Open Competition Overview

THE APPLICATION DEADLINE FOR THE OPEN COMPETITION IS FEBRUARY 1, 2010

This funding stream is intended to allow researchers from universities, colleges and industry to perform prion and protein misfolding research. It is intended to allow for research across all fields relevant to prion diseases and other protein misfolding diseases.  It will build Alberta's research capacity and ability to address the desired outcomes according to the principles of the Prion Institute.  It is anticipated that there will be six to eight grants awarded in each of the two competitions.

Value and Duration

 Value of Award    An upper limit of $150,000 normally over a period of two years

 Term of Award     Normally over a period of up to two years at the discretion of the principal investigator

Open Competition Projects are expected to:

  • Further the objectives of one or more of the theme areas; Protein folding and misfolding,  Pathobiology of TSEs, Surveillance and Control, and TSEs and Society, by addressing one or more of the expected outcomes of the Prion Institute.
  • Provide an effective entry point for continuance of prion-related research and to build Alberta's capacity in relevant areas.
  • Be led by an Alberta researcher from an Alberta college, university, industry or government department candidate, and involving, where appropriate, researchers and facilities elsewhere in Canada and around the globe.
  • Demonstrate that the project is innovative and does not duplicate research being carried out elsewhere nationally or internationally.
  • Where possible include a training component for graduate students or post-doctoral fellows that will help build the pool of researchers working on prions and related diseases in Alberta and Canada.
  • Develop appropriate partnerships and linkages nationally and internationally.

Eligibility

The principal investigator must be affiliated with an Alberta post-secondary institution (University or College), research organization, government department or industry. The strength of proposals may be enhanced by meaningful collaboration among universities, colleges, and industry and policy makers.

Budget

Open Competition Projects may be funded up to a maximum level of $150,000 normally over two years at the discretion of the principal investigator. Funding below this limit may be approved. Budgets in applications must be carefully documented and clearly justified.

 Prion Institute funds may be used for stipends for trainees, research operating costs, minor equipment, costs related to national and international collaborations, allowable travel costs, and other reasonable direct expenditures as required to carry out the project. Project expenses must be consistent with the Tri-Council policy on the use of research grant funding available on the NSERC web site http://www.nserc-crsng.gc.ca/.

Review Process

The Alberta Prion Research Institute's International Research Advisory Council (IRAC) together with external peer reviewers from the international community will review the applications. IRAC recommendations will inform funding decisions by the Alberta Prion Research Institute Management Board.

Selection Criteria

APRI Open Competition Projects will be evaluated on their fit with the theme areas and adherence to the following criteria:

Research Program Excellence

The excellence of the research program and the research team, its relationship to similar efforts around the world, and the degree to which it is capable of tackling significant problems in prion research in an integrated and coherent fashion.

Training Component

The quality of the training environment. The innovation in the training program and the degree to which trainees are prepared for further research in the area.  

Knowledge Translation, Technology Transfer and Commercialization

The plans to transfer knowledge, know-how, and technology to the receptor communities.

Freedom of Information Protection of Privacy Act

As a public body, Alberta Ingenuity is regulated by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP) of Alberta. Information provided by applicants on Personal Data Forms is for the use of Alberta Ingenuity ONLY and will not be communicated in any way to anyone outside of the organization.

Timeline

 

First Competition

Second Competition

Deadline for receipt of Applications

June 1, 2009

February 1, 2010

Review of applications by IRAC

September 1, 2009

May 1, 2010

Approval by APRI Management Board

October 1, 2009

June 1, 2010

Funding Announcements

October 15, 2009

June 15, 2010

First funding

November 1, 2009

July 1, 2010

Application Process


Use the following standardized form, and submit one original and six copies of the application and Personal Data Forms. Also submit one electronic version of the application, (MS Word or PDF format) on disk or CD-ROM.
Applications are to be sent by courier to:

Alberta Prion Research Institute
RE: "ALBERTA PRION RESEARCH INSTITUTE OPEN COMPETITION PROJECTS"
Alberta Prion Research Institute
Suite 2410, Manulife Place, 10180 101 St.
Edmonton, AB T5J 3S4

FORMS

Open Competition Full Application Form

Open Competition Budget Spreadsheet

Open Competition Continuation Form