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Congratulations to Dr. Poul Sorensen, who receives 2024 Doctors of BC Terry Fox Medal

Congratulations to Dr. Poul Sorensen, who receives 2024 Doctors of BC Terry Fox Medal

November 25, 2024

Enrolment is open for the next course in the UBC Micro-certificate in Innovation Leadership: Medical & Bio-innovations

November 25, 2024

The ATM is excited to let the community know that the the next course in the UBC Micro-certificate in Innovation Leadership: Medical & Bio-innovations, Unmet Needs in Healthcare: Strategy and Solutions, is open for enrolment.

In the life sciences innovation isn’t just desirable—it’s indispensable. Every breakthrough, every new product, and every treatment represents a vital step forward in enhancing patient care and improving health outcomes. The UBC School of Biomedical Engineering-led micro-certificate is a new credential that equips you with the specialized skills needed to drive innovation in the life sciences. This part-time program bridges scientific and technical innovations with the practical, legal and strategic skills required to bring new solutions to market successfully. More information regarding the ATM’s role in the development of this course can be found here, and we pleased to share Dr. Poul Sorensen’s involvement in the program.

Through real-life case studies and instruction from industry experts, you’ll gain in-demand, market-ready skills to:

  • Master effective intellectual property strategies to protect and leverage your innovations.
  • Identify and tackle unmet patient needs that drive better healthcare outcomes.
  • Lead with practical innovation skills that empower you to excel in your current role or advance your career in Canada’s fastest growing life science sector.

Join for an exciting program designed for professionals who want to grow their capacity to transform ideas into successful innovations and make meaningful contributions to healthcare outcomes.

Enrolment is now open for the next course of this transformative program, Unmet Needs in Healthcare: Strategy & Solutions, which will begin  7 January 2025. Learn more and register today!

There will be an Information Session on Thursday 28 November 2024  from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm. Those interested are encouraged to register here.  If you can’t attend, you can watch a recording of the June 2024 Information Session instead.

 

 

Applications are Open for a Second Cohort of the SFU-UBC Implementation Science Training Initiative

November 12, 2024

The SFU-UBC Implementation Science Training Initiative is accepting applications for the second cohort.

The initiative is the result of a partnership between UBC (UBC Knowledge Exchange), SFU (SFU Knowledge Mobilization), and Genome BC. This will be the second cohort of the program, as the inaugural cohort began in 2023. Scholars interested in the implementation science are encouraged to apply before the upcoming deadline.

Purpose

Implementation science is defined as the study of methods and strategies that facilitate the uptake, integration, and sustainability of evidence-based practices, programs, and policies in real-world settings. 

This collaborative initiative aims to increase British Columbia’s research capacity in implementation science by increasing grant funding for projects by BC-based researchers and growing the province’s network of implementation scientists. The initiative is adapted from a proven program into a made-for-BC opportunity. 

Program Format

Scholars will participate in two 3-day in-person intensives, quarterly webinar sessions, and monthly meetings with an assigned mentor, to develop core competencies in implementation science. The mentors are leaders in implementation science and will provide guidance and support throughout the program. Scholars will also learn from institute faculty, and recognized implementation science experts through lectures and small-group breakout sessions.

To support this work and the time invested in developing these skills, a research stipend will be provided to cover research-related expenses, such as hiring a research assistant or other eligible research expenses as per Tri-Council guidelines, etc.

Eligibility

The implementation science (IS) training initiative is a 2-year training program targeted towards early-to mid-career health researchers (from wide range of health-related topics and disciplines in psychology, urban planning, gerontology, biomedical engineering, health geography, health education and promotion, etc.) who are interested in or embarking on projects that focus on the science of implementation.

New Streams Introduced for the 2025 Cohort

  • Primary Team-Based Care Stream (TBC Stream)
    • Supported by UBC Health
    • Open to scholars who are passionate about advancing innovative, team-based solutions to primary care challenges in BC.   
  • Genomics Stream
    • Supported by Genome BC.
    • Open to Scholars working on innovative implementation science projects that address pressing challenges in genomics and health.

Key Application Process Dates

  • Virtual Information Session: 14 November | 12pm – 3pm
  • Application Deadline: 15 December 2024
  • Notifications of Applicants: End of January 2025

Key Program Dates

  • Mandatory In-Person Intensive Training: 12-14 May 2025
  • Research Stipend Distributed: June 2025
  • Quarterly Webinars & Monthly Mentor Meetings: June 2025 – April 2026
  • Mandatory In-Person Intensive Training: May 2026
  • Quarterly Webinars & Monthly Mentor Meetings: June 2026 – April 2027

For full details, including Frequently Asked Questions and application instructions, please visit the SFU-UBC Implementation Science Training Initiative Homepage

Upcoming SPARC Deadline for Reviewing CIHR Planning and Dissemination Grants

November 11, 2024

Winter 2025 CIHR Planning and Dissemination Grant Deadlines and SPARC Support

  • Application deadline: 19 November 2024
  • Those submitting CIHR Planning and Dissemination Grants for Fall 2025 should be aware that the deadlines have been moved significantly earlier this year.
  • This cycle, ~75 awards are available, with values ranging from $10k to $60k x 1 year.

