HBI iPath - Discovery Pilot Research Fund

Currently Closed.

Objective: To fund early-phase studies associated with substance use disorder research (SUD). Projects should have potential to develop into a new area of investigation with sustainable funding from other sources. The goal of these grants is to build capacity in SUD research at the Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Mathison Centre for Mental Health Research & Education.

What is Substance Use Disorder: SUD is a treatable mental health disorder that affects a person's brain and behaviour, leading to their inability to control their use of substances like legal or illegal drugs, alcohol, or medications. Symptoms can be moderate to severe, with addiction being the most severe form of SUD. Features of SUD behaviour can be observed in pre-clinical model organisms.

Terms of the Award: 2 years, with extensions only be granted on a case-by-case basis.

Value of the Award: Up to $50,000, through the committee may decide to fund a reduced amount depending on the proposed budget.

Eligibility Criteria: To be eligible, principal investigator must be a full member of the HBI. Research must involve biomedical research as defined here. This can be model organism or human research that focuses on neurobiology.

Preference will be given to those investigators associated with the Mathison Centre, who do not currently have funded SUD research and/or whose project promotes collaborative research.

Evaluation Criteria: Projects will be reviewed according to the following five criteria:

  • Innovation
  • Scientific Priority
  • Feasibility
  • Likelihood of generating additional funding if the project is successful
  • Impact that funding will have on the future SUD research direction of the applicant

Application Process: Applications will consist of the application form and budget with justification.

Deadline: The application needs to be sent to HBI Research no later than December 20th, 2023.