Join Us

The Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology (LKSIoV) was established in 2010 as a world-class centre to support research into the many ways viruses affect human and animal health. Since then, the membership has expanded to include leading scientists studying the biology and impact of bacteria, fungi, and parasites.

The institute brings together more than 60 researchers from over a dozen University of Alberta departments who are collaborating to explore how to diagnose, treat, and prevent severe illnesses caused by these pathogens. LKSIoV membership is free, and offers a number of benefits. Come join us!

Apply for Membership

Membership in the Li Ka Shing Institute of Virology has made a huge difference to my research program. The institute gave me part of my start-up funding, students in my lab have received financial support, and the many valuable symposia and the seminars it has sponsored have offered ways to connect with — and learn from — researchers outside of my specific field studying highly resistant bacteria. As an early career scientist, I appreciate how the institute keeps me and my students connected with the university’s larger research community.

Dr. Justin Di Trani, Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, LKSIoV member since 2024

A portrait of Justin D. Trani

Types of membership

Full member

  • Faculty appointees, including Faculty Service Officers, and/or clinical academic colleagues
  • Must be eligible to apply for and hold research funding at the University of Alberta

Associate member

  • Research and/or clinical academic colleagues with a primary appointment at an institution that is not the University of Alberta
  • Must be eligible to apply for and hold research funding at a recognized university

Trainee member*

  • Graduate students registered in an academic training program (e.g. MSc, PhD), as well as Postdoctoral Fellows (PDFs) who are under the supervision of an LKSIoV full member
  • Research Associates (RAs) affiliated with an LKSIoV full member

*Trainee membership is automatic upon membership approval of a full member applicant.

Membership benefits

Funding opportunities

  • Full members are eligible to apply for competitive LKSIoV research support and innovation grants
  • Trainee members can apply for various studentships or travel funding programs

Networking

  • Opportunities to share knowledge and best practices
  • Meet other researchers
  • Form multidisciplinary collaborations

Sponsorship

  • Opportunities to apply for event or term sponsorships

Letters of support

  • Members can request a letter of support* when applying for various non-LKSIoV funding programs (e.g. NSERC, CIHR)
  • Letters drafted by the member should include information about how the Principal Investigator intends to leverage LKSIoV resources
  • For more information on letters of support, visit CIHR's website or NSERC's website

Promotion

  • Promotion of members' work via SUTV, the website, social media, reports, brochures, media events, etc.

Translational research / commercialization support

  • Advice on how to focus research opportunities with potential for generating IP (intellectual property)
  • Guidance on applying for, developing, and protecting patents
  • Assistance with translating research into clinical practice
  • Providing advice on the development of a spin-off company

Membership expectations

  • Acknowledge LKSIoV support on institute-funded research presentations or publications
  • Submit reports to LKSIoV on use of funds
  • List LKSIoV affiliation in manuscripts submitted for publication
  • Include LKSIoV membership on curriculae vitae, resumes, and biosketches
  • Actively participate in LKSIoV events
  • Serve on adjudication panels and other committees when recruited
  • Network and collaborate with other LKSIoV members to build community
  • Share research stories in LKSIoV communications

Apply for membership

To apply, please submit the following via email to lksiov@ualberta.ca:

We welcome any questions about LKSIoV membership. Please send inquiries to Dr. Wendy Magee, Director of Operations and Research at wmagee@ualberta.ca.