Notes for Accessing Support

  • SPARC has updated its Planning and Dissemination Grant competition resources, namely a Planning Grant Guidebook and Activity Description Template, and a Dissemination Grant Guidebook and Activity Description Template.
    • Please visit the online Resources (CWL required; scroll to “CIHR Resources” and select “CIHR Operating, Team and Large Network, and Other Grants”)
  • SPARC is also available this cycle to conduct a review of the ½-page Relevance Form.
    • Deadline: 10am Tuesday 12 November 2024
    • Please email this document in MS Word format to christy.mctait@ubc.ca
    • As a reminder, this form must clearly align with the objectives and research areas as outlined in the relevant sponsor description.
    • CIHR will withdraw applications that are not deemed to be relevant to the chosen Institute or Initiative.
      • If you already have been working with your local research,, please don’t seek SPARC, so that duplicating existing grant review support is not doubled. (e.g., Faculty-based Grant Facilitator, BCCHR’s Research & Technology Development Office, LSI Grants Facilitation, Centre for Heart Lung Innovation).

These details can be found on the SPARC website.

Dr. Laura Evgin Speaks at 2024 Gairdner Science Week Laureate Lectures

November 10, 2024

Congratulations to Dr. Laura Evgin, who was a guest speaker at the recent 2024 Gairdner Science Week Laureate Lectures.

Dr. Evgin shared her work on enhancing the effectiveness and accessibility of CART T cell therapies for cancer treatment innovation. Dr, Evgin was one of 3 Early Career Researchers chosen to present at the highly-esteemed event, alongside Dr. Raquel Cuella Martin and Dr. Sue Tsai, in addition to the  7 awardees for Gairdner 2024 cycle. Gairdner has made available a recap page for those who weren’t able to attend in-person, that you may enjoy watching.

As a Member of the ATM, Dr. Evgin has previously been featured in the ATM Spotlight Series.

 

Health Research BC Launches 2025 Scholar Competition & Health Professional-Investigator Competitions

October 28, 2024

Michael Smith Health Research BC (Health Research BC) has announced that applications are open for 2025 Scholar Competition and for the 2025 Health Professional-Investigator Competition. In the 2024 cycle, Dr. Catrina Loucks, a Member of the ATM, was a recipient. Those in the ATM community who are interested are encouraged to apply to these programs to support their research endeavours.

UBC-specific process and policies can be found here.

Scholar Program

Award term: 5 years

Award amount: $90,000/annum for salary support

The Scholar Program supports early-career health researchers who are building leading-edge health research programs, training the next generation of scientists and expanding their potential to make significant contributions to their field.

For details about the 2025 Scholar Program, visit the Health Research BC Website.

Read about the 2o24 recipients here, including Dr. Catrina Loucks

Health Professional-Investigator Program

Award term: 5 years

Award amount: $90,000/annum for salary support

The Health Professional-Investigator Program supports health professionals who are actively involved in patient care to build their health research programs, train the next generation of scientists, and make significant contributions to their field.

For details about the 2025 Health Professional-Investigator Program, visit the Health Research BC Website.

Read about the 2024 recipients here.

Webinar

31 October 2024 | 10 to 11.30 a.m.

Register to attend.

Key Dates

LOI deadline: 19 November 2024, 4:30pm

Application package sent to Dean’s Office at UBC Point Grey campus: 8 January 2025

Applicant full application deadline: 23 January 2025, 4:30pm

Host full application deadline: 30 January 2025, 4:30pm

Anticipated notice of funding decision: June 2025

Anticipated start of funding: 1 July 2025

Announcing the Transforming Health Symposium

October 2, 2024

Announcing the Transforming Health Symposium

The ATM is thrilled to invite you to the inaugural Transforming Health Symposium on November 4, 2024, presented by the UBC Academy of Translational Medicine (ATM), the UBC Faculty of Medicine’s Precision Health Initiative, and Canada’s Immuno-Engineering and Biomanufacturing Hub (CIEBH).

Everyone in the ATM network is encouraged to register today!

This event will bring together a community of global thought leaders, clinicians, investigators, trainees and industry experts to examine the translational pathway highlighting areas of excellence locally and beyond. Whether speakers are participating in a keynote presentation, panel or showcase they will stimulate engaging conversations on elevating the regional capacity for translational medicine and provide inspiring insights for new ways forward towards transforming health for all.

Explore the Transforming Health Symposium Website

Event Details

Registration 

  • Free
  • Required to secure your seat.
  • Spaces will be limited
  • First-come, first-serve

Register today!

