SRM-CAP Program

Overview

The Alberta Prion Research Institute developed the SRM-CAP funding to provide further opportunity for Alberta-based academic institutions and companies to get involved in prion research focused on specified risk material.  The SRM-CAP funding is offered as part of the Targeted Areas Program.

Specified Risk Material (SRM) is the tissue in BSE-infected cattle that contains the agent that may transmit the disease. In diseased animals, the infective agent is concentrated in certain tissues such as the brain and spinal cord. The safe handling and disposal of this material is important in Canada and particularly to Alberta because of the impact on the agriculture industry and the potential impact to the environment.

The aim of the SRM-CAP funding is to support and increase Alberta's capacity for SRM research by providing financial support toward the extraction of value from Alberta-sourced SRM, and validation of prion inactivation methodologies that are environmentally sound. Such research will reduce the negative impacts associated with current SRM management practices and will aid in the sustainability of the Alberta cattle industry.

The “SRM-CAP” goals are to:

  • Increase capacity within Alberta to extract value from SRM and to validate prion inactivation methodologies;
  • Improve access by providing unfettered right of entry to specialized equipment for multiple SRM projects; and
  • Create platforms to allow for equipment to be shared among multiple research projects; and encourage collaboration among industry, Alberta universities and research organizations.

SRM-CAP projects are expected to:

  • Further the objectives of one or more of the theme areas addressing one or more of the desired outcomes of the Prion Institute
  • Clearly demonstrate the importance of the research for Alberta, Canada, and the economy
  • Be led by an internationally renowned Alberta-based researchers and carried out by a team of researchers based in Alberta (where appropriate, project may involve researchers and facilities from elsewhere in Canada and around the globe)
  • Demonstrate that the project is innovative and does not duplicate research being carried out elsewhere
  • Support the TSE and Society theme wherever possible
  • Include a training component for graduate students or post-doctoral fellows that will help build the pool of researchers working on SRM and prion related diseases in Canada
  • Foster knowledge transfer activities such as scientific or public outreach, regulatory agency and/or health agency networking
  • Develop appropriate partnerships and linkages nationally and internationally
  • Describe the commercial potential and to provide a realistic commercialization plan where feasible

Selection Criteria for Full Applications to the SRM-CAP Targeted Areas

Full applications are evaluated by the Prion Institute according to the following criteria:

  1. Scientific merit: The SRM platform must be scientifically sound, technically feasible, and promise either to generate new knowledge or to apply existing knowledge in an innovative manner.
  2. Research competence: Applicants must have all the expertise required to address the defined objectives competently and to create a platform successfully.
  3. SRM relevance: The application must identify how the platform will:
    • Benefit multiple investigators and multiple projects supported by the SRM platform;
    • Demonstrate that SRM-CAP funding will increase the capacity of SRM research in Alberta in the time frame of the project.
    • Attract students and investigators to the SRM platform;
    • Attract new investment in prion research activities linked to each SRM platform
    • Increase the research and development capacity of SRM in Alberta
  4. SRM investment and support: The application must identify how the SRM platform will lead to an increase in the investment in prion research activities.
  5. Benefit to Alberta: The proposal should outline any additional social and/or economic benefits that will potentially be realized in Alberta as a result of the project.

Partnerships with Alberta-based research organizations are encouraged, and the application should reflect the research organization's commitment to the proposal.

Communications

In the event of a significant discovery, breakthrough or achievement in relation to the program, which may merit consideration for public announcement, the Award holder shall, in a timely manner:

  • Notify the Prion Institute of the discovery, breakthrough or achievement, with reasonable details;
  • Consult with the Prion Institute regarding the desirability of and content of a public announcement or press release; and
  • Seek approval of the Prion Institute on any public announcement or press release, prior to any release distribution, (on which approval shall not be unreasonably withheld).

Notices - All notices, approvals, consents and other communications under this Agreement must be in writing to be effective, and will be effective when delivered by any means, including fax transmission or e-mail.

Confidentiality

The Prion Institute recognizes the importance of protecting confidentiality of all partners putting forward Letters of Intent and/or Full Applications, with particular attention to the intellectual property, trade secrets and other competitive intelligence relating to products and processes under development. Evaluation Committee members will sign Confidentiality Agreements consistent with the Prion Institute's Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest Policies.

Eligible Projects

Funds are designed to fill the gaps in SRM research conducted in Alberta for the potential benefit of Alberta's cattle industry.

Projects should enhance Alberta's capacity for the validation of prion inactivation methodologies of SRM and for adding economic value to the management of SRM.

Priority will be given to SRM projects that support specialized infrastructure, equipment and supplies for shared use among researchers, and offer continued use beyond the life of any individual research program.

Initial acquisition of equipment, materials and supplies would be for the primary purpose of supporting SRM research projects. In particular this funding aims to support platforms that will validate inactivation of prions in SRM. Such platforms should remain available to all researchers in Alberta over the lifetime of funding.

Eligible Applicants

In order to submit a proposal, researchers must be affiliated with one of the following groups:

a) Applicants from various communities and sectors including researchers and scholars affiliated with a post-secondary institution

b) Businesses capable of conducting research in this area

c) Government organizations and agencies, for projects that support the Alberta cattle industry

Project Size

The maximum support for any proposal will be $500,000 over a three year term. Partnerships or platform proposals that aim to aid multiple research activities with a comprehensive view to sharing equipment and other resources such as animal facilities is encouraged. Consideration may be given for a proposal above the maximum of $500,000 if the proposal identifies a platform that provides a benefit for cross institutional access to equipment and services supported by SRM-CAP funding.

Expenses

  Eligible Expenses Ineligible Expenses
1. Acquisition of equipment Salary payments or consultant fees
2. Specialized laboratory supplies * Travel
3. Cost of leasing, renting or renovating laboratory space Overhead and administrative costs
4. Support for animal facilities underpinning validation of inactivation protocols  
5. * Short term training of personnel  

*SRM funds are not provided to support travel, though travel will be considered for the purpose of expert short term training (duration of 2 to 4 weeks) with the aim of increasing the professional capacity of Alberta researchers.