Geordie Stewart, PhD

Geordie Stewart joined the Weston Family Foundation in 2016. He is responsible for the oversight of all programming related to the Microbiome.

Prior to joining the Foundation, Geordie co-founded and led several innovative technology firms and also served as an advisor to many Canadian entrepreneurs. Previous to this, he worked as a PhD researcher with the Michael G. DeGroote Institute for Infectious Disease Research at McMaster University, where he focused on the exploration of complex aspects of bacterial biology and the development of new strategies to combat antibiotic resistance.

Geordie has a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in Biochemistry, a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and an MBA from McMaster University.

Catalyst 2020

This funding opportunity will provide research grants of up to $450,000 over a maximum of 36 months to support early-career researchers in undertaking highly innovative projects in the microbiome sciences.

Please refer to the Program Details and Request for Applications (RFA) for more information and details on how to apply.

Program Overview

Goal: To accelerate the development and application of new technologies and approaches that leverage the microbiome to improve health.

Funding: Up to $450,000 per project over up to 36 months. $1.8 million (approx. 4 projects) total.

Applicant Eligibility: Lead by an early career researcher (<5 years active) at the level of assistant professor or higher) for the tenure of the award.

Project Eligibility:

  • Conduct translational research and development focused on delivering new microbiome-based health strategies or implementation studies focused on the application and adoption of microbiome-based health strategies.
  • Strive to develop a new recommendation, intervention, technology, system or preventative strategy that improves health by leveraging the microbiome.
  • Be in any relevant discipline including biomedical, dietary, engineering, information technology, social science, etc.
  • Full definitions can be found in the Program Details document.

Application Process

  1. Confirm intent to apply by emailing microbiome@westonfoundation.ca
  2. Submit a completed Letter of Intent (see template below)

Important dates

Information Webinar: October 2nd, 13th, 2020 @ 1:00pm EST (register here)
LOI deadline: Rolling, final submission Nov 30th, 2020 @ 2:00pm EST
Proposal deadline: Rolling (5 week period for submission)
Anticipated award notification: Rolling

POP 2020

This funding opportunity will provide research grants of up to $200,000 over a maximum of 24 months to support high-impact projects that seek to leverage the microbiome to improve health.

Please refer to the Program Details and Request for Applications (RFA) for more information and details on how to apply.

Program Overview

Goal: To provide funding to Canadian scientists performing high-risk, high-reward translational research that leverages the microbiome towards improving human health.

Funding: Up to $200,000 per project over up to 24 months. $2 million (approx. 10 projects) total.

Project Eligibility:

  • Establish an innovative line of translational or implementation research and provide proof-of-principle evidence in support of new health applications.
  • Work towards a recommendation, intervention or preventative strategy that improves health by leveraging the microbiome.
  • Focus on eligible research surrounding the application of lifestyle approaches in microbiome health.
  • Full definitions can be found in the Program Details document.

Application Process

  1. Confirm intent to apply by emailing geordie.stewart@westonfoundation.ca
  2. Submit a completed Letter of Intent (see template below)

Important dates

Information Webinar: January 7th, 9th, 2020 @ 1:00pm EST (register here)
LOI deadline: January 21st, 2020 @ 2:00pm EST
Proposal deadline: May 14th, 2020 @ 4:00 pm EDT
Anticipated award notification: June, 2020