Funding Cuts to BCNAR and New Grants
Recently the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research received a letter from the Honourable Kevin Falcon, Minister of Health Services, confirming an additional $15 million funding for the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research (MSFHR). This is great news and we extend our congratulations to the Foundation and the research community it supports. This news however does not change the fate of BCNAR or the other Health of Population Research Networks funded by MSFHR. Funding for these Networks will cease as of March 31, 2010.
As is evident by our significant accomplishments to date in expanding health and aging research capacity and training in BC, we are committed to finding ways to continue the network in some capacity until additional funding can be obtained. The investments made into our network are enormous, and we are committed to keeping the network functional in at least a minimal capacity while seeking further funding opportunities.
In light of this we have had to modify some of our existing programs so that wind down of the organization can take place by March 31st as required by MSFHR. Our annual seed grant competition has been cancelled and replaced by an Emergent Needs Opportunity. Applications for this competition are due October 30, 2009.Please note that all funds for this competition MUST BE SPENT BY MARCH 31, 2009. The guidelines and application form are available here.
We are also offering our STAR Data Collection Awards. Applications for this competition are due October 30, 2009. Please note that all funds for this competition MUST BE SPENT BY MARCH 31, 2009. The guidelines and application form are available here.