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.
The PRAIRIE Hub Training Initiative is a program designed to subsidize the costs of travel and training for members and affiliates of the PRAIRIE Hub for Pandemic Preparedness.
ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS in May 2025
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 ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥'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
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.
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: maximum award of $2,000
- Short-term research/training (1-7 days): maximum award of $5,000
- Long-term research/training (1-4 weeks): maximum award of $15,000
- Travel lasting longer than 4 weeks is assessed case-by-case
Funds will be disbursed following the ¾ÅÐãÖ±²¥ and Department of Biochemistry guidelines. Recipients will be responsible for costs up front and will submit claims for reimbursement. Supervisors or teams may opt to cover the up front costs for the recipient and be reimbursed.
Please email phpp@ualberta.ca for more details and to apply.