2023 Annual Hope for Tomorrow Research Competition

Campus Alberta Neuroscience (CAN), in partnership with the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, is pleased to announce the launch of the second annual Hope for Tomorrow Research Competition, focused on research that has the potential to make a significant impact on the quality of life of patients, families, and caregivers through exploration into the causes, prevention, treatment, and cure of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

Innovative research on quality-of-life research is this year's area of focus, with the aim of making a significant impact for patients, families, and care partners. Quality of life encompasses the overall physical and mental health and well-being of a person in relation to the cultural, environmental, and social context in which they live. As we age, maintaining a good quality of life requires finding ways to foster healthy brain aging, reduce the risk of developing dementia, and improve the quality of life for those already diagnosed.

“Imagine the potential of research findings based on improving the quality of life for those affected by dementia and their care partners. The results from this research competition, which could apply to a variety of disciplines, could revolutionize dementia care decision-making, and improve lives,” says Dr. George Andrews, CEO of the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories.

The Society, which is investing $5 million dollars in the research program, in collaboration with CAN, recently announced the winners of last year's competition which recognized dementia research at universities across Alberta.

The University of Calgary’s Dr. Marc Poulin leads the Board of Directors for the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories. He says the quality of research being undertaken by Alberta-based universities meets or exceeds the work of many world-class institutions.

“We applaud the vision of Society donors that fund Alberta-based institutions and researchers in the area of neurological degenerative illness that affects so many people here and around the world.”

This research competition aims to accelerate and focus the knowledge gained from innovative scientific findings, in the short or long term, into outcomes that will result in a reduced burden or enhanced quality of life for patients, families, and caregivers in Alberta and elsewhere.

Research funding is critical for advancing scientific discoveries and breakthroughs that will create a brighter future for Canadians who are impacted by or at risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

The Hope for Tomorrow Research Competition is fully funded by contributions from our generous donors and community support.

To learn more about how you can make a charitable donation and support dementia research, contact hbjerland@alzheimer.ab.ca or click here to make an online donation.

For all the details on how to apply for the Hope for Tomorrow Competition, click here.

For a look at the most recent Hope for Tomorrow Research Competition awardees, click here.