Myeloma Canada funded research

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Myeloma Canada is committed to supporting prioritized, clinically relevant research projects that correspond to, and further, our mission. Projects in which we invest, identify, and address knowledge gaps in the diagnosis, treatment, and science of myeloma and related plasma cell disorders, with the goal of improving quality of life and ultimately, finding a cure.

While some projects may be conducted regionally, the research impact must benefit the national or international myeloma community.

Building hope through research: Myeloma Canada research principles

As a grassroots organization, our research investment principles are anchored in the core values that support the priorities identified by our myeloma community. Myeloma Canada research grants fund Canadian research projects that satisfy one or more of Myeloma Canada’s Funded Research Principles & Priorities.

The research must have a direct impact on:

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improving the quality of life and/or survival of myeloma patients;

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increasing patient access to new myeloma therapies, new treatment combinations, or improved treatment administration;

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improving myeloma healthcare delivery.

Patient involvement in the development of research protocols is an asset. Research that addresses at least one of the top 10 priorities for multiple myeloma research in Canada is strongly recommended.

See the impact of your investment in myeloma research.

Aldo Del Col 1954-2019

Aldo Del Col Research Grant

To honour the legacy and memory of Myeloma Canada’s co-founder, the Aldo Del Col Research Grant funds patient-prioritized Canadian research projects that help address the knowledge gaps in the diagnosis and treatment of myeloma and/or related plasma cell disorders that were identified through the Myeloma Priority Setting Partnership (PSP).

The Myeloma PSP was a collaborative project between the Horizon Health Network, the Maritime SPOR SUPPORT UNIT (MSSU), and Myeloma Canada, and adhered to established PSP practices set by the James Lind Alliance.

To learn more about the winners partners and corresponding projects, click here.

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Read the top 10 priority questions within the published correspondence, “The future of myeloma research in Canada and beyond: results of a James Lind Alliance priority setting partnership.”

Research proposals must:

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be for projects of a duration of one or two years;

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address one or more of the top ten priorities for multiple myeloma research in Canada as identified through the Myeloma PSP. Click here to access the Top 10 Myeloma Research Priorities;

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satisfy one or more of Myeloma Canada’s Funded Research Principles. The research in question must have a direct impact on:

  • improving the quality of life and/or survival of myeloma patients;
  • increasing patient access to new myeloma therapies, new treatment combinations, or improved treatment administration;
  • improving myeloma healthcare delivery.

Funded research projects will ideally have an impact on all Canadians impacted by myeloma. While some projects may be conducted regionally, the potential research impact should be applicable to the regional, provincial, or national myeloma community. Patient involvement in the planning, development, and execution of research projects is an asset. Research proposals are peer-reviewed by an Independent Research Review Committee (IRRC).

Indirect costs of research (e.g., institutional overhead, pooled costs, G&A, M&A, utilities, maintenance) are not permitted.

2024 Aldo Del Col Research Grants

Based on the number and quality of applications, grants totaling at least CDN $350,000 are expected to be awarded in 2024. The minimum award is CDN $50,000 and the maximum award is CDN $150,000. The IRRC will endeavour to award at least 1 grant in each of the following research categories:

  • Accelerate the development of academic cellular therapies
  • Lab/bench projects (including but not limited to the development of novel therapeutics)
  • Quality of life, database or real-world evidence
  • Clinical trial research components (e.g., quality of life or health economic analyses)

Applicant eligibility

The principal applicant must be a researcher at any career stage, and be affiliated with a Canadian university, hospital, cancer centre, or research institute.

To apply

Eligible applicants must complete and submit the Aldo Del Col Research Grant Application Form prior to the posted application deadline.

As part of the application process, eligible applicants must:

  • successfully answer pre-screening eligibility questions;
  • accept the Applicant Terms and Conditions;
  • agree to provide an interim and/or a final status update according to the length of the research proposal;
  • provide an impact statement (250 words max) on the significance and potential impact of the research project.
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Questions

For any questions or additional information regarding Myeloma Canada’s Aldo Del Col Research Grant, please contact Gabriele Colasurdo, Myeloma Canada’s Director of Science and Research, at [email protected].

Dr Andrew R Belch MEET Grant for young myeloma investigators

In recognition of Dr Andrew Belch’s outstanding lifetime achievements and mentoring of young researchers in the field of multiple myeloma, Myeloma Canada, under the vision of our co-founder Aldo Del Col, established the Dr Andrew R Belch Myeloma Education and Enriched Training (MEET) Grant program for young myeloma investigators in 2019.

MEET grants are intended to support recipients’ conference registration/participation fees, travel costs, and per diem (lodging, meals, incidental) expenses.

To learn more about the winners partners and corresponding projects, click here.

Photo of Dr Andrew R Belch

Dr Andrew Belch

Dr Belch, now retired, has been a driving force in myeloma clinical research, providing Canadian myeloma patients access to novel agents through clinical trials years before they were made readily available. Dr Belch has been an active supporter of Myeloma Canada, including having served as Chair of the Myeloma Canada Scientific Advisory Board.

2024 MEET Grants

Myeloma Canada will make six MEET grants available, each in the amount of CDN $4,000.

Based on the number and quality of applications received, a maximum of four MEET grants may be awarded in Q1-Q2, 2024. The balance of available MEET grants will be awarded in Q3-Q4 2024.

Eligibility

To be eligible for consideration of a MEET Grant, applicants must be 35 years of age or younger during the year of application and either be;

  • enrolled in a hematology, myeloma residency, PhD, MD, or fellowship program;*
  • affiliated with a Canadian university or cancer research lab.

*Note: Applicants enrolled in programs outside Canada must submit a research project that is affiliated and conducted with at least one myeloma specialist practising in Canada.

Application process

To apply, eligible applicants must:

  • submit an abstract to a medical/scientific meeting or conference that is clinically directed or relevant for myeloma patients;
  • be the primary author on the submitted abstract and be selected for an oral or poster presentation;
  • email a completed MEET Grant Application Form to Myeloma Canada at [email protected] along with the following supporting documents:
    • curriculum vitae (CV) with the applicant’s current position, institution, degrees, and affiliations;
    • copy of the submitted/approved abstract;
    • proof that the abstract was selected for an oral or poster presentation (when available).

Applicants may apply for multiple MEET grants for multiple projects; however, only one MEET Grant will be awarded per applicant. MEET grants cannot be deferred and are non-transferable.

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Questions

For any questions or additional information regarding Myeloma Canada’s Aldo Del Col Research Grant, please contact Gabriele Colasurdo, Myeloma Canada’s Director of Science and Research, at [email protected].

2024 Multiple Myeloma March fund-sharing partnership program

Myeloma Canada has