# Endowment Competitions
**Source**: https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/research-institutes/funding-opportunities/endowment-competitions
**Parent**: https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/
Office of the Associate Dean
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### [CLOSED - The Mach-Gaensslen Foundation EOI| Amt $6,000| Febr 2,2026](#collapse892640060)
**2026 Mach-Gaensslen Foundation Student Grant Program - Expression of Interest**
The Mach-Gaensslen Foundation of Canada honours the lives of Vaclav F. Mach and Dr. Hanni Gaensslen by supporting research related to the fields of **cardiology, oncology, and psychiatry** since 2005. Medical students from Canadian medical schools are invited to participate in a four month of summer medical research in the three areas of medicine. ***Minimum of 5 student grants will be chosen in CSM and each student is eligible to receive up to a $6,000 grant.***
The summer student research grants are made on certain terms. The short term objective is to encourage student research in medicine, specifically in the focused disciplines of cardiology, oncology and psychiatry. As a long term objective, the Mach-Gaensslen Foundation of Canada is interested in knowing whether involvement in summer research, while a medical student, will influence career choice or lead to research later in a student’s professional life. To receive funding for a summer’s research the summer student researcher is asked to participate in a prospective study focused on individual research opportunities, for the balance of their careers. This study is certainly not arduous for the student/professional and will contribute significantly to the foundation’s overall knowledge base. It simply requires completion of a pair of initial questionnaires (at the start and end of the summer research program), an initial evaluation questionnaire, and a follow-up short questionnaire in the form of an on-line survey every five years. Click for more details of the [Mach-Gaensslen Foundation](https://em.ucalgary.ca/MTYxLU9MTi05OTAAAAGe5wzdTKx5pT1TiUb3XlRDa0ZfU7NlYVnQROwMIx7yjwWZfNW9OUPcisJ2gyxlsz7rE__b27c=).
The Foundation anticipate that they will release the new application package, early February 2026. We will be notifying you as soon as we will have this information.
**Please submit your Expression of Interest as soon as possible, by February 2nd, 2026, at:**[**medendow@ucalgary.ca**](mailto:medendow@ucalgary.ca)**The Expression of Interest should include: name of PI (supervisor), name of UofC summer student (including UCID#, year of study, degree and department of enrolment), area of research, project title and estimated funding request.**
Note: Mach-Gaensslen Foundation award covers the summer months of research which include the summer plus elective time: April, May, June, July, August and September.
Anticipated application deadlines:
1. Expressions of Interest to Office of the Associate Dean Research [medendow@ucalgary.ca](mailto:medendow@ucalgary.ca) :**February 2nd, 2026**
2. Review of application documents: March 6th, 2026
3. Faculty submission of applications to the MG Foundation: March 13th, 2026
**Submit your Expression of Interest / questions at:**[medendow@ucalgary.ca](mailto:medendow@ucalgary.ca)
### [CLOSED -The Koopmans Memorial Research Fund| Amt $22,500| Nov 13/25](#collapse1236606599)
This endowment was set up to honour the late Henry S. Koopmans. It provides funds for innovative research into the **mechanisms of food intake**, **energy balance** or **integrative GI physiology**. Funds are awarded on the basis of a brief innovative research proposal.
Applicant eligibility: The allocation made available from the Fund will be awarded annually to a junior faculty member with a preference for the Gastrointestinal Research Group of the Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, but awards can be made to any junior faculty member with a full-time appointment in the Cumming School of Medicine or a cross-appointment in the Cumming School of Medicine (preference will be given to highly ranked applications of those with a primary appointment).
