentship
Lung sensory neurons influence in the outcome of pulmonary fibrosis

CIHR Project Grant

Kate Johnson, University of British Columbia, 2017 Studentship
Evaluating strategies for early detection of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Meghan Koo, Toronto Metropolitan University, 2022 Studentship
Inspiration-expiration CT texture-based delta radiomics: A new biomarker associated with COPD symptoms?

Saeid Maghsoudi, University of Manitoba, 2023 Studentship
Inhibition of adenylyl cyclase isoform 6 by cysteine nitrosylation in hypoxic pulmonary hypertension, and rescue with novel forskolin derivatives

In partnership with the Manitoba Lung Association

Maria Medeleanu, SickKids, 2022 Studentship
Interrogating the link between early viral infections and childhood asthma

Jeenat Mehareen, University of British Columbia, 2024 Studentship
Economic evaluation of integrating a precision medicine tool for predicting exacerbations into routine clinical care of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Luca Salvatore Menga, University of Toronto, 2024 Studentship
Mechanical ventilation targeting individualized lung recruitment and minimal lung distention with electrical impedance tomography and diagnostic oscillometry in ARDS: The MAC-TEN study

Andrea Murru, CHU de Québec-Université Laval, 2022 Studentship
Functional characterization of low-density neutrophils in cystic fibrosis: Clinical implications

Dheerendra Pandey, University of Manitoba, 2022 Studentship
Multidimensional role of CD38 in oxidized phosphatidylcholine (OxPCs) induce obstructive lung diseases

Devin Phillips, University of Alberta, 2018 Studentship
The effect of inhaled nitric oxide on dyspnea and exercise tolerance in mild chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Annette Pisanski (Abad-Hernandez), University of Alberta, 2018 Studentship
Role of parafacial respiratory group on the stabilization of sleep disordered breathing

Nicole Sarden, University of Calgary, 2022 Studentship
Investigating the role of neutrophils during respiratory viral infections

Gaurav Veer Singh, Toronto Metropolitan University, 2024 Studentship
Fractal analysis of pulmonary vasculature in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Association with pulmonary function, functional capacity and symptoms

Reginald Smyth, Queen’s University, 2025 Studentship
Investigating the effects of inhaled bronchodilator therapies on small airway function, operating lung volumes, and neuromechanical dissociation (SOUND)

Yuetong Song, University of Toronto, 2022 Studentship
Modeling human iPSC-derived alveolar Type 1 and 2 cells for cystic fibrosis lung disease

Nadia Suray Tan, McMaster University, 2024 Studentship
Role of B cells in mediating inflammation, autoimmunity and clinical symptoms in respiratory diseases

In partnership with the Canadian Asthma, Allergy and Immunology Foundation (CAAIF) and the Canadian Respiratory Research Network (CRRN)

Ben Thompson, University of Calgary, 2025 Studentship
Investigating sex-based differences in the diaphragm blood response following inspiratory muscle training

Jigneshkumar Vaghasiya, University of Manitoba, 2020 Studentship
Oxidized phosphatidylcholines are unique drivers of asthma pathobiology

Steven Wright, University of Toronto, 2017 Studentship
Exercise hemodynamics for the evaluation of breathlessness and suspected pulmonary arterial hypertension

Funded researchers – Allied health fellowships

Christopher Farley, McMaster University, 2025 AH fellowship
The effects of post-hospital rehabilitation on physical function in survivors of critical illness: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Christopher Farley, McMaster University, 2024 AH fellowship
The needs and preferences of critical illness survivors for post-ICU rehabilitation: A mixed methods study

Kristin MacLeod, Queen’s University, 2025 AH fellowship
The effect of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy on daily movement behaviours and exercise capacity in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)

Jordana McMurray, University of Toronto, 2022 AH fellowship
Actigraphic and self-reported sleep outcomes and relationships to anxiety and depression symptoms in adolescents and young adults with cystic fibrosis: A mixed-methods study

Erin Miller, University of Toronto, 2017 AH fellowship
Evaluating the effectiveness of using high fidelity stimulation to teach tracheal suctioning to physical therapists

Sachi O’Hoski, McMaster University, 2018 AH fellowship
Beyond function: Exploring participation in life roles in people with COPD

Shirley Quach, McMaster University, 2023 AH fellowship
Perceptions and usability of publicly available chronic obstructive pulmonary disease apps

Shirley Quach, University of British Columbia, 2021 AH fellowship
A mobile electronic repository to address patients’ support needs in coping with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Shirley Quach, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2020 AH fellowship
The pediatric mechanical ventilation in Canada (PeMViC) study: A Delphi survey of pediatric mechanical ventilation practices by Canadian respiratory therapists

Shirley Quach, University of Ontario Institute of Technology, 2019 AH fellowship
Common Canadian practices of pediatric mechanical ventilation

