Research funding proposal submissions demonstrate dedication to Veteran and Family mental health research

The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families launched research funding opportunities in fall 2025 and was thrilled to receive a wealth of compelling and high-calibre submissions for the 2026-27 research request for proposal cycle. This year’s proposals showcased a deep commitment to advancing knowledge in key areas critical to the well-being of Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Veterans and their Families. The submissions focused on three topics: caregiving, intimacy and relational health in Veteran Families, Veteran resilience after service and rebuilding identity, and occupational moral injury implications post-service for RCMP members. This year, we collaborated with Mental Health Research Canada on the Veteran resilience after service and rebuilding identity project.

The strength and depth of these proposals highlight the growing dedication within the research community to exploring the unique challenges faced by Veterans and their support networks. After a rigorous review process, which includes an external scientific review committee, we are pleased to announce the projects that have been selected to receive funding.

Investigating remission and maintenance in patients with mental health disorders post ketamine-assisted therapy: A qualitative study

Dr. Vivian WL Tsang is a physician specializing in the field of psychiatry and addiction medicine at the University of British Columbia with advanced training from Harvard and Oxford, and leadership experience in psychedelic-assisted therapy and community-based mental health initiatives. She brings expertise in qualitative research, clinical care and knowledge mobilization. This qualitative study examines how Veterans sustain remission and maintain mental health improvements after completing ketamine-assisted therapy. It explores current post-treatment practices, differences between short- and long-term outcomes, and how patients integrate therapeutic gains into daily life. Through interviews with participants, the study aims to identify effective, practical strategies to support long-term recovery and inform clinical care and policy.

An exploration of intimacy and relational well-being in spousal caregivers of CAF and RCMP Veterans

Dr. Heidi Cramm is a Professor at Queen’s University and a leading researcher on military and Veteran Family wellbeing, with extensive work on caregiving, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Family resilience. She brings deep expertise in Family-focused, community-engaged research and knowledge mobilization. This qualitative study explores how spousal caregiving for CAF and RCMP Veterans shapes intimacy and relational wellbeing. Through in-depth interviews, it examines emotional, relational and physical intimacy, how caregiving roles influence identity and relationships, and how these dynamics change over time. The findings aim to inform more effective couple- and family-centred supports to strengthen relationships and caregiving sustainability in Veteran Families.

Post-service life: Impacts of moral injury and institutional betrayal on the mental health and well-being of Royal Canadian Mounted Police Veterans

Dr. R. Nicholas Carleton is a Professor of Psychology at the University of Regina and a leading researcher in public safety personnel mental health, with extensive work on trauma, PTSD and resilience in RCMP and other populations. He brings large-scale survey expertise and a strong track record in translating evidence into policy and practice. This study examines the mental health and wellbeing of former and retired RCMP members, with a focus on moral injury and institutional betrayal. Using a large national survey, it analyzes how traumatic exposures, organizational factors and access to care shape mental health outcomes and post-service experiences. The findings aim to identify gaps in supports and inform targeted interventions, policy responses and improved transition supports for RCMP Veterans.