Invitation to Bone Cell Researchers
The
Canadian Space Agency and Canadian Institutes of Health Research -
Institute of
Musculoskeletal
Health and Arthritis
invite Canadian researchers to
submit proposals focusing on a flight opportunity that is scheduled to occur in
November, 2006. Applicants will propose studies of the effects of microgravity
on bone cell biology. The proposed experiments will fly on a recoverable
satellite that will orbit the Earth for 15 days. The experiments will take place
in the e-OSTEO™ cell culture “Mini-Lab”, which is a self-contained bioreactor
system that allows automated cell culture. Applicants can submit proposals for
up to three years to support this flight experiment and post-flight analysis of
samples.
The maximum
amount per grant is $116,667 per annum. The maximum funds available for one
proposal is $350,000 for a three year study. Applicants must register by
November 1, 2004,
and the full application is due on December 15,
2004.
For more
information, and instructions for applicants, consult the Request for Applications (RFA) at http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/24822.html
(For
the RFA see also CSA website at http://www.espace.gc.ca/asc/eng/csa_sectors/space_science/ao/2004-micro.asp)
Also,
summaries of past flight experiments involving OSTEO are available at http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/eng/media/press_room/backgrounders/2002/021219.asp
Canadian
researchers have made significant contributions to our understanding of bone
cell biology. We welcome you to work with us to explore the effects of
spaceflight on bone cell metabolism. Through your efforts, we can work towards
improving the quality of life both in space and here on Earth.
For questions regarding
the review process, application forms and submission requirements, please
contact:
Michelle Hume
Program Delivery Officer
Canadian Institutes of
Health Research
Room 97, 160 Elgin Street
Address
locator: 4809A
Ottawa,
ON
K1A
0W9
Tel: 613-957-8842
Fax:
613-954-1800
Email: mhume@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
For questions about
this initiative and the CSA, please contact:
Dr.
Nicole Buckley
Director, Life and Physical Sciences
Space Science
Program
Canadian Space Agency
6767 route de l'Aéroport
Saint-Hubert,
Québec J3Y
8Y9
Tel: (450) 926-6574
Fax: (450)
926-4766
Email: Nicole.buckley@space.gc.ca