Catalyst Project Funding
O’Brien Institute awards for members launching new research projects
Catalyst project funds are awarded to Institute members proposing early phases of well-conceived research activities that:
- support team-building, interdisciplinary collaborations, and new activities;
- are designed to leverage larger, competitive, national-level, external funding within 24 months;
- support the mission, goals, and focus areas of the Institute;
- are scientifically rigorous, informed by evidence, and relevant to stakeholders;
- are designed to yield significant ensuing academic outputs and societal impact.
In 2024, at least two Catalyst project competitions will be advertised well in advance of separate opportunities to align with the Institute's strategic areas of focus. Awards of $10,000 - $15,000 can be requested, for one- (to two-) year projects, and partner contributions from relevant stakeholders are encouraged. Decisions will be made based on the criteria set out in an application (which will be adapted from this generic application template), by a panel of Institute Directors, members, and possibly funding-source representatives. To assess return on investment, and ensure optimal program evolution, Catalyst awardees are required to submit annual outcomes reports (which will be adapted from this generic annual outcomes report). To enhance the profile of the Institute and recognize sponsors, outputs of Catalyst project awards will acknowledge the funding source.
Learning Health Systems Catalyst
To support progress toward the Institute’s Better Healthcare goal, a dedicated Learning Health Systems Catalyst competition is being held to fund the early stage of well-aligned projects deemed likely to leverage external funding and societal impact. The University of Calgary Departments of Community Health Sciences, Critical Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, and Medicine are each offering matching funding for a Catalyst award that supports its specific Learning Health System research goals. Projects that don’t support one of those five Departments may be competitive for a more generic Learning Health Systems award funded solely by the O’Brien Institute.
Please use this application template and submit completed package (in one .PDF file) to iph@ucalgary.ca by: DEADLINE October 21, 23:59:00 MST
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of Institute Review Leads, and decisions will be provided by November.
Learning Health System Catalyst awardees will be required to submit annual outcomes reports using this template.
- Want to discuss your project ideas prior to submitting the Catalyst application? Register for a Chalk Talk before August 30.
- Check back to this page for future competitions supporting other areas of focus within the O’Brien Institute’s Strategic Plan!
Population Health projects, 2024
The 2024 Population Health competition is closed.
Population Health Catalyst awardees are required to submit annual outcomes reports using this template. Note that this reporting requirement includes a new element (the Knowledge Engagement Impact Story) aimed at assessing engagement with community partners.