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McMaster University

Funding and Awards with Reference to Biosafety

If you are a principal investigator part of a team grant, an individual applicant on a research grant, a postdoctoral fellow, research associate/scientist or a student of any kind, you will at some point apply for funding or awards. As such, you should make yourself aware of the policies of the funding source to which you are applying, in addition to the processes in place at McMaster. Be aware of required forms, due dates and documentation practices. Here we will attempt to provide a comprehensive source of information as it relates to biosafety only. For other sources of information with regards to funding please visit:

 

Please note that if you apply for any funding for the purposes of a large piece of equipment, renovation, construction or refurbishment of a space or other large piece of equipment please have a representative of the biosafety office present at all stages of the planning process to help you ensure that your new equipment or facility complies with PHAC and CFIA physical requirements.

 

Tri-Council Agencies (NSERC, CIHR, SSHERC)

The Tri-Council policies have changed. Previously a Memorandum Of Understanding was signed by the University and the Tri-Council Agency. This MOU has been replaced by "Agreement on the Administration of Agency Grants and Awards by Research Institutions".

With reference to biohazards, please refer to the section 3.2 "Responsible Conduct of Research", which asserts that the Institution must comply with the requirements set out in the Tri-Agency Framework: Responsible Conduct Of Research.

Section 2.4 of the Framework, Agency Requirements for Certain types of Research, stipulates that "[r]esearchers must comply with all applicable Agency requirements and legislation for the conduct of research, including, but not limited to: .... Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines...."

The Framework also sets out the definitions with reference to a breach in Agency Policy, obligations of the instution with respect to reporting and actions of recourse to be taken by the Agency.

**** The tri-council refers to the three major funding agencies in Canada: National Science and Engineering Research Council, Canadian Institute of Health Research and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.

Each agency may have their own additional policies to which the applicants must adhere in order to be eligible to receive or maintain the award.

 

 

Canadian Foundation for Innovation (CFI)

  • Website
  • .."Institutions must adhere to the standards outlined in the Public Health Agency of Canada's Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines." Pg 36 of program Guide
  • Institutional agreement part 9 - as above
  • ..."CFI may request reimbursement, delay funding or terminate funding for a specific project, or withold payments for any or all of the institution's projects, if it does not comply with CFI policies, terms and conditions... part 12 of Institutional Agreement

 

The Lung Association (NGR)

  • Website
  • Grant Application, Section 10.3 "Enclose a statement signed by the applicant and the department head that the proposed researchwill be reviewed in a manner which conformed with the guidelines as outlined in Health Canada "Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines" and that the proposed research will not be undertaken until it has been accepted as meeting the requirmentsssss regarding biological and chemical hazards by such a review"

The Lung Association (CTS) Fellowship/Studentship

  • Website
  • Grant application, section 14 "Assurance is given that any human experimentation will be acceptable to the institution on ethical grounds and comply with the "Tri-Council Policy Statements: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans" and that in the case of laboratory animals for animal experimentation, the guiding principles enunciated by the Canadian Council on Animal Care will be adhered to, and that the proposed research will not be undertaken until it has been accepted as meeting the requirements regarding biological and chemical hazards as outlined in the Health Canada "Laboratory Biosafety Guidelines". In addition, any research involving human pluripotent stem cells must adhere to the "Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Research: Guidelines for CIHR-funded Research". Funding will not be freed until evidence of institutional [review of the project] is approved."

Canadian Liver Foundation - Operating Grant

  • Website
  • Grant Application, Section 31 "..... [Biohazardsous Materials? Y/n]....If yes to any of the above, the sponsoring institution shall provide the appropriate documentation granting approval to the applicant's project for use of any of the above. This documentation should accompany the application. If results of evaluation are pending, this should be so indicated and if possible, appropriate documentation submitted within 60 days following the application submission deadline. Please note that should an award be granted, funding is conditional upon receipt of all applicable documentation relating to human subjects, animals or biohazardous materials."

Updates on the changing HPTA regulations, the new Canadian Biosafety Standards and Guidelines and more click here