Two NCEs fail in bid for renewed funding

The Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) has approved just one of three NCEs applying for their second seven-year funding cycle. The Canadian Stroke Network (CSN) was recommended for re-funding by the NCE selection committee, chaired by Dr Camille Limoges. The committee did not recommend additional funding for either the Canadian Network for Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics (CANVAC) or the AquaNet - Network in Aquaculture. News of the June 29 selection committee decision was met with a storm of criticism by researchers associated with CANVAC, who asserted that its expert panel report was highly positive and recommended renewed funding. All three NCEs were launched in 1999. CSN’s funding will now extend to FY11-12 while funding for CANVAC and AquaNet ends March 31/06. Both can apply for up to $1 million in bridge funding from the NCE to allow for completion of any outstanding activities....