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

The 2025 Population Healthier Population competition is closed.

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. 

Health Systems catalyst competition

To support progress toward the Institute’s Better Healthcare goal, a dedicated 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 Clinical Neurosciences, Community Health Sciences, Critical Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine, and Medicine, along with the Institute’s Sex, Gender and Women’s Health Research Hub, are each offering matching funding for a Catalyst award that supports its specific Health System research goals. Projects that don’t align ideally with one of those seven entities may align with the Institute’s broader priorities in Learning Health Systems or Digital Health, and be competitive for an 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 1, 23:59:00 MST

Applications will be reviewed by a panel of Institute Review Leads, and decisions will be provided by November.

Health System Catalyst awardees will be required to submit annual outcomes reports using this template.

  • NB: Projects applying for Catalyst funding may benefit from support provided by the experienced team of health services and informatics research staff at W21C and the Centre for Health Informatics, on a cost-recovery basis. The teams include clinical trial coordinators, human factors and user experience researchers, research assistants and associates, biostatisticians, epidemiologists, and computer engineers. W21C and CHI staff are available to consult on catalyst grant applications and potential projects.
  • 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!