The health research community is at significant risk of job losses and other setbacks—right at a time when its value to Canada’s health and prosperity is clearer than ever.
Topic: COVID-19
CIHR cancels flagship funding program to focus on COVID-19 response
While many efforts are being made to help the research community, one decision by the Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) has been widely condemned: the suspension of the Spring 2020 Project Grant competition.
The Short Report, April 8, 2020: Mitacs steps up to help SMEs working on COVID-19 solutions; StatCan partners on ambitious business conditions survey; and more
Mitacs has launched a limited-time initiative to help SMEs working on COVID-19 solutions secure government funding, access research resources, and hire post-secondary interns. The non-profit’s 80 business development experts positioned across Canada will help SMEs complete funding applications and connect with researchers. College interns are also available to help with activities like coding, prototyping, monitoring cell cultures,…
The National Research Council empties buildings across Canada
NRC researchers turn to data analysis and writing as the organization adapts to new teleworking conditions.
The Short Report, April 1, 2020: EU will integrate COVID-19 stimulus with green transition; researchers team up to share resources and materials in fight against COVID-19; and more
The European Union will adapt its economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic in support of the continent-wide Green Deal adopted in December. Europe wants to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 through a growth strategy that will “transform its economy and society to put it on a more sustainable path.” In a new statement, EU’s leaders…
The Short Report, March 25, 2020: Tech CEOs implore Ottawa to protect their industry, the NGEN supercluster commits $50M to scaling up production of supplies to fight COVID-19, and more
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research launched a new COVID-19 funding opportunity for operating grants called the “COVID-19 Clinical Epidemiology Research Rapid Response.” The application deadline is this Friday, March 27, and successful applicants will be notified of the decision on April 1. The competition description emphasizes the viruses “many unknown epidemiological parameters, particularly with respect…
Ottawa moves with “unprecedented” speed to fast-track COVID-19 research
In collaborating with the WHO and other governments, Canada’s funding agencies have moved rapidly to channel more than $52 million in federal funding to rapid response research at Canadian universities.
New Expert Panel to advise on scientific issues related to COVID-19
A multidisciplinary team of 15 researchers and clinicians has been assembled by Canada’s Chief Science Advisor Mona Nemer to provide advice on scientific issues related to COVID-19.
Vancouver biotech firm AbCellera wins SIF research funding to fast-track antibody therapies against COVID-19
Vancouver-based biotech firm AbCellera, using its technology spun off research at University of British Columbia, is fast-tracking testing and clinical trials of therapeutic antibodies against COVID-19.
The Short Report, March 18, 2020: Canadian researchers take first steps to a COVID-19 vaccine, University of Alberta announces drastic cuts, and more
This week, innovation hubs closed their doors and moved programming online, researchers made a critical discovery for the development of a COVID-19 vaccine, and the University of Alberta eliminated 400 positions in response to steep funding cuts from the provincial government.