*Please note the Early Career Researcher (ECR / junior investigator) is a “researcher within five years of the date of their first independent research-related appointment”:*<https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/53113.html>
*For additional clarifications regarding CIHR Early Career Researcher please see Guidelines.*
Amount available: one award up to **$22,500**for one year
Deadline for application submission to the Office of the Associate Dean Research: **November 13, 2025**
**Submit your application at:** [medendow@ucalgary.ca](mailto:medendow@ucalgary.ca)
Questions? Inquiries can be made to Dr. Shan Liao at [liaos@ucalgary.ca](mailto:liaos@ucalgary.ca )or to [medendow@ucalgary.ca](mailto:medendow@ucalgary.ca)
[Guidelines & Application](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/20/2025_Call%20for%20applications%20Koopmans%20Memorial%20Research%20Fund.pdf)
### [CLOSED - The Rozsa Endowment for Auditory Research| Amt $25,900| Dec 1, 2025](#collapse2000753623)
The Rozsa Endowment for Auditory Research award is intended to support the research of a faculty member in the field of auditory research.
Applicant eligibility: The competition is open to all faculty members with primary appointment at Cumming School of Medicine at University of Calgary
Deadline: **December 1st, 2025**
Amount: **up to $ 25,900/ year for one year**
**Submit your application / questions at:**[medendow@ucalgary.ca](mailto:medendow@ucalgary.ca)
[Guidelines & Application Form](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/20/_2025_Guidelines%20%26%20Application%20Form_The%20Rozsa%20Endowment%20for%20Auditory%20Research%20CR.pdf)
### [CLOSED -Dr. Phil Blustein Mind-Body Investigation | Amt $6,310| Sept 3/25](#collapse1738912975)
**Background**: Dr. Phil Blustein was a Calgary gastroenterologist for 39 years, specializing in diseases of the digestive system. He was an Associate Professor at the Cumming School of Medicine. Throughout his career as a physician, Dr. Blustein became increasingly aware of the importance of the mind-body connection which was incorporated into his practice of medicine. He collaborated on a research study that demonstrated the value of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction in the Irritable Bowel Syndrome. He wrote a book called “Mindfulness Medication: A Physician’s Prescription for Stress Relief.” He created a website [http://thebreathproject.org/](https://thebreathproject.org/)for stress management for his patients. He presently helps to organize a Calgary group WELLNESS THROUGH MINDFULNESS that offers free information on mindfulness and related topics. The website is: [wtm.thebreathproject.org](https://wtm.thebreathproject.org/)
**Purpose**: To encourage research related to applying mind-body connections as it relates to causality, course of the problem and treatments for patients with gastrointestinal disorders primarily, but research in this area related to any medical disorder will also be considered. For detailed guidelines, please see application form, link below.
All submissions should have a collaboration with the Cumming School of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
**Applicant Eligibilit**y - the award is open to:\
•**Current undergraduate and graduate students** enrolled at the University of Calgary from any faculty\
•**Researchers (MD or PhD)** within a Department or Division at the Cumming School of Medicine, such as but not limited to, the Department of Medicine or Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
•Preference will be given to **new investigators** (as defined by CIHR: an early career researcher (ECR) is a researcher within five years of the date of their first independent research-related appointment)\
•**Medical allied professionals,** such as but not limited to, nurses, psychologists, social workers with a University of Calgary affiliation. Provided that you can be a Project Holder at UCalgary as per Research Services guidelines at: [fr-guidelines-for-research-funding-20210621.pdf (ucalgary.ca)](https://www.ucalgary.ca/finance/sites/default/files/teams/5/fr-guidelines-for-research-funding-20210621.pdf)
EXTENDED Deadline: **September 3rd, 2025**
Amount: **up to $ 6,310/ year for one year**
**Eligible Use of Funds:**\
Research related expenses – which can include materials, sample collection, personnel (such as Research Associate).
