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Home > Funding Programs > Chronic Wasting Disease Research Program
The Chronic Wasting Disease Research Program funds collaborative research related to understanding and managing Chronic Wasting Disease, a prion disease affecting elk and deer.
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Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a prion disease caused by misfolded proteins in the brain that can affect elk, deer, and other cervids. CWD can be transmitted both by contact and through the environment in soil, water, and in plants. Its spread represents a threat to agricultural production and to animal health.
The Chronic Wasting Disease Research Program is designed to support collaborative research directly related to understanding and managing CWD. Our funding aims to help researchers find solutions to slow and prevent the spread of CWD.
The program will:
Information that emerges through the program has potential value for all levels of government and could inform the development of public policies regarding CWD. Findings can also support progress in understanding other types of prion diseases affecting other animals, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle. In order to maximize impact, projects which address more than one of the program areas are strongly encouraged.
Funding of up to $250,000 per project will be available with a total CWD Program offering of $1 million.
CWDR Program Guide
The program is open to small and medium enterprises (SMEs), industry organizations, research and development organizations, post-secondary institutions, and government research laboratories.
Research projects must be carried out by at least two investigators. Teams will select a nominated Principal Investigator (PI), who must be based in Alberta, to submit the application. Projects must also be supported by a cash contribution from another funder equaling at least 25 per cent of the amount from Alberta Innovates.
Successful applicants will receive awarded funds through their organization.
Does this program sound like a good fit? We accept applications in two phases: initial intake and then the full proposal. The intake form is intended to make sure you’re eligible for the program before a full proposal is submitted.
Please refer to the program guide for full details before you get started.
To apply:
Following evaluation, applicants will be notified as to whether their application has been approved for support.
View the webinar and accompanying slide deck linked below for more information and answers to frequently asked questions.
All applications are reviewed and evaluated to determine fit with program objectives and intended outcomes. Alberta Innovates staff and external expert reviewers evaluate submitted applications based on the criteria described on page 9 of the Program Guide.
Director, Sustainable Agriculture
Applications for the Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Research Program are now open! The CWD Program funds collaborative research related to understanding and managing CWD, a prion disease affecting elk and deer.
Registration closed: August 14, 2023 12:00 am
Submit your registration by completing an intake form by August 14, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. MDT. Applicants will be notified within two weeks of the intake form deadline of their suitability to submit a full proposal. Full proposals are due by September 25, 2023, at 5:00 p.m. MDT. Applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their application in advance of this deadline.
Dr. Hermann Schaetzl, University of Calgary
Dr. Sabine Gilch, University of Calgary
University of Alberta, Dr. Judd Aiken, Results Driven Agriculture Research
JAN 2022 – DEC 2023
University of Alberta, Dr. Debbie McKenzie
January 2022 – December 2023
University of Alberta, Dr. Holger Wille
March 29, 2023
Newly announced funding for seven different projects looks to accelerate innovation in agricultural research.
July 19, 2022
$1 million available for research projects that investigate the devastating brain disease in deer, elk, and other cervids
January 26, 2022
Five projects seek to tackle areas like vaccine development and transmissibility study as disease concerns continue to rise.
Agriculture & Forestry
Sectors: Agriculture & Forestry
Initiative description: Alberta Innovates is leading the way to transformative change in the agri-food sector by investing in technologies to allow Alberta to sustainably produce healthy, dependable supplies of food.