ALS Canada-Brain Canada Discovery Grant Program 2024

Eligibility

For both streams, a minimum of 2 independent investigators are required, from different institutions or distinct departments within the same institution. A lead investigator must be named who will assume the administrative and financial responsibilities for the team grant. The lead investigator’s institution will be deemed the host institution for the grant and will receive the funding disbursements from Brain Canada. 

The PI must hold an independent academic position at a qualifying Canadian institution, defined according to CIHR guidelines. Such an individual normally holds the rank of assistant/associate/full professor or equivalent, can initiate and direct their own independent lines of research as principal investigator; has full responsibility for running their laboratories; has full control of their research funds; and is permitted to supervise trainees (if applicable, as per their institution’s policy). Postdoctoral fellows or adjunct faculty are not eligible to apply. 

The purpose of the 2024 Discovery Grant Program is to invest in the best possible projects that are 

a) 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 

b) research focused on avenues to maximize function, minimize disability and optimize quality of life through symptom management, and support to 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.  Discovery Grants are 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. 

For option a) above, each co-investigator must be an independent researcher who has a PhD or equivalent, or a health professional degree (MD, OT, PT, etc.). Clinical researchers should have completed residency training which includes research experience, or the individual should have previous research experience.  

For option b) above, the Principal Investigator must hold a degree recognized by a professional order with experience treating or working with people living with ALS. In the event that the PI does not hold an academic position, justification must be provided for assessment by an ad hoc sub-committee of the ALS Canada Scientific and Medical Advisory Council. 

Applicants may submit more than one application to the competition, provided that the proposed projects are sufficiently different and there is no overlap in funding. Applications must be entirely independent from each other; results or experiments from one project cannot be used to inform the other. Applicants must be able to initiate the project in January 2025, when funding begins. In situations where institutional oversight or contracts with independent parties are required to begin operations (such as Research Ethics Board approvals, etc.), the applicant’s action to prompt these processes must be initiated before this date. 

Summary

The purpose of the 2024 Discovery Grant Program is to invest in the best possible projects that are 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 research focused on avenues to maximize function, minimize disability and optimize quality of life through symptom management, and support to persons or families living with ALS. 

Discovery Grants are designed to support teams of multiple investigators and especially encourage multidisciplinary teams with individuals from outside the field who can combine their expertise in novel or innovative ways. 

The program consists of two streams, which both consist of novel or innovative research approaches, supported by sound rationale and a feasible experimental plan, and maintain the high-risk/high-reward mindset: 

Stream 1: Aimed at nurturing novel ideas looking to obtain preliminary data or to pursue ideas supported by very early data signals. Preliminary data may enhance competitiveness but is not necessarily required. Up to six awards of $125,000 will be awarded in this cycle.  

Stream 2: Consists of more ambitious projects that are supported with some level of preliminary data to justify the larger investment. Up to two awards of $300,000 will be awarded in this cycle.  

Evidence clearly shows that increasing equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in research environments enhances excellence, innovation, and creativity. Brain Canada is committed to excellence through equity, and we encourage applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply to our funding opportunities, which will promote the expression of diverse perspectives, approaches, and experiences, including those of underrepresented groups. 

Overhead

 Indirect or overhead costs are not eligible as per foundation policy. 

Application deadlines

RSO detailed review deadline

RSO final internal review deadline

Program application deadline

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.

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.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Complete applications should be submitted via email to the ALS Canada Research Team (research@als.ca), as a single PDF file by 1:00 PM ET / 11:00 AM MT on July 11, 2024. Applicants should request delivery and read receipts. An email acknowledging receipt of the application will be sent.

Complete formatting and application instructions can be found in the terms of reference guide. 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Support for projects involving Indigenous Research:

Support with the development of your grant application is available internally through the Indigenous Research Support Team (IRST). Applicants can reach out by email to IRST at IRST@ucalgary.ca in advance of the RSO internal deadline. For more information about IRST, please visit the IRST webpage.

Support for Knowledge Engagement:

Support for knowledge mobilization/engagement/translation is available internally through the Knowledge Engagement Team. Applicants can reach out by email to the KE team at knowledge.engagement@ucalgary.ca in advance of the RSO internal deadline. For more information, please visit the KE team webpage.

Support for Research Data Management:

For information on research data management plans, processes, or best practices for your research program, please contact research.data@libanswers.ucalgary.com and/or visit https://libguides.ucalgary.ca/researchdatamanagement.

Support for EDI in Research:

RSO can provide resources and support to research teams on the integration of equitable and inclusive practices in research design and research practice. Contact Erin.OToole@ucalgary.ca for more information.

RMS: Creating a Pre-Award LOI

RMS: Creating a Pre-Award Application