Innovation Catalyst Grants
In June 2023, the Arthur J.E. Child Foundation made a transformational gift of $50 million to the Alberta Cancer Foundation. For the Arthur Child to earn its place as a world leader, it is critically important that the teams within seize emerging opportunities to maintain and enhance excellence in research and clinical practice. The Arthur Child Innovation Catalyst Grant Competition will foster innovation and allow the Arthur Child team to act boldly to pursue opportunities in cancer research and care.
Competition highlights
Eligibility
Lead Applicants must be located in Calgary and have an affiliation with the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute and/or Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre.
Budget
Up to $200,000 per grant over two years.
We anticipate funding six projects/initiatives but may increase the number of awards depending on the recommendations of the review panel and the availability of funds.
Application
A Notice of Intent (NOI) is required for all applications. The NOI will not be used to triage proposals, unless it is determined that the proposal, as presented in the NOI, is not eligible for the competition.
Review
Scientific review will be completed by an external peer review panel. Final funding decisions will be made by the Arthur J.E. Child Advisory Committee.
Key dates
Call for proposals
June 17, 2026
Notice of Intent deadline
September 30, 2026
Application deadline
October 30, 2026
Funding decision
December 2026
Apply for an Innovation Catalyst Grant
For questions, please contact charbonneau@ucalgary.ca
Congratulations to the 2024 Arthur Child Catalysts
We are proud to announce and congratulate the very first Arthur Child Catalysts, whose projects will help shape the future of cancer care in Alberta.
*not pictured: Dr. Sorana Morrissy.
Dr. Jongbok Lee
Project summary: Exploring how exercise can enhance adoptive cellular therapy for acute myeloid leukemia by improving immune cell function. By integrating exercise science with immunotherapy, this innovative approach hopes to provide more effective, accessible, and safer cancer treatments for Albertans facing cancer.
Dr. Rui Fu
Project summary: Developing a machine learning prediction tool to identify head and neck cancer patients at risk of catastrophic health events. This tool could revolutionize head and neck cancer care, leading to more effective, streamlined, and cost-efficient treatment and survivorship.
Dr. Perri Tutelman
Project summary: Creating ANCHOR, a digital platform designed to support unmet needs of adolescents and young adults with cancer. This tool aims to improve access to supportive care services and significantly enhance quality of life for young patients.
Dr. Amir Sanati Nezhad
Project summary: Creating a biosensor-based blood test to provide a non-invasive way to assess treatment effectiveness and detect resistance early in Albertans undergoing metastatic urothelial cancer treatment. This technology could personalize treatment, improve therapy success, and offer a near real-time view of tumour and immune system activity.
Dr. Sorana Morrissy
Project summary: Advancing a new immunotherapy for glioblastoma using mRNA and lipid nanoparticle (LNP) technology to overcome treatment resistance. This innovative approach could lead to scalable, off-the-shelf treatments for one of the most aggressive brain cancers.