\
**Examples of eligible research studies/projects:**\
• How does stress impact the causality, course and treatment outcomes of gastrointestinal disorders\
• Does modifying stress alter the nature of gastrointestinal disorders\
• The use of psychiatric drugs and their impact on gastrointestinal disorders\
• Exploring the use of psychedelic drugs in gastrointestinal disorders\
• Are non-pharmacologic stress improving techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, yoga, Pilates, QiGong, hypnosis, CBT etc, helpful\
• Developing a resource for patients to access stress-relieving techniques and evaluate their effectiveness\
• How stress impacts gut microflora and its influence on gastrointestinal disorders\
• How gut microflora can cause stress
\
The following type of projects are eligible:\
• Individual research projects\
• Joint applications from two or more investigators or research groups that foster collaboration will be considered\
• Start-up research projects that have potential to grow to larger
**Submit your application / questions to Patty Beug-Jang at:**[medendow@ucalgary.ca](mailto:medendow@ucalgary.ca)
[Guidelines & Application](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/20/2025_Application_Phil%20Blustein%20Endowment.pdf)
### [CLOSED - Keith MacCannell Rising Researcher Scholar| Amt $23,624| August 25/25](#collapse1707667338)
The Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) welcomes applications for The Dr. Keith MacCannell Rising Researcher Scholar Award Competition. The funds will encourage research within the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology for early career fellows, clinician-researchers and basic-science researchers, particularly those that combine curiosity and innovative thinking in their approaches.
**Eligible Use of Funds**:
- For Basic Science research projects – allowable expenses could include support for personnel, materials, sample collection
- For Clinical research projects – allowable expenses could include support for an analyst, research coordinator, statistician
- Additional expenses related to research, as approved by the Head, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology
**Eligible applicants**:\
The award is open to members of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology who are:
- Fellows that are newly entering the program or advanced fellows. These applicants are required to append to their application, a letter of support and acknowledgement of submission from their supervisor.
- Junior faculty members – defined as three years since hiring date. Eligible leaves (e.g. maternity, parental) will extend junior faculty status (i.e. will not be counted towards the maximum).
**Eligible types of projects**:
- Individual research projects
- Joint applications from two or more investigators or research groups that foster collaboration will be considered
- Start-up research projects that have potential to grow to larger projects
- Smaller projects that can add value to existing projects
**Amount**: 1 award available at $23,624
**Deadline** for application submission to the Office of the Associate Dean Research: August 25th, 2025
**Submit your application / questions to Patty Beug-Jang at:**[medendow@ucalgary.ca](mailto:medendow@ucalgary.ca)
[Application & Guidelines](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/20/2025_Application_MacCannell%20Rising%20Researcher%20Competition%20FINAL.pdf)
### [CLOSED- The Carole May Yates Memorial for Cancer Resrch| Amt$23,500| June 30/25](#collapse1076204567)
The Cumming School of Medicine (CSM) welcomes applications for the Carole May Yates Memorial Endowment for Cancer Research Competition. The fund will support and facilitate cancer research, with preference given to research related to: basic or clinical research related to the detection, prevention or treatment of pre-menopausal breast cancer, basic or clinical research in the area of tumor immunology, equipment to be used for cancer research, a visiting professorship or lectureship program in the areas of medical or surgical oncology. This competition is opened to all faculty members with primary appointments in the Cumming School of Medicine.
**Amount**: up to $23,500
**Deadline**: June 30, 2025
**Questions to Office of the Associate Dean Research, attn Patty Beug-Jang:** [medendow@ucalgary.ca](mailto:medendow@ucalgary.ca)
[Guidelines and Application](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/20/2025_Application_Carole_May_Yates_Memorial_Cancer_Research.pdf)
### [CLOSED-The Meredith Campbell Helgeson Research Award| Amt $11,100| Oct 28/24](#collapse1750089968)
The Cumming School of Medicine welcomes applications for The Meredith Campbell Helgeson Research Award in Colon Cancer and Surgical Oncology Endowment. The competition is open to to researchers with a primary appointment within the Cumming School of Medicine.
Funds are in support of research in the areas of either colon cancer or surgical oncology.
