PROOF OF CONCEPT RESEARCH AND CLINICAL TRIALS

Eligibility

Who is eligible to apply? 

Any individual or organization (academic institution, private industry, government, or not-for-profit/non government organization) with the ability and/or a track record of success in carrying out research projects in areas relevant to the Canadian beef industry, is eligible to apply.

Summary

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) invites proposals focused on projects related to proof of concept research and clinical trials that support the sustainability and competitiveness of the Canadian beef industry. This funding is intended for short-term, small-scale projects and NOT to add financial support to existing funding for ongoing projects. 

Timelines 

• July 13, 2026 – deadline for proposal submission 

• Mid-September 2026 – applicants will be notified of funding decisions 

Project Timeframe 

Projects that are six months to one year in duration may be submitted. If the need for a longer timeframe can be clearly demonstrated, projects over one year may be considered.

In-kind Contributions 

In-kind contribution means the fair value* attributed to eligible costs of goods and/or services required to complete the project that are provided by the recipient, or other project supporters (governments and/or industry supporters, partners, or association members). In-kind contributions must be an incremental expense which the applicant would not normally incur and that would have to be purchased by project funds if not donated. Full-time salaries of research leads and collaborators are not eligible as in-kind contributions. Verification of all in-kind contributions must be provided. In-kind contributions cannot exceed 10% of the total eligible costs to complete the project. *Fair value of in-kind contributions should reflect current, relevant, and market-based information or another methodology acceptable to BCRC.

Overhead

Indirect/Overhead Costs 

Projects conducted at universities or at other non-AAFC facilities are eligible for overhead costs which will be calculated by BCRC to a maximum of 15% of total project costs. 

Science Service Charges 

Projects conducted at AAFC facilities are eligible for science service charges which will be calculated by BCRC to a maximum of 10% of total project costs.

Application deadlines

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.

RESOURCES

Reminder: The sooner the researcher engages with Research Services, the more help we can be!

Contact the following Research Service units for support with:

Projects Involving Indigenous Research:

Support with incorporating wise practices in Indigenous research, community engagement, and Indigenous data management is available 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.

Knowledge Mobilization, Research Impact Assessment, DORA:

Support for knowledge mobilization/engagement/translation, community partnerships, research impact, responsible research assessment (DORA), and open science, is available through the Knowledge to Impact team.

Applicants can reach out by email to the KI team at knowledge.impact@ucalgary.ca.

For more information and access to resource archives, please visit the KI team webpage.

Research Data Management:

For information on research data management plans, processes, or best practices for your research program, please contact research.data@ucalgary.ca.

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 edi.rso@ucalgary.ca for more information.

Research Security:

The Research Security Division is available to ensure researchers adhere to research security guidelines and policies, including the National Security Guidelines for Research Partnerships (NSGRP) and the policy on Sensitive Technology Research and Affiliations of Concern (STRAC).

Visit the Research Security website to learn more or contact researchsecurity@ucalgary.ca.

Pre-Award Submissions:
RMS: Creating a Pre-Award Application