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<strong>Investing</strong> in the future of research

Investing in the future of research

Supporting the next generation of scientists in Canada

The path of a researcher begins with a pivotal phase: the postdoctoral fellowship. During this period, young scientists develop their expertise, refine their skills and start to consider the possibility of running their own research laboratory. However, in Canada, this transition is fraught with obstacles, largely due to underinvestment in research. Unfortunately, this reality often leads to the abandonment of an academic career or the flight of our talents to other horizons.

To overcome these challenges, the Cancer Research Society (CRS) has established the Next Generation of Scientists Award. Our grant program is designed to support the most promising postdoctoral researchers to become the future generation of cancer researchers in Canada.

This innovative program includes two key parts:

1. A one-year postdoctoral fellowship of $50,000: enabling recipients to acquire the necessary experience to become accomplished cancer researchers.

2. A two-year operating grant of $125,000: awarded upon obtaining a research position at an eligible Canadian research institution. This grant supports them in establishing their own laboratory and conducting their own cancer research.
“Our approach aims to strengthen the research ecosystem in Canada, encourage innovation and ensure that our country remains at the forefront of cancer research. Our commitment to the future of scientific research is clear: we stand alongside these talented researchers at every stage of their careers.” — Dajan O’Donnell, PhD, Director, Scientific Affairs and Partnerships at CRS.

Recipients of these awards for 2023:

Ryuhjin Ahn

Part 1: Deciphering the tumor-host interaction using cell-type specific signaling network analysis.

Part 2: Investigating cell-type-specific signalome in tumor microenvironment to identify novel targets for cancer immunotherapy.

Yannick Audet-Delage

Part 1: Spatiotemporal modelling of chemoresistance evolution in breast tumors uncovers key metabolic dependencies.

Part 2: Identification of novel therapeutic targets to overcome chemotherapy resistance in cancer using systems biology and machine learning.

Arielle Elkrief

Part 1: Intratumoral E. coli as a novel biomarker of response to immune checkpoint inhibition in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.

Part 2: Intratumoral Escherichia coli as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target of lung cancer immunotherapy.

Claudia Gentile

Part 1: Oncogenic mSWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex functions in kinase mutant human cancers: new mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities.

Part 2: Targeting mSWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex activities in kinase inhibitor-resistant EGFR and BRAF mutant cancer.

David Papadopoli

Part 1: The role of ETFDH in neoplasia.

Part 2: Deciphering molecular mechanisms that drive ETFDH in metastasis.

This Next Generation of Scientists Award transcends the simple act of financing. Each recipient embodies hope for new solutions and strategies to counteract cancer.
It is essential to emphasize that this program exists thanks to the generosity of our donors, and we express our deep gratitude to them.

Together, let’s invest in the future of research to outsmart cancer!