Applicants can request up to **$11,100**
Deadline for application submission to the Office of the Associate Dean Research: **October 28, 2024**
**Submit your application / questions to Patty Beug-Jang at:**[medendow@ucalgary.ca](mailto:medendow@ucalgary.ca)
[Guidelines](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/20/2024_Call%20for%20Applications_Meredith%20Campbell%20Helgeson%20Research%20Award%20in%20Colon%20Cancer%20and%20Surgical%20Oncology%20Endowment.pdf)
[Application](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/20/2024_Application_Meredith%20Campbell%20Helgeson%20Research%20Award%20in%20Colon%20Cancer%20and%20Surgical%20Oncology%20Endowment%20FINAL.pdf)
[Guidelines & Application](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/20/2024_Application_Meredith%20Campbell%20Helgeson%20Research%20Award%20in%20Colon%20Cancer%20and%20Surgical%20Oncology%20Endowment%20FINAL.pdf)
### [CLOSED - Peter Lougheed Research Award Competition| Amt $64,750| Sept 4/24](#collapse777918383)
The Cumming School of Medicine welcomes applications for The Peter Lougheed Research Award. The competition is open to junior investigators at or coming to the Cumming School of Medicine.\
*Junior Investigator (researcher early career) is defined by Tri-Council (CIHR) as a researcher within five years of the date of their first independent research-related appointment" (see*[***link***](https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/34190.html#r)*for exceptions)*\
Funds will benefit excellence in health research in Alberta, by providing salary and research support to exceptional young researchers thereby encouraging them to continue their career in the province.
Applicants can request up to **$ 64,750**
Deadline for application submission to the Office of the Associate Dean Research: **September 4th, 2024**
**To access the application form please click on the Application button below and enter your UCID username and password**
**Submit your applications / questions to Patty Beug-Jang at:**[medendow@ucalgary.ca](mailto:medendow@ucalgary.ca)
[Guidelines and FAQs](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/20/2024_Call%20for%20applications_guidelines%20and%20FAQ_Peter%20Lougheed%20Research%20Award.pdf)
[Application](https://apps.powerapps.com/play/e/default-c609a0ec-a5e3-4631-9686-192280bd9151/a/bfd153d9-411f-4424-b37a-406a6571c8f8?tenantId=c609a0ec-a5e3-4631-9686-192280bd9151&sourcetime=1725394184930&source=portal)
### [CLOSED-Friends of Matt Newell Endowment Competition| Amt $5,000| Oct 9/25](#collapse1348592453)
The Cumming School of Medicine welcomes applications for The Friends of Matt Newell Endowment Competition. The award is open to all undergraduate and graduate medical students associated with primary appointments in the CSM. The award is intended to support the training of medical students on the causes and consequences of alcoholism, including fetal alcohol syndrome, the impact of alcoholism on the patient and on his/her family, friends and workplace. This endowment can also support the education of medical students on the causes, consequences, and treatment of other addictions.
Amount Available to request and Eligible Use of Funds:
Applicants can ask for support for the activities listed below, **up to $5,000/application**.
The eligible purposes of the fund include (in order of priority):
- **Educational endeavors** targeting undergraduate and graduate medical students to further their awareness of alcoholism and other addictions.
- **Hosting a lectureship or a seminar** on the topic of alcoholism or other addictions, including travel costs of the guest speaker, catering and other associated costs.
- An award to an undergraduate or graduate medical student associated with the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM), in support of costs involved in enhancing his/her education in the field of alcoholism or other addictions. This could include **attendance at a national (preferred) or international conference.**
Deadline for application submission to the Office of the Associate Dean Research: **October 9th, 2025**
**Questions to Angela Krawetz, Office of the Associate Dean Research at:** [medendow@ucalgary.ca](mailto:medendow@ucalgary.ca)
**TO SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION enter your UCID username and password at**: [Friends of Matt Newell Endowment Competition](https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7KAJxuOlMUaWhhkigL2RUW6JngD_8hdPpRysM4Z0rw9UN0s3MVc3MkY4RFlXWENIUjc4Qk9LMTdLTi4u)
[Guidelines and APPLICATION form](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/20/_2025_APPLICATION_Friends_of_Matt_Newell_Endowment.pdf)
### [CLOSED- The Lions Sight Centre Competition| Amt $20,000/yr x 2yrs|Oct 31/24](#collapse1896930707)
The purpose of the Lions Sight Centre Fund is to promote eye research at the Cumming School of Medicine. Funds will be used for medical research activities related to eye disease and its treatment, including methods of detection and prevention.
