Introduction: The high-level research goals of AMDB are to innovate and advance the development of multifunctional dental materials aimed at preventing, controlling, or mitigating the effects of highly prevalent chronic oral diseases. The multidisciplinary nature of the Advancing Multifunctional Dental Biomaterials research cluster is the cornerstone to move innovation forward in the development of materials for various dental applications, from oral care to regenerative and reconstructive materials. To that end, the cluster will be funding travel awards to leverage collaborations amongst cluster members in research laboratories located in different campuses and/or universities. The ultimate goal is to generate preliminary research data that can contribute to a grant application in the near future.
General Guidelines: The members of the AMDB cluster are affiliated with four main institutions—UBC Vancouver and UBC Okanagan, Canada; OHSU, Portland, USA; and ADA, Chicago, USA. The award will fund travel and accommodation for cluster members (or a trainee) from one institution to pursue collaborative research at another institution, up to 5,000 Canadian dollars. Direct costs associated with the proposed research (materials, laboratory supplies, equipment fees) are not to be covered by this award, but supported by the host and visiting applicants. The funds are to be used for a maximum 6-month period after the award has been granted.
Submission: The deadline to submit travel award applications for its first round is Monday, March 13, 2023. Please provide a maximum 2-page scientific research proposal on the attached template (Times 12, single-spaced). Future rounds of applications will be opened, pending budget availability and cluster reporting timelines. We highly encourage all the members to apply in the first round.
Application Assessment: An independent Research Committee (consisting of external biomaterials, basic science, and health science experts) will be selected to review the applications. All research proposals will be scored (1–5) and ranked based on: [1] scientific merit and novelty of the project; [2] impact of the project for future grant funding; and [3] ability to complete the project in the allotted timeframe.
Expected Outcomes: At the end of the funding period, the awarded applicants will be required to submit a final report. Any publication and/or presentation resulting from this work must acknowledge the AMDB Research Excellence Cluster Travel Award 2023.