Research Western has announced a call for applications for the Western Research Catalyst grant, “Surviving Pandemics: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Resilience and Recovery.” This is a rapid response internal research funding opportunity offered by Western University in partnership with Lawson Research Health Institute.

Amount: maximum $50,000 over one year

Deadlines:
Faculty Research Office: 5 days prior to Research Western deadline. (If you wish to have feedback on your application allow at least one week – contact Karen Kueneman)
Research Western: April 22, 2020 (results announced May 6, 2020)

Program Overview: Amidst this remarkable time of uncertainty and anxiety, Research Western and Lawson Health Research Institute are coordinating activities to support rapid response research that explores and seeks solutions with respect to the general theme of “Surviving Pandemics: Multidisciplinary Approaches to Resilience and Recovery.” Projects may address any aspect of the problem. This funding opportunity is particularly interested in proposals that employ a multi-disciplinary approach. In this regard, the entire research community is invited to engage in a city-wide program of research development that will have meaningful and lasting impact.  Western aims to contribute a broad range of knowledge regarding how we as a society, including our Indigenous communities, are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic by providing evidence, tools, theories, and guidelines that will positively impact how we and future generations will face subsequent pandemics. To support this initiative, Research Western is providing up to $1 Million for two funding cycles that will advance the following objectives:

• Nurture the development of multidisciplinary team-based grant models that address complex issues related to the broad theme of surviving pandemics;
• Explore sustainable and resilient social, economic, technological, and health-related approaches that foster recovery from pandemics;
• Develop preliminary results for larger research initiatives under this theme;
• Increase research productivity and external funding activity;
• Assist researchers with applying their strengths to pandemic-related issues;
• Provide a mentoring mechanism for early career researchers; and
• Support the mentoring of trainees.

NOTES:
Funds will support a broad range of research encompassing biomedical sciences, natural sciences and engineering, social sciences, and humanities. Multidisciplinary teams and projects are encouraged.
Projects require a lead Principal Investigator and at least one Co-Investigator. This collaborative approach supports the need to develop interdisciplinary programs and provides a contingency in the event that the lead investigator becomes unable to lead the proposed work.

Eligibility: This opportunity is open to researchers in all disciplines and Faculties. Both the lead PI and the Co-Investigator must hold an academic appointment and be eligible to hold grants at Western University. (eligible academic research appointments).

Guidelines, applications, and more information… Western Research Catalyst funding program page

photo credit: focusonmore.com Pandemic text with marker, concept background via photopin (license)