Awards Program

Recognizing Excellence

CANIBD provides fellowships and grants in order to increase nurses’ access to learning opportunities and capacity to engage in research.

IBD Nurse Fellowship

The CANIBD IBD Nurse Fellowship provides an educational and mentoring opportunity to new or early career Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) nurses through a consistent, structured fellowship program in selected IBD Clinic locations across Canada.

Fellows participate in a one-week on-site preceptorship with an experienced IBD nurse. A second week at the Fellow's employment site may also be facilitated to allow for additional mentoring with the Preceptor.

Contingent on funding, Fellows and Preceptors receive up to $2,500 to participate in this program.

Nursing-led IBD Research Grant

The 2026 Nursing-Led IBD Research Grant competition is open. The deadline to submit an application is Friday, July 3, 2026 at 5:00 pm EDT.

This grant is intended to increase funding opportunities for nurses leading IBD research projects and enhance research skills within the IBD nursing community. Subject to the availability of funds, $15,000 is available each year to support two (2) small clinical research pilot project that will improve IBD patient care and quality of life.

  • Eligibility

    Any nurse, affiliated with a Canadian hospital or university, engaged in IBD research or care in Canada is an eligible principal applicant for this award. Principal applicants must register with the Crohn’s and Colitis Canada IBD Research Institute. There can be only one nurse listed as the Principal Investigator for each proposal. 

    The applicant institution must be a charitable institution such as a university, hospital or research organization. Applications will be assessed by Crohn’s and Colitis Canada staff for eligibility and reviewed by a nursing selection panel, comprised of a minimum of two CANIBD Board members without conflicts of interest. All panel decisions are final.

    Application Process 

    Complete applications must be sent by email to info@canibd.ca to the attention of the CANIBD Board by Friday, July 3, 2026 at 5:00 pm EDT.

    See the forms below for full application details:

IBD Nursing Educational Travel Awards

These awards provide nurses with the opportunity to learn about new advancements in IBD research and care. They also enable nurses to take part in networking opportunities and share best practices with the intent of improving IBD patient care.

In 2026, CANIBD will be offering up to five (5) travel awards valued at up to $2,000 CAD. Funding support for these awards is generously provided by industry partners.

  • Eligibility

    Nurses engaged in IBD research or care in Canada are eligible to apply. Applicants must register with the Crohn’s and Colitis Canada IBD Research Institute. 

    All applications will be evaluated by Crohn’s and Colitis Canada staff for eligibility and reviewed by a nursing selection committee, comprised of a minimum of two CANIBD Board members without conflicts of interest. All panel decisions are final. Successful applicants may apply for the award once every two years. Unsuccessful applicants may reapply in subsequent competitions.

    Preference will be given to those who have never received this award and to those who do not have access to other education opportunities through their clinic or institute.

    Application Process

    Applications should be made in the form of a one-page letter including a short description of:

    • The conference or educational event the applicant is seeking funds to attend

    • ​How the award will benefit IBD patient care

    • How the applicant anticipates using the knowledge they acquire at this educational event

    • Whether the applicant has ever won this award previously

    • ​A brief budget


    Completed applications should be emailed to info@canibd.ca before Friday, July 3, 2026.

    Notice of Award will be sent out to successful applicants before Friday, July 24, 2026.


    For Award Recipients

    Award recipients are responsible for coordinating their own conference registration, transportation and accommodation. 

    To be reimbursed for up to $2,000 in eligible expenses, the recipient must submit the following after attending the conference and before Friday, December 31, 2027.

    • A one-page summary report on their learnings;

    • ​Evidence of conference attendance; and

    • An expense claim form with original receipts.


    ​Note: Eligible expenses include:

    • Conference registration fees;

    • Accommodations; and

    • Transportation

Lifetime Achievement Award

This award was created to honour and recognize an outstanding CANIBD member who has made significant contributions to the field of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) management, education, and advocacy throughout their career.


Criteria:

  1. Professional Excellence: Demonstrated expertise in IBD nursing practice, including patient care, education, and clinical research.

  2. Leadership: Proven leadership in nursing, influencing practice standards, and mentoring other healthcare professionals.

  3. Advocacy: Active participation in initiatives that promote awareness, education, and policy changes related to IBD.

  4. Community Impact: Engagement in community outreach programs aimed at improving the lives of individuals living with IBD.

  5. Innovation: Contribution to the development of new nursing practices, protocols, or educational resources that enhance patient care.


Nomination Process:

Nominations are submitted by the CANIBD Board.


Award Presentation:

  • The award will be presented annually at the CANIBD conference.

  • The recipient will receive a plaque and a commemorative gift of $600-$800 in value, and their conference expenses (travel, accommodations, etc.) will be reimbursed up to $2500.

Impact of the Award:

This recognition aims to inspire current and future nurses in the field of IBD, highlighting the critical role they play in patient care and the healthcare system. It will also serve to elevate the importance of IBD nursing within the broader medical community.u