Catalyst Project Funding

O’Brien Institute awards for members launching new research projects

People working on laptops

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.

At least two Catalyst project competitions will be advertised each year 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.

Healthier Populations Catalyst Grants

To support progress toward the O’Brien Institute’s Healthier Populations goal, a dedicated Healthier Populations Catalyst competition is being held to fund the early stage of well-aligned projects that are likely to leverage external funding and create societal impact. Up to seven Catalyst grants will be awarded:

  • Up to five grants will receive matching funding from collaborating University of Calgary Faculties or Department (Kinesiology, Arts, Nursing, Community Health Sciences and the Centre for Health Policy) to support research aligned with their respective population health priorities. 
  • Up to two grants (Health Equity and Prevention) will be funded solely by the O’Brien Institute.

Application process:

  • Guidelines and application template. 
  • Submission deadline: June 6, 23:59:00 MST (submit as a single .pdf file to iph@ucalgary.ca).
  • Review process: Applications will be reviewed by a panel of review leads from the O’Brien Institute and collaborating faculties and departments, with funding decisions expected by July.

Reporting requirements

Healthier Population Catalyst awardees are required to submit annual outcomes reports using this template, and a Knowledge Engagement Impact Story, which assesses engagement with community partners.

Support  

  • Have questions about the Catalyst application? Contact the O’Brien Institute for Public Health at iph@ucalgary.ca.
  • Want more info on the Knowledge Engagement Impact reporting tool and how to use it? Have a look at the materials provided by UofC’s KE Team and contact them for support. Note that a workshop on this tool is being held April 16, 2025 and a recording will be saved at that link.
  • Check back to this page for future competitions supporting other areas of focus within the O’Brien Institute’s Strategic Plan!