Applicant eligibility: Cumming School of Medicine faculty members with academic staff appointment (GFT).
Deadline: **October 31st, 2024**
Amount: **up to $ 20,000/ year for two years**
**Submit your application / questions to Angela Krawetz at:**[medendow@ucalgary.ca](mailto:medendow@ucalgary.ca)
[Guidelines & Application](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/20/_2024_Application_Lions_Sight_Centre_Fund_Award.pdf)
### [CLOSED-Leroy H le Riche Research&Education in Substance Abuse|Amt $15,000| Oct16](#collapse594973502)
The Leroy H. le Riche Endowment for Research and Education in Substance Abuse competition is open to members of the University of Calgary, Cumming School of Medicine, who are developing careers in basic or clinical science relating to substance abuse.
The award may be used to attend scientific meetings, purchase equipment or research materials, to set up a course or for other research related activities.
Eligibility: This competition is opened to all faculty members and trainees of the Cumming School of Medicine who are developing careers in basic or clinical science relating to substance abuse.
Allowable Expenses:
- Support of an educational opportunity (lectureship, seminar, workshop, etc…): Meals/catering; Room booking fees; Honorarium for guest speaker can include travel and accommodation
- Support of research related activities: Equipment or research materials; Scientific meetings with a focus on substance abuse; Conference registration fees can include travel and accommodation (airplane fares, taxis, bus, shuttle, hotel room costs including internet access), Meals
- Other research related activities
Awards available up to **$15,000** /one year
Deadline for application submission to the Office of the Associate Dean Research: **October 16th, 2024**
**Submit your applications at:** [medendow@ucalgary.ca](mailto:medendow@ucalgary.ca)
Questions? To the Office of the Associate Dean Research, Angela Krawetz at: [medendow@ucalgary.ca](mailto:medendow@ucalgary.ca)
[Guidelines & Application](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/20/2024_Application_LeRicheLeroy.pdf)
### [CLOSED - Petro-Canada Young Innovator Award| Amt $32,000| July15/24](#collapse1657117651)
The award is intended to support the research of a young faculty member at the University of Calgary whose work offers promise to significantly advance our understanding of the determinants of population health and methods to promote behavior modification directed at disease prevention. Preference will be given to interdisciplinary initiatives involving other faculties or educational institutions.
Applicants are encouraged to incorporate relevant [Tri-Council Sex and Gender considerations](https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/50833.html) in their proposal.
**Amount** available: $32,000 for one year
**Deadline** for applications submission: July 15, 2024
**Applicant eligibility**: The competition is open to all faculty members at the University of Calgary who have been appointed for no more than six years to a faculty position (including appointments at other institutions, worldwide) at the time of application deadline.
**Allowable expenditures** include the following:
- Salary support –support for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, trainees
- Research – support for research projects related to Community Health. This includes consumables, travel and other relevant costs
**Award criteria -** the following criteria will be considered during the selection process:
- Degree of innovation of the proposed work
- Quality of the proposal (objectives and methodology)
- Overall academic achievement of the applicant
- Impact the award would have on the progress of the project
- Collaboration with other UofC faculties/ institutions
[**Frequently Asked Questions at: 2024 Petro-Canada Young Innovator award**](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/20/_2024%20Petro%20Canada%20Young%20Innovator%20FAQ.pdf)
Submit your questions, Application + Appendices (CV, References, Tables, Letters of support as one PDF max 10MGb) at: [medendow@ucalgary.ca](mailto:medendow@ucalgary.ca), for the attention of Patty Beug-Jang,\
Office of the Associate Dean Research.\
[Application](https://cumming.ucalgary.ca/sites/default/files/teams/20/_2024_Application%20Form_Petro-Canada%20Award.pdf)
---
## Contacts
[Angela Krawetz - (403) 210-8114](mailto:angela.krawetz@ucalgary.ca)
[Patty Beug-Jang - (403) 220-8169](mailto:pabeug@ucalgary.ca)