Competition Open: Grants for Catalyzing Research Clusters

October 1, 2024

Fostering collaboration is a central priority in UBC’s strategic plan. The Grants for Catalyzing Research Clusters (GCRC) program was jointly created by the Vice-President Research & Innovation and the Provost & Vice-President Academic to enable the formation and growth of interdisciplinary research excellence clusters.

A research excellence cluster is defined as a network of researchers spanning multiple disciplines at UBC that supports the formation and maturation of interdisciplinary teams that foster partnerships and collaborations, develop new research questions, directions and themes in research creation, addressing key societal and cultural problems that transcend traditional boundaries, offering training opportunities for postdoctoral fellows and graduate students, and integrating principles of equity, diversity and inclusion within their activities

These grants are specifically targeted to catalyze activities that facilitate the advancement of research, thereby enabling clusters to produce a greater impact. They are intended to leverage external funding opportunities, facilitate partnerships, and to enhance research training. Researchers from all disciplines are invited to apply for funding.

GCRC competitions are open to clusters led by researchers at our Vancouver campus and affiliated hospital sites.

2025/26 Competition

  • There will only be one competition in the winter for 2025/26 GCRC.
  • New clusters and eligible clusters funded by previous GCRC competitions are invited to apply.
  • Clusters will no longer be divided into emerging and established categories; a cluster will be designated as either new (i.e., never received GCRC funding) or as returning (i.e., previously funded through GCRC funds)
    • New clusters will receive up to $100,000
    • Returning clusters will receive up to $200,000
    • Grant terms for both cluster categories are for either one or two years.
    • New cluster applications will be adjudicated in a separate pool from returning clusters, and will be assessed based on the relative maturity of their collaboration.
  • Clusters are limited to three cycles of funding, i.e., have received GCRC funding through three competitions, regardless of cluster category. Note: Clusters that have previously received three or more cycles of GCRC funding, whether they are currently or not currently funded, are no longer eligible to apply for future GCRC funding.
  • There will be greater emphasis on the funding goals clusters will work towards. Furthermore, once funding goals have been achieved, GCRC funding will conclude, to make opportunities open to others.
  • In addition to our standard review panels (STEM, health, and social sciences, humanities, and creative and performing arts), we will include a fourth panel for interdisciplinary clusters that span two or more of these domains.

Application Components

  • Notice of Intent (NOI)
  • Cluster Lead Applicant Information
  • Proposal Narrative
  • Budget Justification
  • Trainee Stipend (optional)
  • Outcomes Report
  • Research Project Information Form

Key Dates

  • Information Sessions (optional – register here)
    • 18 October 2024 | 10am – 11:30am
    • 22 October 2024 | 10am – 11:30am
  • NOI Deadline
    • 1 November 2024
  • Help Session for applicants (optional)
    • 14 November 2024
  • Full application deadline
    • 8 January 2025
  • Anticipated start date and funds distributed:
    • Early April 2025

Full information including eligibility and details, FAQ, and more can be accessed here

National Health Datathon 2024

September 28, 2024

Date: Saturday 9 November – Sunday 10 November 2024

Time: 8:00AM – 3:00PM PST each day

Location: The UBC group will be based out of the Life Sciences Centre Room 1013, UBC Vancouver Campus

Registration Deadline: October 20, 2024

Prepare for a weekend of exciting challenges, thought-provoking questions, and new connections. The National Health Datathon 2024 is open to students, trainees, researchers, professionals, and other interested individuals in the fields of medicine, data science, computing, and more. Join the UBC team as universities across the country in developing machine learning models to solve relevant problems with real medical data.

For full information, visit this website. To register, click here.

Note:

  • A spot in the datathon is not guaranteed by registering in this event, please wait for an email confirming your attendance.
  • This event is for participants in Vancouver.
  • You can either register as an individual or specify your teammates.
  • If you register as an individual, we will sort you into a team prior to the event.
  • If space is limited, priority will be given to welI-rounded and interdisciplinary teams.

Dr. Catrina Loucks Receives Health Research BC 2024 Scholar Award

September 18, 2024

Dr. Catrina Loucks Receives Michael Smith Health Research BC 2024 Scholar Award. The announcement was recently made by Michael Smith Health Research BC regarding the 2024 awardees for the Scholar Award and the Health Professional-Investigator Award. 

The Scholar Program is designed to support early career researchers as they establish independent research careers, form their own research teams and develop research programs that advance cutting-edge health solutions.

Dr. Catrina Loucks is one of 23 awards for the 2024 Scholar Award, for the project ‘Towards improving pain management for children using patient-specific genetic information’. Please read the full project description to learn more about Dr. Loucks’ important work towards tailored pain management strategies in pediatric patients. Dr. Loucks is a Member of the ATM and has previously been featured in the ATM Spotlight Series.

All recipients of the Health Research BC 2024 Scholar Award can be viewed here. Please join us in celebrating the achievement of these researchers and their impactful projects!