the 2021 discovery grant program encompasses applications previously designated as project grants. the purpose of the program is to invest in the best possible projects that are i) novel or innovative research approaches, supported by sound rationale and a feasible experimental plan, but not necessarily preliminary data, ii) focused on identifying causes of, or treatments for als and/or related neurological diseases, including primary lateral sclerosis, progressive muscular atrophy, and als/ftld (frontotemporal lobar dementia), or iii) research focused on avenues to maximize function, minimize disability and optimize quality of life through symptom management, and support to families and persons or families living with als. examples include, but are not limited to, management of secretions and cramps, psychological interventions to address mental health issues, nutritional interventions, respiratory care, engineering applications to reduce physical limitations, and programs to address the needs of caregivers. the discovery grant program is designed to support teams of multiple investigators and especially encourages multidisciplinary teams with individuals from outside the field who can combine their expertise in novel or innovative ways.

universities canada is pleased to inform you that the call for nominations for the 2021 henry g. friesen international prize in health research has been announced. the friesen prize is awarded annually by friends of cihr to an internationally renowned health scientist for their singular contributions in research and health research policy. the deadline for nominations is june 1, 2021.

we encourage you to consider researchers at your institutions for nomination for the prize. for more information on the prize and the nomination process, visit http://www.fcihr.ca/prize/about/nomination.

 
if you are interested in being nominated for this award, please contact dr. batia stolar, associate vice-president, research & graduate studies, at avp.research@lakeheadu.ca

the discovery grants program supports ongoing programs of research with long-term goals rather than a single short-term project or collection of projects. these grants recognize the creativity and innovation that are at the heart of all research advances. discovery grants are considered “grants in aid” of research, as they provide long-term operating funds and can facilitate access to funding from other programs but are not meant to support the full costs of a research program.

recipients of discovery grants are not restricted to the specific activities described in their applications and may pursue new research interests, provided they are within nserc’s mandate and adhere to the principles and directives governing the appropriate use of funds as outlined in the tri-agency guide on financial administration. this provides researchers with the flexibility to pursue promising research avenues as they emerge and the opportunity to address higher risk (higher reward) topics. researchers can use their grants to participate in collaborative efforts. 

applicants are expected to increase the inclusion and advancement of under-represented and disadvantaged groups in the natural sciences and engineering, as one means to enhance excellence in research and training. applicants should refer to the discovery grants application instructions and the guide for applicants: considering equity, diversity and inclusion in your application.

the game changer awards are investigator-driven awards that will build on the innovation and engagement of ontario’s hiv community to generate knowledge, and pilot and scale up game-changing interventions. in this award category, we are asking applicants to imagine how systems and services in ontario could work better and propose high-reward opportunities for data, evidence-sharing, and impact. although this award is investigator-driven, all data, evidence-sharing, and impact ideas should be rooted in the needs of individuals living with and at risk of hiv and grounded by relationships with the front line providers who will deliver the envisioned services and interventions.

the breaking new ground award funds innovative, high-reward projects that will break new ground and build evidence and programs to dramatically improve the prevention, treatment, and care cascade in ontario. this funding stream supports the piloting, evaluation, or scale up of hiv interventions. the project should address a clear care or quality gap in the current hiv care cascade, or health and social system and work to achieve impact at the front lines of hiv prevention and care.

the call for proposals is now open! mitacs elevate is now accepting proposal submissions for two years of postdoc funding valued at $60,000/year plus extensive customized professional development training ($7,500/year non-cash value).

postdocs:

• manage a long-term collaborative research project with a company or not-for-profit
• develop business-ready skills in leadership, financial literacy, management and negotiation, project management, problem solving and much more

key deadlines:

• june 2, 2021 — if applicable, deadline to submit not-for-profit eligibility check or conflict of interest declaration at 5 p.m. pt
• june 30, 2021 — deadline to submit full application at 5 p.m. pt

this funding supports projects that aim to test or develop innovative approaches to:

• build capacity within the homeless serving sector, or
• eliminate or prevent homelessness in canada