A Training Program supported by
NSERC CREATE-FONCER
The FAST Partners
NSERC Guidelines for CREATE Grants
Objectives
• Encourage collaborative and integrative approaches,
and address significant scientific challenges associated
with Canada’s research priorities.
• Facilitate the transition of new researchers from
trainees to productive employees in the Canadian
workforce.
• Include the acquisition and development of important
professional skills among students and postdoctoral
fellows that complement their qualifications and
technical skills.
NSERC Guidelines for CREATE Grants
Objectives
• Student mobility nationally and/or internationally
between individual universities and between
universities and other sectors.
• Interdisciplinary research within the natural sciences
and engineering (NSE), or at the interface between the
NSE and health, and/or the social sciences and
humanities.
– However, the main focus of the training must still lie
within the NSE.
Overview of FAST Development
2009 Competition
• Spearheaded out of Laval
– Notice of intent approved in first CREATE intake
– Development of training program in functional foods and natural
health products (FF&NHP)
– Application not funded
• Recognized need for greater partnership opportunities
2010 Competition
• Collaborative approach between Laval and UM to build on strengths
in the FF&NHP area
• Laval served as primary applicant; 50:50 partnership
Overview of FAST Development
Proposal Development
• Identification of 10 PIs
– 5 from Laval; 5 from UM
Université Laval
Yves Pouliot (PI)
Sylvie Turgeon
Benoît Lamarche
Laurent Bazinet
Denis Roy
University of Manitoba
James House (Co-PI)
Peter Jones
Carla Taylor
Trust Beta
Peter Zahradka
Overview of FAST Development
Proposal Development
• Integration of key collaborators, industry and
regulatory partners
• Secured commitments from participating
institutions
– UM: Grad Studies, FAFS, HE, VPRIO
• Focus on developing unique experiences,
building on our strengths in FF&NHP
Overview of FAST Development
Management Structure
• Program Committee
– Advisory role and provides strategic direction
– Representatives from Laval, UM, Health Canada,
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Agri-food industry
• Management Committee
– Responsible for the implementation of the program,
trainee recruitment and evaluation, program evaluation,
and human and material resource management
• Program Coordinators
– Laval and Manitoba
How does FAST meet the CREATEFONCER Objectives
Multidisciplinary training program aimed at responding to the needs of the
agri-food, natural health products and biopharmaceutical sectors for highly
qualified personnel (HQP).
Primary Objectives:
– Provide multidisciplinary training opportunities in the fields of food
and health (co-advisors, specialized training, summer schools)
– Provide unique opportunities for training in the workplace (industry,
government laboratories and university research labs) that will encourage
student mobility
– Provide opportunities to develop key professional skills (summer
schools and student symposia)
Comments from CREATE Review Committee
Merits of the proposed training program
Strengths
– The program addresses key aspects of the natural sciences,
engineering, health and social sciences.
– Partnerships are planned with several research centres in Canada and
abroad.
– The program is multidisciplinary and multi-institutional, predicts good
exchanges and enjoys good support.
– It involves collaboration with industry and government agencies, as
well as internships in the private sector and public sector.
– It includes seminars, workshops and summer courses on
communications, ethics and the health food industry.
Weaknesses
– Collaborators are not listed (but in the text, it says the University of
Guelph and CCARM
Comments from CREATE Review Committee
Excellence of the Research Team
Strengths
• Participating researchers are recognized in their
respective fields and are qualified to provide diversified
training in the field of functional foods.
• The team is strong: good publications, well funded,
well resourced, wide range of grants and projects, good
performance in training HQP and strong record of
collaboration.
Weaknesses
– None identifed
Comments from CREATE Review Committee
Management and Sustainability of the Program
Strengths
• The management plan is good and expects excellent
participation of non-academic stakeholders.
• The management committee has provided a method
for robust monitoring and evaluation of the program.
• The recruitment plan is complete.
Weaknesses
• Need to ensure adequate resourcing from host
institutions
FAST Actions
• Program Awarded in March 2010
• In the first year
– Put management structure into action
• Training Coordinators in place
– Janelle Ritchot (UM); Sophie Banville (Laval)
– Put money into the hands of trainees
• Undergrads, M.Sc, Ph.D, and PDF
• General call for applications in 2011
– 12 new scholarship awardees in 2011
FAST Actions
• Scholarships to support research and training
opportunities in partner institutions
• Seminars and short courses
• Summer school
• Graduate student symposium
• Internships
• Student portfolios
• Interaction of trainees in both official languages
2011 FF&NHP Graduate Student Symposium
February 24, 2011
Winnipeg, MB
FAST École D’Été/Summer School
June 5-9, 2011
Québec, QC
FAST Website
http://www.inaf.ulaval.ca/index.php?id=13368&L=1