Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

In the future, human exploration of space is expected to extend beyond Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to the orbit and surface of the Moon, and ultimately to distant targets such as Mars. The resulting expeditions will require extended periods of exposure to weightlessness and space radiation, with confinement and isolation in the extreme environment of space, all of which are linked to substantial health and performance risks. 

The intent of this Announcement of Opportunity (AO) is to provide financial support to researchers at Canadian Universities and post-secondary institutions to conduct science investigations that will lead to a better understanding of human spaceflight risks while contributing to improve remote medicine and health benefits here on Earth. This AO is split into two different categories: 

Topic 1 (DM) solicits proposals for scientific analysis, using databases or samples derived from existing collections to improve the understanding of the risks of spaceflight or for initial validation of new countermeasures. The studies selected for this Topic are expected to be precursors of Canadian investigations on the ISS. 

Topic 2 (RM): the focus of research to be funded under this Topic 2 (RM) will be to use non-human subject research models (for example animals, organoids, cell culture, or microorganisms) to investigate space-related health risks (identified in Table 2 in Section 3.3) and identify sex differences, if applicable. The CSA encourages innovative approaches, such as synthetic biology (i.e. modification of living systems) that support health risk reduction), diagnosis or health care during space missions (prevention, detection or treatment of acute or chronic health issues, infectious disease, radiation exposure, stress, etc.). However, the core of the proposed studies must focus on living systems.

Eligiblity:

• Canadian post-secondary institutions, defined as a Canadian university or college (including CEGEPs in Quebec) that has provincial accreditation to grant degrees, diplomas, certificates or other recognized qualifications;
• Not for profit organizations established and operating in Canada that have research included in their institutional mandate, and that have a standing Research Ethics Board / Animal Care Committee (when required), or that delegate this responsibility to another institution's recognized board/committee.

Amount: 

Topic 1 Data and Sample mining: up to $70,000 for a maximum duration of one year

Topic 2 Research Model: up to $150,000 for a maximum duration of two years

Website: 

https://www.asc-csa.gc.ca/eng/funding-programs/funding-opportunities/ao/2022-health-life-sciences-data-and-sample-mining-or-research-models.asp 

Deadline: 

January 16, 2023 at 2:00pm