LLS Translational Research Program (TRP)

Eligibility

The Principal Investigator (PI): 

• MUST be a person (companies or institutions are not eligible) 
• MUST be an independent investigator, defined as a scientist who has dedicated laboratory space, directly hires, and supervises laboratory personnel (technicians, graduate students, postdocs, and staff scientists), and makes all decisions concerning research activities and use of the grant funds 
• MUST be an established investigator, defined as a researcher with more than three years in an independent faculty appointment 
• May only submit one application per application cycle per grant program provided the aims differ 
• CAN serve as a Collaborator on other applications provided the aims differ 
• If the applicant can demonstrate a significant track record in malignant hematology and/or blood cancer research, a Co-PI may strengthen the proposal but is not required 
• If the applicant has scientific achievements and significant expertise in another scientific area and no track record in blood cancer research, the applicant MUST have a Co-Principal Investigator(s) who has the required significant track record in hematology and/or blood cancer research 

Not eligible to apply for a grant in this program: 
• Predoctoral scientists or postdoctoral fellow 

A Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI): 
• MUST be a person (companies or institutions are not eligible) 
• MUST be an independent investigator with an independent appointment 
• If the PI has the necessary track record in blood cancer research, a Co-PI may strengthen the proposal but is not required 
• If the PI has no expertise or proven track record in any of the blood cancers, an expert Co-PI is REQUIRED 
• May only submit one application per application cycle per grant program provided the aims differ 
• CAN serve as a Collaborator on other applications provided the aims differ 
• MUST be designated at the LOI phase detailing the nature and extent of the scientific interaction 
• At least one research aim of the proposal fully depends on their expertise, typically performed in their laboratory and/or facility 

Summary

The Translational Research Program (TRP) was formed to enhance the transfer of basic research findings to clinical usefulness. The 2025 TRP Grant application process will be changed. The TRP Grant program is geared towards translational medicine for blood cancers. Earlier work in the translational environment has been funded in the past through the TRP mechanism, however, these types of projects would be a better fit for our Discovery Grant Program and applicants are directed to apply under that mechanism.  

For the 2025 application cycle we will only consider applications that adhere to the following submission guidelines:  
• For small molecule compounds the application must have in vivo proof of concept (POC) in appropriate mouse models. Alternatively, based on the mechanism of action, an in vitro POC with patient-derived samples may be considered.  
• For cellular or immunotherapies, in vivo POC would make for a stronger application. We acknowledge, however, that depending on the type of therapy being developed an in vitro POC may be more appropriate or necessary.  

Applications that don’t meet these criteria should not submit a Letter of Intent for consideration.  

Overhead

Capped at 10% of total annual costs.

Pre-application deadlines

RSO internal deadline

Pre-application program deadline

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.

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.

Each applicant must submit the LOI by October 16, 2024, at 3:00pm ET via the LLS Research Portal (https://lls.fluxx.io). The applicant should carefully craft the information requested in the LOI as this information is automatically populated into the full application and is subject to the “Changes” clause listed below. There are two main aspects to the Letter of Intent Phase: all Fluxx webform fields and the “Previous Studies/Preliminary Data” (1 page maximum) downloadable template for completion. 

The LOI for TRP will be reviewed after the deadline. If the LOI is approved, the applicant will be notified by an automated email from the LLS Research Portal stating that they may proceed to the full application phase. Applicants may also check the status of their LOI on the LLS Research Portal. 

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