The New Brunswick Innovation Foundation (NBIF) and the New Brunswick Health Research Foundation (NBHRF) are partnering to offer a new funding program that will address the public health challenges faced during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“I am extremely proud of this partnership between NBIF and NBHRF; together we were able to complete the development of this fund in only seven days when typically this process can take months,” said NBIF CEO Jeff White. “Our organizations are dedicated to supporting our province during this time of need in any way we can.”
The fund’s goal is to develop, test, and implement new methods of detecting and/or combatting COVID-19 and examining its effects on people, communities and the economy.
Each project can receive a maximum of $50,000 through the fund.
“This fund is designed specifically for the researchers at New Brunswick universities, colleges or research institutions and does not require industry participation,” said NBIF Marketing Manager Angel Pyne. “However, we will see collaboration created during and after this process which will help accelerate some projects.”
NBIF decided to partner with NBHRF, which has the expertise in health-related research in the province, on the development of the program.
“It was a natural call to bring the complementary skills of both organizations together,” said Pyne.
Many of the province’s labs and facilities are able to shift their work in support of combating COVID-19. “We have had a strong and rapid response,” said Pyne.
The two organizations will consider the following criteria when evaluating applications:
- Research demonstrated to be specific to combatting, detecting, and/or assessing the effects of COVID-19
- Potential socio-economic impact (direct or indirect)
- Expertise and track record of the principal investigator and main collaborating investigators
- Capacity to execute the project, including funding, infrastructure, and appropriate personnel available to support the project
- Justification for the proposed budget
- Plan for knowledge transfer and dissemination
A projected timeline, key milestones of the project, and a budget justifying the requested funds should be included in the application. Proposals should also highlight the potential for knowledge transfer opportunities that result in positive socio-economic impact.
They will accept applications for funding until April 20 and notify successful applicants by May 11. Researchers can submit more than one application.
The applications are available online.
A version of this story was published in Huddle, an Acadia Broadcasting content partner.
