Results of the 2023 CCS Challenge Grants Competition

The grants provided through the 2023 Challenge Grants Competition support cancer research projects across the cancer continuum and across disciplines, with an ultimate goal of solving a problem (i.e. a “challenge”) in cancer that is meaningful to people affected by or at risk of cancer. Applications from the four pillars of health research (biomedical; clinical; health services; and social, cultural, environmental, and population health) were welcomed.

We are pleased to announce the results of the 2023 CCS Challenge Grants competition:

Competition results — The start date for these grants was January 1, 2024.

Expert Review Process

175 applications were received and 35 have been approved for funding, following review by seven expert panels comprised of scientific experts and patients, survivors, and caregivers, leading to a 20% success rate. These projects total over $18 million in funding over the full term of these grants.

Special Funding Calls

As a result of designated donations made to CCS by major donors, or through targeted fundraising initiatives (such as the Run for the Cure), there were several special funding calls to support high-quality research in the following areas within the broader Challenge grant competition:

Breast cancer
Childhood cancer
Lymphoma
Metastatic Myxoid Liposarcoma
Prostate cancer

Thanks to a generous donation from the Ursu Bouchard-Phillips family, CCS was able to fund two grants in metastatic myxoid liposarcoma research, representing a significant and unprecedented investment in this rare cancer.

For more information view the original and special funding calls.

Seven expert review committees composed of diverse (gender, geography, career stage, race) scientists, end-users/decision-makers, and patients/survivors/caregivers were assembled. These review panels were divided into the following thematic areas:

C1: Mechanisms of risk, initiation, and progression
C2: Molecular biomarkers
C3: Imaging & technology
C4a: Therapeutics
C4b: Immunotherapy
C6: Prevention & Supportive Care
C7: Health Services & Policy

2023 Challenge Grants Competition Projects

View Recipients

Investment by goal

Prevent - fewer people in Canada will develop cancer
Detect - fewer people will be diagnosed with Stage 3 or Stage 4 cancer
Care - people with cancer will live longer and with improved quality of life during and after treatment
Champion - equitable and timely access to innovative and affordable high-quality care for more people in Canada

View Data

Investment by research area