Nafeez Syed, University of British Columbia, 2018 AH fellowship
Impact of diesel exhaust on exercise endurance, breathlessness and airway physiology in mild-to-moderate chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Justin Turner, University of British Columbia, 2022 AH fellowship
Wildfire smoke and emergency planning for First Nations people living with lung disease in remote and rural British Columbia

Kenneth Wu, University of Toronto, 2018 AH fellowship
Characteristics of peripheral skeletal muscles structure and function in adults with cystic fibrosis (CF) & its relationship with CF transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) malfunction

Funded researchers – Allied health research and operating grants

Dina Brooks, University of British Columbia, 2021 research grant
A mobile electronic repository to address patients’ support needs in coping with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Dina Brooks, West Park Healthcare Centre, 2018 research grant
Perspectives of patients with COPD and healthcare providers on an intervention to reduce sedentary behaviour

Craig Dale, University of Toronto, 2018 research grant
A multi-centered stepped wedge cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) of the de-adoption of oral chlorhexidine prophylaxis and implementation of an oral care bundle for ventilated critically ill patients (The CHORAL study)

Tania Janaudis-Ferreira, McGill University, 2023 research grant
Remote physical function assessment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Tania Janaudis-Ferreira, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, 2020 research grant
Improving ACCEPTance and uptake of pulmonary rehabilitation after acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: The ACCEPT PR STUDY

Sunita Mathur, University of Toronto, 2017 research grant
Determinants of skeletal muscle function in adults with cystic fibrosis

Mika Nonoyama, Ontario Technical University, 2022 research grant
Testing the effects of temperature and humidity on individuals with COPD in the ACE climactic chamber: A feasibility and pilot study

Veronique Pepin, Concordia University, 2018 research grant
APNex: A pilot randomized trial of combined cognitive-behavioural therapy and exercise training versus exercise training alone for the treatment of chronic insomnia in obstructive sleep apnea

Devin Phillips, York University, 2024 AH research grant
Characterizing the physiological impact of electronic cigarette use in healthy young adults

Shirley Quach & Teresa To, Hospital for Sick Children, 2023 AH research grant
Does the use of biologics in children with severe asthma improve health outcomes and quality of life? – A longitudinal cohort study

Louise Rose, University of Toronto, 2017 AH research grant
Patient and family centered performance measures focused on actionable processes of care for persistent or chronic critical illness

Didier Saey, Université Laval, 2017 AH research grant
Measuring quadriceps muscle endurance in patients with COPD

Catriona Steele, University Health Network, 2025 AH operating grant
Canadian survey on dysphagia in chronic respiratory diseases

Joyce Wu, University Health Network, 2025 operating grant
Feasibility of lung function home monitoring using respiratory oscillometry after lung transplant

Joyce Ka Yan Wu, Toronto General Hospital, 2019 research grant
Characterization of interstitial lung disease using airway oscillometry

Early Career Researcher Awards in Asthma

Eva Kaufmann, McGill University, Early Career Researcher Awards in Asthma, 2026
Trained immunity in eosinophils: Mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities

In partnership with Asthma Canada, the Canadian Allergy, Asthma and Immunology Foundation (CAAIF) and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (CIHR-ICRH)

Cristina Longo, Université de Montréal, Early Career Researcher Awards in Asthma, 2022
Treating asthma by integrating learning algorithms with omics research: Moving toward automated high-dimensional endotyping in children (TAILOR-MADE)

Zihang Lu, Queen’s University, Early Career Researcher Awards in Asthma, 2022
Asthma phenotypes, risk factors and the implications for future management in Canadian children

Christina Thornton, University of Calgary, Early Career Researcher Awards in Asthma, 2026
Evaluating the pyroaeromicrobiome of wildfire smoke and its role in asthma

CIHR Team Grants in Lung Health

David Hammond, University of Waterloo, Team Grant: Lung Health, Youth Behaviours, Vaping and Lung Health, 2023
Youth behaviours, vaping and lung health

Led by CIHR ICRH in partnership with Heart & Stroke Foundation

Paul Kubes, Queen’s University, Team Grant: Lung Health, Inflammation and Lung Health, 2023
Wildfire particles exacerbate asthma by increasing inflammation through neural and microbial alterations

Led by CIHR ICRH

Emerging Clinician-Scientist Awards

Neil Goldenberg, Hospital for Sick Children, Emerging Clinician Scientist Award, 2019
Immunological dysfunction in systemic sclerosis-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension

In partnership with CIHR-ICRH and Astra-Zeneca Canada

Sunita Mulpuru, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Emerging Clinician Scientist Award, 2019
Validating the use of frailty measurements to predict care expectations and deteriorations in quality of life among people with COPD: A prospective cohort study

In partnership with CIHR-ICRH and Astra-Zeneca Canada

COPD Catalyst Grants

Laurent Brochard, St. Michael’s Hospital, 2018
High-flow nasal cannula versus non-invasive ventilation in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease