INVESTING IN PEOPLE
2016 POSTDOCTORAL CANCER
RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP APPLICATION
Alberta Cancer Foundation 2016 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship Application
Every day, 43 Albertans hear the words, “you have cancer” and every day we hear from donors
who want to do something more about this disease – make more progress, save more lives.
One way we can propel discovery is by creating an environment for collaboration – bringing
science, patients and care together in a new and innovative way. The Alberta Cancer Foundation
will invest $120 million, into cancer research, prevention, screening and care by 2017. This
is a five-year goal set in 2012 and we are well on our way.
The Alberta Cancer Foundation is pleased to offer the Alberta Cancer Foundation 2016
Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship is available for exceptional candidates interested in
medical or health research related to cancer. Summer Studentship Awards are available across the
cancer control continuum which includes etiology, prevention, detection, diagnosis, treatment,
health services and supportive care.
Our focused approach to research investment will be driven by the potential for better patient
outcomes, high clinical impact and scientific quality.
Alberta Cancer Foundation 2016 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship Application
APPLICATION DEADLINE


The completed application AND signed signature page (original or scanned original) must be
submitted by the deadline of 4:00 pm MST on April 11, 2016
Please submit 1 single-sided original hardcopy to:
Alberta Cancer Foundation
Program Investment
Suite 300
1620 – 29 Street NW
Calgary, AB T2N 4L7
Phone: 403 476 2423
APPLICATION DEAINE
REVIEW PROCESS
Applications for Alberta Cancer Foundation 2016 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship Awards
will be reviewed by the Alberta Cancer Foundation Trainee Award Review Committee. Each
application is reviewed by the committee members using the following criteria:
Criteria
Research Project
Research Environment
Candidate’s Performance and Experience
Total Score
REVIEW PROCESS
% of
overall
30
20
50
100
Overview of Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowships
1.
Candidates must hold a Ph.D. or M.D. degree. Individuals wishing to undertake postdoctoral
research training in the same research environment (e.g. same department, sponsor or cosponsor) in which they received their Ph.D. are NOT eligible for an award.
2.
All candidates must have a sponsor who has a faculty appointment with an Alberta institution.
Please note that a maximum of two (2) applications per sponsor per competition is
allowed.
3.
Sponsors may not substitute candidates for any Alberta Cancer Foundation Postdoctoral
Cancer Research Fellowship Awards.
4.
Alberta Cancer Foundation Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowships are awarded for a
maximum of three (3) years upon initial approval.
5.
Award provides a $50,000 stipend plus $5,000 research allowance per annum.
6.
The Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award will provide a $5,000 research allowance to a
top ranking fellow in cancer research. (Suncor Energy is the proud owner of Petro-Canada);
7.
The Fred C. Coles Cancer Research Fellowship Award will be offered on an annual basis
to the top ranked fellow and who will be carrying out research related to cancer at the Tom
Baker Cancer Centre and/or Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute at the University of
Calgary.
8.
The research allowance may be used as followsEligible Expenses:
 Materials & Supplies
Alberta Cancer Foundation 2016 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship Application




8.
9.
Travel to scientific meetings and conferences directly related to the project that the
trainee is working on.
Ineligible Expenses:
Health Insurance
Equipment
Tuition Fees
In the event a student is offered multiple awards, and the student accepts the non-Alberta
Cancer Foundation award, the Alberta Cancer Foundation will provide a supplement to the
external award up to the value of the Foundation’s award.
This is a non-renewable award. Any awardee wishing to receive further funding following a
successful 3-year term, may do so via an existing competition at that time.
INSTRUCTIONS


Applications that do not adhere to the formatting and page-limit guidelines as outlined will
NOT be accepted; therefore we ask that you double-check all formatting prior to
submission.
Formatting Rules: Margins must be set at 0.75 inches and text must be single spaced, 11
point, Arial font.
Page reduction is not allowed.
RESPONSIBILITY
It is the responsibility of the Applicant to ensure that the completed application package along with
the signed Signature Page is received by the Alberta Cancer Foundation before the deadline.
Alberta Cancer Foundation 2016 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship Application
SUBMISSION CHECKLIST
Please use the following checklist to assist you in submitting a complete proposal.
Application:
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
Section
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
Application Cover Page
Donor Summary (500 Word Limit)
Research Project (3 Pages Limit)
Research Environment (Appendix 1 & 2 and 500 Word Limit)nd Experience
Candidate’s Performance and Experience ((Appendix 3, 5 6 & 7)
Budget & Budget Justification
Research Classification
Appendices:
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
Appendix
1
2
3
4
5
Appendix 6
Appendix 7
Personal Data & Publications – Supervisor
Personal Data & Publications – Co-Supervisor
Personal Data & Publications – Candidate
Reprint & Preprints
Letter of Support/Reference Letters (attached in sealed individual envelopes &
each signed across seal by referee)
Letter from Sponsor
Transcripts
NOTE: Due to high volume of enquiries, it will not be possible to respond to enquiries pertaining to
receipt of application, references or transcripts. If you have any other questions, please email
programinvestment@albertacancer.ca or call 403 476 2423.
REMINDERS WILL NO LONGER BE SENT FOR ANY MISSING DOCUMENTS. INCOMPLETE
APPLICATIONS WILL BE DEEMED INELIGIBLE
Alberta Cancer Foundation 2016 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship Application
DEADLINE: April 11, 2016
For ACF Use Only:
Competition #:
File #:
2016 ALBERTA CANCER FOUNDATION POSTDOCTORAL CANCER RESEARCH FELLOWSHIP
APPLICATION
SECTION A – APPLICATION COVER PAGE
Title of Project:
Sponsor/Supervisor:
Title:
Dr.
Mr.
Mrs./Ms.
Prof.
Institution:
Surname:
First Name:
Department:
Street Address:
Telephone:
(
)
-
Ext:
Candidate:
Title:
Mr.
Mrs./Ms.
Institution:
City:
Prov/State:
Email:
Country:
Postal/Zip
Code:
Surname:
First Name:
Middle
Initial:
Department:
Street Address:
Postal Code/Zip:
Middle
Initial:
Academic Position:
City:
Telephone:
(
)
-
Ext:
Prov/State:
Country:
Email:
Gender:
M
F
Citizen of :
Immigrant Status in Canada:
Canadian
Student Visa
Permanent Resident
Working
Visa
Project Funds to be administered by: (Choose one only)
Proposed Start Date:
Univ. of Alberta
Univ. of Calgary
Univ. of Lethbridge
Are You Receiving Funding /Income from any other
source?
No
Yes
If Yes, Funding Term (dd/mm/yy):
/ /
(dd/mm/yy):
/
/
Estimated Date for Completion
of Postdoctoral Training
(dd/mm/yy):
/ /
Signatures: The undersigned agree to, and accept, the terms and conditions governing Alberta Cancer
Foundation Terms and conditions for Program Investments located at www.albertacancer.ca.
Signature of:
Candidate:
Printed Name:
Supervisor :
Dept. Head/Chair:
Faculty Dean:
Research Services/Finance Office of
University:
Alberta Cancer Foundation 2016 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship Application
Date: (dd/mm/yy)
CO-SPONSOR INFORMATION
Provide the following information for all individuals involved with this application. NOTE: Sponsors
signing below acknowledge that the candidate has been offered a secured position within the
sponsor’s lab.
Co-Sponsor:
Title:
Surname:
First Name:
Middle
Dr. Prof. Mr. Mrs. Ms.
Initial:
Institution:
Department:
Academic Position:
Street Address:
City:
Prov:
Country:
Telephone:
Ext:
Email:
Postal Code:
(
)
I hereby acknowledge my involvement on this grant and that all information provided at the time of
submission is accurate to the best of my knowledge.
__________________________________
Signature
Alberta Cancer Foundation 2016 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship Application
Date (mm/dd/yy)
Supervisor Name / Candidate Name
SECTION B - DONOR SUMMARY
The Alberta Cancer Foundation is accountable to the donors who so generously give to support this
Program. Please provide a summary, in simple, non-technical language, the rationale and
importance of the initiative outlines in this proposal. Describe in 500 words why any donor should
consider your project to donate?
SECTION C – RESEARCH PROJECT
1.1 Impact on Patient Outcomes: In this section, describe the benefits that may be realized by
the success of this project. This may include better impact on cancer patients, benefits to
future research, increased engagement and awareness about cancer or an increased patient
satisfaction with cancer care in Alberta.
Evaluation Spectrum
(0)
Little-to-no direct or indirect impact will result from the success of this project.
(100) A significant level of impact on patient, science or public as a result of success of this
project.
1.2 Project Implementation: In this section, describe objectives, methods employed, estimated
timeline and expected outcomes. Be sure to include preliminary data to support the plan.
Evaluation Spectrum
(0)
The project is poorly designed, methodology is unclear and timeline
is not presented in logical sequence.
(100) The project is well-designed, objectives are clearly stated and achievable, methodology
is logical and the timeline is arranged in a clear logical and meaningful manner.


Page Limit Section C: 3 Pages Maximum
An additional 2 pages for supporting tables and figures may be appended.
A list of references should include the names of all authors, the full title, and the full journal
citation. It should also be single spaced and is excluded from the page limit.
Alberta Cancer Foundation 2016 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship Application
Supervisor Name / Candidate Name
SECTION D – RESEARCH ENVIRONMENT
2.1 Supervisor’s Productivity: In this section, provide supervisor’s publication and research
projects along with the approved budget. (Refer Appendix 1 & 2)
Evaluation Spectrum
(0)
The Supervisor does not have good publication record, no research projects and the
Proposed research project does not have approved budget.
(100) The Supervisor has publication in world class journals, research projects from many
agencies and the proposed project is supported financially.
No Page Limit
2.2 Project Support System: In this section, describe the research facilities, equipment and
support system which are in place for this proposed project.
Evaluation Spectrum
(0)
The Research Environment is very weak, with little research support system in place
for this project.
(100) The research facilities are well defined, required research equipment and other
support system are in place to conduct the proposed research project.
Word Limit: 500 words
SECTION E – CANDIDATE’S PERFORMANCE AND EXPERIENCE
3.1 Candidate’s performance: In this section, provide candidate’s academic performance as
outlined in his/her transcript and three letters of reference outlining the strength and relevant
experience of the candidate. (Refer Appendix 3, 5, 6 & 7)
Evaluation Spectrum
(0)
The Candidate has a poor academic record, the reference letters are either not provided
or have been provided but do not include positive references.
(100) The Candidate’s academic record shows evidence of solid academic excellence, the
referees have provided positive references and the Candidate has received
prizes/awards and other recognitions
No Page Limit
SECTION F – BUDGET & BUDGET JUSTIFICATION
Is there funding in place to support this project?
If so, attaché copies of the approved budget and research summary pages of the project
supporting this project.
If no, please provide details as to how the project will be supported in one page.
Alberta Cancer Foundation 2016 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship Application
Supervisor Name / Candidate Name
Appendix 1 PERSONAL DATA AND PUBLICATIONS (SUPERVISOR)
Please complete the table below for the supervisor OR append the following CIHR Common
(Academic) CV sections: Expertise and Discipline; Academic Background; Work Experience; and
Distinctions/Awards/Credentials. If the supervisor is not currently utilizing a CIHR Common CV,
use the Education and Research Training and Academic or Clinical Positions Held below. Please
number all pages appropriately. (No Page Limit)
Name:
Month/Year
Education and Research Training
Degree
University/Institution
Scientific
Field/Discipline
/
/
/
/
/
Month/Year
/
Academic or Clinical Positions Held
Position
University/Institution
Department
/
/
/
/
If there has been a break in education/training or academic history, for example a maternity
leave, please indicate so in the above table and provide an explanation below:
Publications
Please indicate your total lifetime number of publications to date (excluding
abstracts):
Please indicate the number of publications in the last 5 years (excluding
abstracts):
Append to this page a list of papers published during the past five years. Title must be
provided. Include papers accepted for publication. Do not include manuscripts or abstracts in
preparation. Please number the pages appropriately.
Alberta Cancer Foundation 2016 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship Application
Supervisor Name / Candidate Name
Appendix 2 PERSONAL DATA AND PUBLICATIONS (CO-SUPERVISOR)
Please complete the table below for the supervisor OR append the following CIHR Common
(Academic) CV sections: Expertise and Discipline; Academic Background; Work Experience; and
Distinctions/Awards/Credentials. If the supervisor is not currently utilizing a CIHR Common CV,
use the Education and Research Training and Academic or Clinical Positions Held below. Please
number all pages appropriately. (No Page Limit)
Name:
Month/Year
Education and Research Training
Degree
University/Institution
Scientific
Field/Discipline
/
/
/
/
/
Month/Year
/
Academic or Clinical Positions Held
Position
University/Institution
Department
/
/
/
If there has been a break in education/training or academic history, for example a maternity
leave, please indicate so in the above table and provide an explanation below:
Publications
Please indicate your total lifetime number of publications to date (excluding
abstracts):
Please indicate the number of publications in the last 5 years (excluding
abstracts):
Append to this page a list of papers published during the past five years. Title must be
provided. Include papers accepted for publication. Do not include manuscripts or abstracts in
preparation. Please number the pages appropriately.
Alberta Cancer Foundation 2016 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship Application
Supervisor Name / Candidate Name
Appendix 3- PERSONAL DATA & PUBLICATIONS (CANDIDATE)
Please complete the table below for the Candidate by appending the following CIHR Common
(Academic) CV sections: Expertise and Discipline; Academic Background; Work Experience; and
Distinctions/Awards/Credentials. If the candidate is not currently utilizing a CIHR Common CV,
use the Education and Research Training and Academic Research and Work Experience and
academic Achievements sections below. Please number all pages appropriately. (No Page Limit)
Name of Candidate:
Education and Research Training
Month/Year
Degree
University/Institution
Scientific
Field/Discipline
/
/
/
Academic Achievements (Prizes, Honors & Awards held by the Candidate)
Month/Year
Prize/Honor/Award
University/Institution
Department
Held
/
/
/
/
/
/
Publications
Please indicate your total lifetime number of publications to date (excluding
abstracts):
Please indicate the number of publications in the last 5 years (excluding
abstracts):
Append to this page a list of papers published during the past five years. Title must be
provided. Include papers accepted for publication. Do not include manuscripts or abstracts in
preparation. Please number the pages appropriately.
Alberta Cancer Foundation 2016 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship Application
Supervisor Name / Candidate Name
Appendix 4 – REPRINT & PREPRINTS
You may append to this page, the abstract cover page for up to three (3) publications. Do not
append the full publication
Appendix 5 - LETTER OF SUPPORT/REFERENCE LETTERS
List of References: List the three (3) individuals (other than the sponsor and co-sponsor of this
application) who have been contacted to provide letters of reference of academic nature for this
application. Please have your referee comment on your academic achievement in the
letter. All reference letters must be personally sealed and secured by the referee and can be
forwarded either by;
1) referee in a signed and sealed envelope attached to the application
2) referee sent as an email with letters attached in PDF format to
programinvestment@albertacancer.ca . If your referee is sending the letter via an e-mail
the subject line should be: <last name of referee.last name of candidate graduate
application reference letter 2016> (e.g., <Smith.Brown PDF application reference
letter 2016>. Please communicate this with your referee.
NOTE: Letters of Support from the proposed supervisor(s) and Co-Supervisor will not
be accepted. (No Page Limit)
Reference Name
Relationship with Candidate
Attached?
Yes
To Follow
Yes
To Follow
Yes
To Follow
Appendix 6 - LETTER OF SUPPORT FROM SPONSOR
The sponsor must provide a letter to acknowledge support of the candidate within the designated
department supervisor’s/sponsor’s lab.
Appendix 7 - TRANSCRIPTS
Append to this page an official copy of all of the candidate’s academic transcripts. These
transcripts must be in the original sealed envelopes from the educational institute. If official
transcripts from foreign institutions are difficult to obtain, copies certified as true copies by an
Alberta University department head or research services office may be provided. Official
translated versions of transcripts, or certified true copies should be appended if applicable. (No
Page Limit)
Alberta Cancer Foundation 2016 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship Application
Supervisor Name / Candidate Name
SECTION G - RESEARCH CLASSIFICATION
Please check one or more boxes in each section which best describe your research project. All sections must be
completed unless otherwise indicated. This information is being collected for administrative purposes to aid in
reporting the types of research funded by the Alberta Cancer Foundation.
Section I
SCIENTIFIC DISCIPLINE(S)
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
Biochemistry
Cell Biology
Developmental Biology
Endocrinology
Genetics
Immunology
Molecular Biology
Virology
Other (Please Specify)
CHEMICAL SCIENCES
Carcinogenesis
Cytotoxic Drugs
Other (Please Specify)
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
Imaging
Molecular Structure
Photobiology
Radiobiology
Other (Please Specify)
CLINICAL SCIENCES
Drugs/Chemotherapy
Diagnostic Imaging
Nursing
Pathology
Psychiatry/Psychology
Radiation Oncology
Rehabilitation Medicine
Surgery
Other (Please Specify)
POPULATION HEALTH SCIENCES
Behavioural Sciences
Community Health
Epidemiology
Mathematical Modeling/Database
Occupational/Environmental Health
Other (Please Specify)
Section II
CATEGORY OF RESEARCH
Basic Research
Clinical Research
Intervention Research
Program Delivery
Surveillance and Monitoring
Translational Research
Section IIB
(Fill in ONLY if you checked Intervention
Research in Section II)
TYPE OF INTERVENTION RESEARCH
(Check ONE OR MORE which apply)
Diagnosis
Organization/System
Palliation
Policy
Prevention
Rehabilitation
Screening
Treatment
Other (Please Specify)
Section III
(Fill in ONLY if sponsor/supervisor is a
Cancer Care tumour group member)
CANCER CARE TUMOUR GROUP
Breast
Cutaneous
Endocrine
Gastro-Intestinal
GU
Gynecology
Head & Neck
Hematology, Lymphoma
Lung
Melanoma
Musculoskeletal, Sarcoma
Neuro-Oncology
Palliative
Pediatric
Uro-Oncology
Other (Please Specify)
Section IV
CANCER SITE
All
Alimentary Tract (except Colon/Rectum)
Bladder
Brain/Neurological
Breast
Colon/Rectum
Endocrine (include Pituitary, Thyroid, Adrenal)
Head and Neck
Hematopoietic (Leukemia, Lymphoma)
Kidney
Liver
Lung
Musculoskeletal
Ovary
Pancreas
Pediatric
Prostate
Skin/Integument (include Melanoma)
Testes
Uterus
Section V
CCRA CLASSIFICATION
EPIDEMIOLOGY
Ecological/environmental/correlation
Cross-sectional/prevalence
Case-control
Prospective cohort
Historical cohort
BASIC/FUNAMENTAL
Pure/in vitro
Pure/laboratory animals
Basic cancer biomedical research/in vitro
Basic cancer biomedical research/laboratory animals
Basic cancer biomedical research/human tissue
CLINICAL/DEVELOPMENTAL
Experimental medicine
Drug/procedure development
Early phase trials (no randomization)
Randomized controlled trials
Health education/promotion
EVALUATIVE/APPLIED
Program/service/intervention evaluation
Policy evaluation
Health economics
Ethics
Participatory action research
METHODOLOGICAL
Statistical methodology/biostatistical
Behavioral and social sciences
Novel applications
Research synthesis
KEYWORDS
Section VI to best describe your research:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Alberta Cancer Foundation 2016 Postdoctoral Cancer Research Fellowship Application