In a stride towards advancing Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research in Alberta, the ALS Society of Alberta and Campus Alberta Neuroscience proudly announce Achievements for Ann – The Backlund Fellowship Competition.
This post-doctoral fellowship competition is named after Mikael and Frida Backlund, whose remarkable commitment has resulted in over $500,000 in donations to the ALS Society of Alberta. This fellowship is set to make profound contributions to ALS understanding and treatment, and is dedicated to the memory of Ann Engstrom, Frida’s mother who lived with ALS.
Mikael, an influential figure both on and off the ice, shared his thoughts on the fellowship, stating,
"Frida and I are deeply honored and remain committed to making a difference in the lives of those affected by ALS in Alberta. This represents a crucial step forward in our shared mission of finding effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for ALS.
Frida, expressing gratitude, remarked,
"This fellowship is a meaningful tribute to my mother, Ann, and a testament to the power of collaborative research in the fight against ALS. Mikael and I are honored to be a part of this important endeavor, and hope it will inspire others to join the pursuit of a future without ALS.."
This collaboration marks a crucial step forward in their shared mission of finding effective treatments and, ultimately, a cure for ALS. Leslie Ring Adams, Executive Director of the ALS Society of Alberta, expressed gratitude, stating,
"The Society is extremely grateful for Frida and Mikael’s longtime support of our cause and community. Naming this fellowship in their honor is a small symbol of our appreciation of their generosity and commitment to creating a world where ALS is no longer an always fatal disease."
Campus Alberta Neuroscience's Executive Director, Neil Neary, affirmed the significance of this collaboration, stating,
"Campus Alberta Neuroscience is extremely proud to partner in Achievements for Ann - The Backlund Fellowship, directing generous funding into high-quality ALS research in Alberta. This initiative represents a tremendous opportunity for our world-class researchers to foster groundbreaking achievements in understanding and treating ALS."
The Achievements for Ann – The Backlund Fellowship, supported by the ALS Society of Alberta and Campus Alberta Neuroscience, aims to fund exceptional scholars in Alberta who will contribute to advancing research in ALS and neuromuscular diseases. These scholars play a crucial role in combating neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on understanding causes, finding potential treatments, and enhancing the quality of life for those affected.
Nancy Lyzaniwski, Chair of the ALS Society of Alberta Board of Directors, expressed excitement about supporting the next generation of researchers, stating,
"On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are very excited to support the next generation of researchers whose work will better understand the cause of the disease, find potential treatments, and improve the quality of life for those living with ALS. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with CAN to award Alberta-based scholars pursuing projects that advance the field of ALS research."
The funding provided through this initiative, totaling CAD $140,000 per award for two years, allows postdoctoral scholars to focus on novel explorations without financial constraints. This support fosters innovation, knowledge translation, and a culture of education and research in Alberta, creating opportunities for mentorship, training, and collaboration.
Candidates for the ALS Society of Alberta Postdoctoral Competition must hold a recent doctoral degree and secure a supervisor in Alberta for an ALS/neuromuscular disorder research project. Applications for the ALS Society of Alberta Postdoctoral Scholarship Competition are set to open in March 2024, welcoming those passionate about making a difference in the lives of those affected by ALS and neuromuscular disorders.
About the ALS Society of Alberta:
The ALS Society of Alberta is a non-profit organization dedicated to making each day the best possible in the lives of individuals and families affected by Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Through advocacy, support services, and funding research initiatives, the organization strives to make a positive impact on the ALS community. alsab.ca
About Campus Alberta Neuroscience:
Campus Alberta Neuroscience (CAN) is a collaborative initiative that brings together neuroscience researchers, educators, and healthcare professionals across Alberta to advance understanding and treatment of neurological disorders. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, CAN aims to accelerate discoveries and innovations in neuroscience. albertaneuro.ca