Dr. Don Rix Award

Dr. Donald Rix (1931-2009), was the first chairman of PrioNet Canada and a leader and advocate of prion science in Canada. In recognition of the contributions Dr. Rix made to furthering prion research in Canada and his exceptional mentoring abilities, PrioNet Canada (PrioNet) and the Alberta Prion Research Institute (APRI) are offering a one-time mentorship award. 

The Dr. Don Rix Memorial Prion Mentorship Award will support an outstanding prion researcher to mentor a graduate student, postdoctoral fellow or young professional in prion research.

Award Value and Duration

A one-time award of $20,000 over one year will be made to the mentor to support mentoring activities. The award must commence no later than January 1, 2011. 

The mentor will be responsible for the direction and use of funds, in support of the awardee's prion research endeavors on a currently funded PrioNet and/or APRI research project for costs including training, research operating costs, books, and travel and expenses for a conference approved by the mentor.

Eligibility

Nominator

  • A student who is in undergraduate, graduate or post-doctoral studies at a Canadian academic institution and who has been mentored by the nominee; and
  • Individual who is currently in a prion research training program

Nominee

  • The nominee must be a Principle Investigator on an active PrioNet and/or APRI funded research project;
  • The nominee must be affiliated with a post-secondary institution (University or College), or research organization, and eligible to receive funding by the Tri-Council Agencies;
  • The nominee will be recognized by their peers as an outstanding mentor and role model; and

  • The nominee will have demonstrated outstanding mentoring in prion research.

Expectations of the Individual(s) Who are Mentored

The expectations of the individuals who are mentored must submit a final report within 60 days of the end of the funding term and will be expected to give a public presentation about her or his research on prions or protein misfolding and its medical or socio-economic implications, and how they benefited from the Don Rix Mentorship Award. The forum for the presentation must be approved by the Award sponsors. The cost of this activity will be borne by PrioNet and APRI.

Expectations of the Mentor

The Mentor must disburse the funds in aid of mentoring individuals on the mentor's currently funded PrioNet and/or APRI project or who are currently doing research.   Disbursement of funds must be according to the Tri-Council Agencies Financial Administration Guide - Use of Grant Funds (NSERC - Use of Grant Funds).  Unless otherwise stipulated, the guidelines apply to the Tri-Council (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC).  The guidelines of CIHR where stipulated apply.  The Mentor must provide PrioNet an NSERC Financial Form 300 for the each fiscal period ending March 31 during the funding period if the funding is provided to a project that is not currently funded by PrioNet.

Nomination Process and Requirements

Applications for nominations for this competition must include the following information and documentation.

  1. The Dr. Don Rix Memorial Prion Mentorship Award Application cover page:
    • Nominator Information
    • Candidate Information: name, position, institution, phone and email addresses and title of the funded project
  2. A one-page rationale for why the mentor is worthy of consideration for the award. In addition, it must outline the nature of the contribution of the nominated mentor to furthering prion or related protein folding science and how the Don Rix Award will benefit the nominee and the individual(s) being mentored.
  3. A current or former trainee must provide a written letter demonstrating why this candidate is an outstanding mentor.
  4. Applications must include a current curriculum vitae or NSERC Form 100 of the nominee.

  5. The research mentor (nominee) and nominator must both sign the Prion Mentorship Award Application cover page.

Selection Process

The PrioNet and APRI will appoint a panel to select the Don Rix Mentor Awardee.  The award announcement will take place on October 24, 2010 at the Annual Scientific Meeting in Vancouver.

Criteria for Selection

Including but not limited to the following:

  1. Excellence in research guidance

  2. Preparation for career advancement in prion science.

Deadline

Nominations for the Don Rix Mentorship Award must be received by APRI in electronic or hard copy by June 30, 2010.  Send nominations to:

Alberta Prion Research Institute
Dr. Don Rix Memorial Prion Mentorship Award

Suite 2001 Scotia Place, Tower II
10060 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 3R8

e-mail: pearl.grabski@albertainnovates.ca

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