PRAIRIE Hub Training Initiative

The PRAIRIE Hub collectively houses facilities and the infrastructure required to strengthen existing and develop new training programs aimed at increasing Canada’s diversified talent pool required for the biomanufacturing and commercialization of diagnostics, small molecule therapeutics, and vaccines.

Scientist working under a biohazard hood

The PRAIRIE Hub Training Initiative is a program designed to subsidize the costs of travel for training purposes, such as for lab-to-lab exchanges, conferences, workshops, and more. The Training Initiative is open to all applicants within the PRAIRIE Hub region, independent of CBRF-BRIF funding status.

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

Objectives:

Skills Development: Building and supporting training activities relevant to biomanufacturing and pandemic preparedness.

Foster Collaboration: Enable researchers and trainees to build connections with academic, industry, non-profit, and governmental partners.

Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: Support participation in conferences, workshops, and symposia as a learning/training exercise; to present findings from Stage 2 teams and Hub members; and to represent the Hub's initiatives.

Promote accessibility for underrepresented groups. Following the University of Alberta's new approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion -- Access, Community, and Belonging (ACB) -- and ensure training opportunities for Indigenous peoples.

Application Process

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Please apply at least two months prior to intended travel date. 

Submission Requirements: 

  • Completed application form
  • Letter of support from supervisor and/or collaborator
  • Description of how the activity aligns with PRAIRIE Hub goals
  • Detailed travel budget with attached quotes

Successful applicants will need to complete a brief post-travel report detailing key outcomes, lessons learned, and next steps. 

Eligibility Criteria

Primary applicants: Undergraduate students, graduate students, technicians, postdoctoral fellows, research associates, and early-career researchers affiliated with PRAIRIE Hub CBRF2-BRIF2 awarded programs. Other applicants will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Approval Criteria: 

Applicants will be reviewed based on:

  • Relevance: Alignment with PRAIRIE Hub objectives (biomanufacturing, vaccines, diagnostics, therapeutics, commercialization)
  • Impact: Potential to advance biomanufacturing, training, or pandemic preparedness
  • Feasibility: Budget and itinerary are clear and reasonable
  • Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Considerations: Evidence of promoting inclusivity in research and collaboration
  • Applicant's Contribution: Priority will be given to applicants presenting their work or leading collaborations

Awards and Disbursement

Funding amounts per award will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Approximate guidelines include:

  • Conference travel: up to of $2,000 plus registration
  • Short-term research/training (1-7 days): up to $5,000 plus registration
  • Long-term research/training (1-4 weeks): $15,000 plus registration
  • Travel lasting longer than 4 weeks is assessed case-by-case

* registration fees may be limited to $5,000. All amounts listed based on domestic travel and may be adjusted for international travel. 

Funds will be disbursed following the University of Alberta and Department of Biochemistry guidelines. Meals are not eligible for reimbursement. Recipients will be responsible for costs upfront and will submit claims for reimbursement. Supervisors or teams may opt to cover the upfront costs for the recipient and be reimbursed. 

Eligible Activities in Detail (non-exhaustive):

  1. Workshops and Skills Development for Trainees and Researchers
    • Hands-on training in advanced molecular techniques, mRNA/saRNA vaccine platforms, LNP formulation, bioprocess scale-up.
    • Leadership and EDI-focused training in STEM.
  2. Conference, Workshop, and Symposium Participation
    • Preference for those presenting findings (posters/oral talks) from CBRF2- BRIF2-funded projects.
    • National and international conferences focused on biomanufacturing, diagnostics, vaccines, therapeutics, regulatory frameworks, and One Health.
    • Attendance at specialized workshops on regulatory affairs, GMP compliance, and commercialization.
  3. Inter-institutional Training and Collaboration Visits
    • Travel for training at partner institutions with GMP biomanufacturing, regulatory, or pandemic preparedness expertise (e.g., ACTM, NRC, VIDO, CASTL, Cytiva, API).
    • Specific training seminars such as Introduction to Regulatory Issues in Biomanufacturing (Trina Racine, VIDO)
    • Short-term training outside of the Hub (e.g., BMC-OHRI)
  4. Industry and Government Engagement
    • Travel to engage with government regulatory agencies (e.g., Health Canada) for biomanufacturing projects.
  5. Travel for site visits to biomanufacturing and fill/finish facilities
  6. One Health-related activities (e.g., zoonotic disease surveillance training, community workshops).
  7. Indigenous training related to pandemic preparedness, diagnostics, health equity, traditional knowledge integration
  8. Support Indigenous trainees and researchers to attend relevant gatherings (e.g., Indigenous Health Research Symposiums).

 

Please email phpp@ualberta.ca for more details and to apply.

Application Form