February 5, 2024
Achievements for Ann - The Backlund Fellowship
Accelerating ALS Research: Campus Alberta Neuroscience and the ALS Society of Alberta Unite for Postdoctoral Fellowship Competition
Campus Alberta Neuroscience and the ALS Society of Alberta are pleased to announce a new partnership and postdoctoral scholarship. Achievements for Ann – The Backlund Fellowship Competition will support exceptional scholars in Alberta and provide them with the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of research in ALS and neuromuscular diseases. By exploring research to understand the causes, find potential treatments, and/or enhance the quality of life for those affected, these scholars will play a crucial role in combating these neurodegenerative diseases.
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The disease causes muscle weakness and loss of muscle control, ultimately progressing to paralysis where an individual is left unable to eat or breathe. In most cases, ALS results in premature death in a number of years. With approximately 3,000 Canadians currently living with ALS and no known treatment or cure, investing in research in this field is paramount.
The ALS Society of Alberta, in partnership with CAN, will provide two (2) awards of up to CAD $140,000 total funding per award, for a period of two years each.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are very excited to support the next generation of researchers whose work will better understand the cause of the disease, find potential treatments, and improve the quality of life for those living with ALS. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with CAN to award Alberta-based scholars pursuing projects that advance the field of ALS research.”
- Nancy Lyzaniwski, Chair, ALS Society of Alberta Board of Directors
In addition to its direct impact on advancing scientific knowledge of ALS and the search for effective treatments, funding research in the field of ALS and neuromuscular diseases fosters innovation, knowledge translation, and a culture of education and research in the province. Financial support through programs like Acheivements for Ann – The Backlund Fellowship allows postdoctoral scholars to focus on their novel explorations without the worry of financial constraints. Investing in research in Alberta advances the translation of scientific knowledge into practical, evidence-based applications through dissemination to the broader scientific community, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, leading to positive impacts on the lives of Albertans. It also creates new opportunities for mentorship, training, and collaboration - deepening researchers’ expertise and nurturing a culture of lifelong learning and open knowledge sharing.
Candidates for the ALS Society of Alberta Postdoctoral Competition must hold a recent doctoral degree and have, by the time of the application deadline, secured a supervisor in Alberta for an ALS/neuromuscular disorder research project. With more details coming later this year, interested parties should expect to demonstrate their strong academic background and potential, an innovative research idea, and a strong relevance to the ALS Society of Alberta’s mission, “to make each day the best possible day for people living with and affected by ALS.”
Applications for the ALS Society of Alberta Postdoctoral Scholarship Competition will open in March 2024. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those affected by ALS and neuromuscular disorders, we encourage you to prepare your proposals and be ready to apply.
About ALS Society of Alberta
The ALS Society of Alberta is a non-profit organization dedicated to making each day the best possible day for people living with and affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). It is the only non-profit organization in Alberta that provides support to those affected by the disease, and also supports the national ALS research program. For more information, please visit alsab.ca.
About CAN
Campus Alberta Neuroscience, established in 2012 with support from the Government of Alberta, is a province-wide neuroscience network connecting the Universities of Alberta, Calgary and Lethbridge to increase the impact of neuroscience and mental health research, education and translation, developing the province as an epicenter for neuroscience excellence. Through collaborative partnerships with researchers, government and health system stakeholders, industry and community organizations, CAN supports and accelerates innovative brain and mental health advances that improve brain health, patient care and quality of life in Alberta and beyond. For more information, please visit albertaneuro.ca.