The Biocodex Microbiota Foundation has announced its 2026 Canadian National Research Grant, offering €35,000 (approximately $55,000 CAD) to a researcher affiliated with a Canadian institution. The grant supports non-profit projects investigating the role of the microbiota in human health and disease, with applications due by October 30, 2026.
Grant Details and Eligibility
The grant is intended for projects lasting one to two years. Researchers from Canadian universities or research institutions are eligible to apply. The independent scientific committee will evaluate proposals based on innovation and potential impact, with the winner announced by November 30, 2026.
According to the Foundation, the goal is to promote research on the microbiota and its complex interactions with human health. Full eligibility criteria and application instructions are available on the Biocodex Microbiota Foundation website.
2025 Grant Winner: Dr. Xiaopeng Bai
The Foundation also recognized Dr. Xiaopeng Bai from McMaster University, recipient of the 2025 Canadian National Research Grant. His research focuses on the stress–microbiota–stem cell axis in intestinal epithelial dysfunction and therapeutic restoration. Dr. Bai's work examines how chronic psychological stress alters the gut microbiota and weakens the intestinal barrier, potentially contributing to conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and functional dyspepsia.
“This year’s submissions were exceptional, and Dr. Bai’s project stood out for its potential to further our understanding of key mechanisms linking stress, the microbiota, and intestinal barrier integrity,” the Foundation stated.
About the Biocodex Microbiota Foundation
The Biocodex Microbiota Foundation is a non-profit organization founded by Biocodex, a multinational company based in France with over 70 years of experience. The Foundation supports foundational and applied research on the microbiota and its role in various pathologies. Projects are selected annually by independent international scientific committees.
Biocodex Canada Inc., based in Montreal, Quebec, is one of 17 subsidiaries operating in more than 115 countries. The company’s mission is to remain a global leader in microbiota expertise.
For more information, visit the Foundation’s website or contact grant.microbiota@biocodex.ca.
