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Call for Proposals: AI and COVID-19 Catalyst Grants 
(up to $15,000 CAD) 

CIFAR is issuing a targeted call for AI and COVID-19 interdisciplinary research collaborations to spark innovative, high-risk/high-reward ideas and projects. CIFAR’s Catalyst Program provides seed funding for time-limited activities. 

Sample topics may include: pathogenicity and/or transmission of COVID-19, AI tools to accelerate vaccine development, or AI applications to advance our understanding of the economic impacts of the COVID-19, among others. 

Examples of eligible catalyst-supported activities include, but are not limited to:

• Pilot projects
• Interdisciplinary projects involving trainees
• Large-scale, team-based grant proposal development

Submission requirements:

• Proposals must be submitted jointly by at least two Principal Investigators 
  • One applicant must be a current CIFAR Program Member or Canada CIFAR AI Chair
  • Co-applicant(s) may include past CIFAR program members, or researchers at any institution around the world.

• Must not exceed one page (approx. 500 words).
• Title and brief description of the project or activity
• Proposed start date of the activity
• Name(s) of co-supervised trainee(s) (if applicable/known)
• Estimated budget (not to exceed $15,000 CAD)

Proposal should describe the potential:

• impact on society;
• understanding of an aspect of COVID-19;
• impact on career development for trainees; and 
• outputs

Proposals will be reviewed and recommended for funding by CIFAR’s program advisory committee members and international college of reviewers.

Apply Online
Successful applicants will be notified on April 6, 2020.

For more information, please contact:
   Rachel Parker, PhD
   Senior Director, Research (CIFAR)
   catalystfunds@cifar.ca