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Temerty Knowledge Translation Grant: Bench to Bedside

These one-year knowledge translation grants are designed to help faculty members move their fundamental research forward, towards a clinical application in a collaborative model with a clinical or industrial partner.

The Office of the Vice Dean, Research and Health Science Education (RHSE) at the Temerty Faculty of Medicine is pleased to announce the third round of Knowledge Translation grants, generously supported by the landmark Temerty donation. The previous two rounds focused on the development of novel antibody tools for COVID-19 diagnosis or immunotherapies and addressing health inequities in disadvantaged populations, respectively. The theme of the third round is Bench to Bedside, to encourage the evolution of fundamental research that is ready to move towards a clinical application in collaboration with a clinical or industrial partner.

In this round there will be three (3) grants awarded, each valued at $75-80,000. To be eligible to apply, the project lead must hold a full-time academic appointment in Temerty Medicine.

Temerty Medicine is strongly committed to diversity within its community and especially welcomes awards applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, women, Indigenous/Aboriginal People of North America, persons with disabilities, LGBTQ2S+ persons, and others who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas.

Purpose

To support the development of fundamental research toward a clinical application and encourage collaboration between clinical and basic scientists.

Value and Duration

Each grant will receive a budget of $75-80,000 CAD for one year, with the possibility of a one year, no cost extension. The anticipated start date for funding is September 1, 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

Faculty must hold a full-time appointment at Temerty Medicine to be eligible to lead a project. Clinical, rehabilitation and basic science faculty are welcome to apply.

Expression of Interest (EOI) and Application Due Dates

Expressions of Interest (EOI) are due April 30, 2024. Please submit your EOI using our web form. The purpose of the EOI stage is to gauge the volume of potential applications and all those who submit an EOI are invited to submit a full application.

Full applications are due May 30, 2024. Please send completed applications as a single PDF to medicine.hse@utoronto.ca

Full Application Details

A full application consists of the following:

  1. A completed cover sheet, complete with the signature of the lead applicant's U of T department chair and, if applicable, the director of the relevant hospital research institute.
  2. A short, one (1) page maximum, bullet point summary of the proposed research.
  3. A three (3) page research proposal, inclusive of references.
    1. Briefly describe the project plan to translate your research into clinical application (emphasizing your IP position, minimal proof of concept status, scalability, skill set of the translational team; key milestones and their measure of success).
    2. The role of a clinical or industrial collaborator must be identified.
  4. A one (1) page budget justification, detailing how the funds will be used to support the translational aspects of the research project. Salaries support for post-doctoral fellows or graduate students is encouraged.
  5. A one (1) page letter of support from the clinical or industrial collaborator, describing their role in facilitating the translational aspect of the proposed project.
  6. Supplementary materials including a short CV (4-5 pages) for the applicant and the collaborator and one (1) relevant publication.

Review Process

A committee chaired by the Director of Clinical Research and Translation will review the submitted applications. Reviewers will identify all conflicts of interest before they are selected to review applications. Top ranked applications will be selected for funding.  

Administration and Reporting

Successful applications will have a funding start date of September 1, 2024.

An annual report to the Director of Clinical Research and Translation will be required for all funded projects by October 31, 2025. Any requests for a one year no cost extension should be submitted prior to the end of the project (August 31, 2025) and include an update on funds spent thus far and a brief explanation of the need for an extension.

For questions related to this opportunity, please contact Joanna King