Special Initiatives

The MOHCCN funds special initiatives to ensure representativity and equity from coast to coast in our Network. By investing in precision medicine initiatives in areas that are generally underserved, such as rural, remote and Northern regions, we are working to bring life changing research to more Canadians. As the Network continues to grow, we are also funding projects that pilot new techniques and technologies that allow us to look at scientific questions from new perspectives.

Calls for applications for special initiatives will be shared and archived on this page.

Open funding competitions in this program

TFRI-MOHCCN Technology Development Awards

The TFRI-MOHCCN Technology Development Awards provides funding to projects to develop additional profiling technologies that would generate data compatible with precision oncology and could be applied to a section of the MOHCCN Gold Cohort.

PLEASE NOTE: TFRI and MOHCCN hosted an open-access webinar on April 3, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. PDT / 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. EDT to outline the application process for the TFRI-MOHCCN Technology Development Awards and to answer any questions. This recorded webinar and corresponding slides are available below:

Download slides

Purpose

This co-funding opportunity from the Terry Fox Research Institute (TFRI) and the Marathon of Hope Cancer Centres Network (MOHCCN) aims to support the development of proof-of-principle or proof-of-feasibility data for additional profiling approaches to be used in future developments for the MOHCCN. These projects will support existing or new precision cancer research using the MOHCCN model with significant potential for impact on outcomes for patients.

Scope of the Program

Projects may involve, but are not limited to, the following topics:

Proteomics and protein-based technologies
Metabolomics
Liquid biopsies and longitudinal samples for assessment of metastasis or heterogeneity
Flow Cytometry, CyTOF, Imaging mass spectrometry.

Applications should detail the technology, evidence of its use in the applicant’s labs, plan for standardization, reproducibility (at more than one site), and data processing/export. Applicants must have appropriate access to samples (include letters to demonstrate consent for sample analysis and access for sharing, as appropriate) and must detail the number of samples to be included in the project (minimum 20).

Support Offered

Funding will be available for the remaining two (2) years of the MOHCCN project, Fiscal Years 2024–25 and 2025–26. Projects may apply for up to $250,000 (total amount; delivered over one or two years, depending on project scope). Applicants must demonstrate the ability to begin work in August 2024, have appropriate access to samples and to complete work within the timeframes.

Collaboration across multiple Canadian cancer centres is encouraged, though not required. Industry collaborations are also welcome. Applicants are urged to work together to avoid competing applications for a given technology. Applications must include at least one PI currently or previously funded through MOHCCN.

Key Deadlines and Dates

*Stage*	*Dates*
Webinar and Opportunity for Q&A	April 3, 2024 (11 a.m. - 12 p.m. PDT / 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. EDT)
Submission of Award Application	May 16, 2024 (5 p.m. PDT)
Review Committee Meeting	June 2024
Funding Announcement	July 2024
Funding Starts	August 1, 2024

Documents

TFRI is committed to equity, diversity and inclusivity and strives to promote inclusive excellence in its research programs. We welcome eligible applicants of diverse backgrounds to apply for our funding opportunities.

Contact

Jessie Micholuk, MPH
Network Program Manager
Terry Fox Research Institute | l'Institut de recherche Terry Fox
675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver BC V5Z 1L3
Email: jmicholuk@tfri.ca

Vivian Lee, BSc
Projects Manager and Data Analyst
Terry Fox Research Institute | l'Institut de recherche Terry Fox
675 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3
Telephone: 778-652-2586
Email: vlee@tfri.ca