2024 The Canadian Cancer Society (CCS) Research Training Awards

Eligibility

Applications from all four pillars of health research (i.e., biomedical; clinical; health services; and social, cultural, environmental and population health) are eligible.

Applicants may choose to engage in any type of research, including community-based research.

• Only one applicant per lab (Supervisor/Co-Supervisor) will be accepted to submit an application.
• Applicants must be Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit, or Métis).
• If postdoctoral fellows hold a valid work permit over the duration of the award by the application deadline, they may apply for this award. The support requested can only be over the period of a valid work permit.  
• Applicants applying to the postdoctoral level of funding may not hold an appointment at an institution and must maintain their postdoctoral status throughout the duration of the award. The main focus of their time should be dedicated to the proposed research project throughout the tenure of the award. 
• A maximum of one application per trainee is permitted in the Research Training Awards. 

Applicants for a Research Training Award must currently be completing a Master's, Doctoral, or Postdoctoral Fellowship during the term of the award. Master's or Doctoral applicants must be enrolled in or have applied to a graduate program with a significant cancer-related research component** at the Master’s or Doctoral level at a Canadian institution. The applicant must be enrolled in the program of study by the start date of the award and must remain enrolled for the duration of the award (the number of years of support requested cannot exceed the estimated number of years in the program). Part-time programs as well as joint programs with a professional degree (for example, MD/PhD) and/or clinically oriented programs of study are eligible if they have a significant autonomous cancer-related research component. Postdoctoral fellows may not hold an academic appointment at an institution and must maintain such status throughout the duration of the award. The main focus on their time should be dedicated to the proposed research throughout the tenure of the award.

**Note: An eligible graduate program must include a significant cancer-related research component such as: a thesis, major research project, dissertation, scholarly publication, performance, major essay, recital and/or exhibit that is merit/expert-reviewed at the institutional level as a requirement for completion of the program.

Summary

The next generation of cancer researchers is a critical component for growth and innovation in cancer research. One call to action from the Canadian Cancer Research Alliance is to develop initiatives to build a diverse cancer researcher workforce and to look for ways to improve supports offered to trainees. We are implementing  a new, holistic system of funding and support for trainees at the Master’s, PhD, and postdoctoral levels. This opportunity will support cancer research training and foster innovation in cancer research through a comprehensive approach including mentorship, training, and knowledge-sharing.

To address structural and systemic barriers to inclusion, and increase diverse representation in our cancer research ecosystem, CCS and its partners support and encourage Black and Indigenous trainees to apply. Other eligible scholars in training are welcome to apply.

Specific Objectives

1. To support the next generation of cancer researchers across Canada and foster diverse, long-term connections within the cancer research ecosystem
2. To build capacity in the cancer research system through an equity seeking lens and to foster a more inclusive research environment
3. To fund a diverse group of trainees across a range of training levels and cancer research areas
4. To enhance the training experience and innovation in cancer research through exposure to other disciplines, knowledge translation, engagement, and mentorship opportunities

Application deadlines

RSO detailed review deadline

RSO final internal review deadline

Program application deadline

Application deadlines

Abstract due (non-competitive but mandatory)

NOTE: Consult your Faculty Associate Dean (Research) (ADR) regarding Faculty-specific deadlines and submission processes.

Principal Investigators: Complete a Research Management System (RMS) record, including a copy of your complete application, and submit this for approvals in RMS.

Postdocs, students, and trainees: For fellowships and externally-sponsored research training awards or opportunities, you must complete the Research Funding Application Approval (RFAA) Trainee PDF form, and submit it, along with a complete copy of the application, to Research Services at rsotrainee@ucalgary.ca. Trainees should not use RMS at this time.

Approvals: The University of Calgary requires that all funding applications be approved prior to submission. Approval requires signatures via either RMS or the RFAA Trainee form, in the following order:

• Principal Investigator
• Department Head
• Faculty ADR/Dean
• Research Services (on behalf of the Vice-President Research)

Read the Meaning of Grant Signatures policy to understand what your approval means. Please see the agency guidelines for details about which signatures are required on your application, as it may differ from internal requirements.

Late submissions: Late submissions will only be accepted in cases of medical or family emergencies, or other exceptional circumstances. If you submit your RMS record to Research Services after the internal deadline has passed, you must secure additional approvals. Please read: Late Applications Process.

Applicants are asked to submit an abstract by January 17, 2024 at 5pm ET. Please, refer to the guide and submit your abstract in EGrAMS.

Please review the application guide, eligibility and requirements section, and rating scales prior to submitting your application. Applications that do not follow requirements (including character/page limits) will be withdrawn from the competition.