Spark Grants

Projects that would be considered ineligible for this competition include:

• Projects that focus on obvious next steps or incremental research associated with ongoing studies
• Projects with no clear line of sight for useful application in the short-to medium-term
• Projects not specifically focused on prevention and/or early detection

CCS, CIHR and BC are committed to equity, diversity and inclusivity and strive to promote inclusive excellence in our funding programs. We welcome all eligible applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply for our funding opportunities.

A multidisciplinary peer review committee will be assembled for this competition comprised of individuals recommended by CCS, CIHR-ICR and BC.

The mandatory abstract registration will be used to assess relevance to the competition and to inform the composition requirements of the review panel.

Grants will be funded in rank order within the two funding pools.

Abstract registration is mandatory and will include applicant details (Principal Investigators, Co-Applicants, Additional Authors), a public summary, a brief scientific summary, keywords, a clear description of how the proposed study, if successful, has the potential to disrupt status quo, and suggested reviewers and research tracking information. Specific guidelines for the abstract registration are available and should be closely consulted during preparation of the application.

For this competition, there is a limit of one application per nominated Principal Investigator or co-Principal Investigator. Please note that for those applications receiving funds from Brain Canada, a minimum of 2 Principal/Co-Principal Investigators are required, from different institutions (or distinct departments within the same institution).
Applications from Early- and Mid-Career Researchers (within 15 years of their first academic appointment) are strongly encouraged. In addition, researchers from non-traditional disciplines, outside the cancer field, are also strongly encouraged.

A relevance review of the abstract registration will be conducted to ensure alignment with the program description and scientific focus. Abstracts deemed relevant to the competition will be invited to submit a full application.

Any significant changes to the proposed project or applicant team after the Abstract Registration deadline should be communicated to the CCS (research@cancer.ca) as soon as they are known. Substantive changes that significantly alter the overall goals and aims of the proposal relative to the Abstract Registration are not permitted.

The proposal will contain no more than 5 pages of single-spaced text and 2 pages of figures/tables/charts and associated legends. Specific guidelines for the online application are available and should be closely consulted during preparation if the application.

Full applications include the following:

1. A public summary of the proposed research that demonstrates how the research will lead to significant improvements in cancer prevention or early detection
2. A scientific abstract that clearly states the aims of the overall proposal including any previous work done by team members in the area, experimental design(s), methods and analysis plans
3. A clear description of how the proposed research represents a truly novel approach poised to dramatically improve the way we currently prevent or diagnose cancer
4. A detailed proposal describing the work to be performed (including aims, previous work, experimental design, methods and analysis), and an indication of which member(s) of the research team will be responsible. Consideration of equity, diversity and inclusion principles in the composition of research team members must be evident.
5. Considerations regarding sex and/or gender and/or diversity
6. Relevance of the proposal to cancer prevention or early detection, including the impact that results will have on specific challenges in cancer prevention and early detection. 
7. A detailed description of any products expected to result from this funding (if applicable).
8. A detailed knowledge translation and mobilization strategy that chronicle potential next steps and which could include collaborations and partnerships with other research institutions, networks and/or sectors, as appropriate. 
9. A detailed budget and justification for supplies, expenses, personnel and equipment to conduct the proposed research. This must include the number of personnel required to complete the work and a description of their experience and/or education level.

The review committee will prepare individual written critiques. The review criteria for the applications will include but not necessarily be restricted to the following:

• the originality and feasibility of the proposed work and its relevance to cancer prevention and early detection
• the potential for practical interventions in real world settings that will directly impact cancer prevention and early detection and disrupt the status quo
• the background and scientific rationale for the proposed research
• the qualifications and experience of the investigators leading and participating in the project
• the appropriateness of the methods for the focus of the research
• the appropriateness of the term and amount of support requested
• the appropriate incorporation of sex as a biological variable and/or gender as a social determinant of health, where applicable

Applicants are reminded to review the eligibility and requirements page for details on scientific and financial reporting, funder acknowledgement, and Canadian Cancer Society policies. In addition, research applications may be related but cannot be identical to any other currently funded projects. It is the responsibility of the applicant to notify the funding Partners immediately should substantial overlap arise from new funding awards during the application and review process of this competition.