Role of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute in the funding ecosystem
The Libin Cardiovascular Institute (LCI) is an entity of the University of Calgary and Alberta Health Services dedicated to reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease through research, clinical innovation, and education. Beyond coordinating research and clinical programs, the Institute plays an active role as an internal funder, offering a portfolio of grants, seed funds, equipment competitions and awards that strengthen cardiovascular research capacity in Calgary and across its network.
Through its research strategy, the Institute supports projects spanning all four CIHR pillars, from basic science to clinical, health services and population health research. LCI funding initiatives are generally targeted to its members, including faculty investigators, clinicians and trainees, with the aim of enabling high-impact, collaborative and translational cardiovascular projects.
Main families of grants and funding programs
- Project and team grants: The Michael and Terry Wilson Cardiovascular Research Innovation Fund invites multi-investigator teams to propose collaborative, innovative projects in cardiovascular health and emerging priority areas. Funding is explicitly intended to catalyze new research teams and position them to secure external operating grants.
- Bridge funding: The LCI Bridge Funding program provides time-limited support—typically up to $25,000—for full Institute members whose strong external grant applications narrowly missed funding. Clear requirements include proof of competitive peer-review scores, a plan to resubmit within a year and lack of overlapping external support.
- Equipment grants: Through the LCI Research Equipment Competition, the Institute co-invests (with at least 25% matching funds) in shared research equipment that advances existing or proposed projects and aligns with strategic priorities. A companion Research Equipment Maintenance Support program assists with urgent repairs, preventative maintenance and essential upgrades so that critical instruments remain operational.
- Thematic catalyst grants: The LCI Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative (WCHI) Catalyst Grant supports collaborative, multidisciplinary projects in women’s cardiovascular health research and care, with teams able to request up to $50,000, according to posted terms of reference.
- Awards and fellowships: The Institute administers a series of internal awards such as the Todd Anderson Cardiovascular Research Award, LB Mitchell Fellowship Award, Libin Researcher of the Year and mentorship and lectureship prizes. These recognitions often include financial support for research, publication costs or conference travel for clinical trainees and faculty.
General eligibility and application practices
Most LCI-managed programs are open to full members of the Institute, and several explicitly encourage multi-investigator and cross-disciplinary teams. Calls for proposals outline purpose, eligibility, typical maximum amounts, matching-fund expectations for equipment, and timelines. Applications are submitted using standardized forms or online portals, and decisions are taken by LCI leadership or dedicated committees, with clear reference to terms of reference documents.
Publics served and overall impact
By combining research project funding, bridge grants, infrastructure investments and recognition awards, the Libin Cardiovascular Institute strengthens the local cardiovascular research environment, helps its members remain competitive in external funding competitions, and accelerates the translation of discoveries into improved patient care. Its programs ultimately benefit patients in Alberta and beyond by sustaining a vibrant community of clinicians, scientists and trainees focused on cardiovascular health.