A Training Program supported by NSERC CREATE-FONCER

1. A Training Program supported by NSERC CREATE-FONCER

2. The FAST Partners

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. Overview of FAST Development Proposal Development • Identification of 10 PIs • 5 from Laval; 5 from UM

7. 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

8. 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

9. How does FAST meet the CREATE-FONCER 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: • Providemultidisciplinary training opportunitiesin the fields of food and health (co-advisors, specialized training, summerschools) • Provide unique opportunities for training in the workplace(industry, governmentlaboratories and universityresearchlabs) thatwill encourage studentmobility • Provideopportunities to developkeyprofessionalskills(summerschools and studentsymposia)

10. 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 centresin 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

11. 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, goodperformance in training HQP and strong record of collaboration. Weaknesses • None identifed

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 2011 FF&NHP Graduate Student Symposium February 24, 2011 Winnipeg, MB FAST ÉcoleD’Été/Summer School June 5-9, 2011 Québec, QC

16. FAST Websitehttp://www.inaf.ulaval.ca/index.php?id=13368&L=1