Achievements for Ann

The Backlund Fellowship Competition

Campus Alberta Neuroscience and the ALS Society of Alberta are pleased to announce a new partnership and postdoctoral scholarship. Achievements for Ann – The Backlund Fellowship Competition will support exceptional scholars in Alberta and provide them with the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of research in ALS and neuromuscular diseases. By exploring research to understand the causes, find potential treatments, or enhance the quality of life for those affected, these scholars will play a crucial role in combating these neurodegenerative diseases.

“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.” – Frida Backlund

Achievements for Ann – The Backlund Fellowship is gratefully dedicated to Mikael and Frida Backlund, whose profound commitment and unwavering dedication to the ALS Society of Alberta have left an enduring and deeply appreciated impact on the ALS community. Together, Frida and Mikael are responsible for over $500,000 in donations to the ALS Society of Alberta. The fellowship is also a heartfelt memorial tribute to Frida’s late mother, Ann Engstrom, who bravely battled ALS.

“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.” – Mikael Backlund

“The Society is extremely grateful for Frida and Mikaelʼs 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.” – Leslie Ring Adams, Executive Director of the ALS Society of Alberta

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects motor neurons in the brain and spinal cord. The disease causes muscle weakness and loss of muscle control, ultimately progressing to paralysis where an individual is left unable to eat or breathe. In most cases, ALS results in premature death in a number of years. With approximately 3,000 Canadians currently living with ALS and no known treatment or cure, investing in research in this field is paramount.

Funding from Achievements for Ann – The Backlund Fellowship Competition will award postdoctoral fellowships of up to $140,000 each to two early-career Alberta researchers in the fields of ALS and neuromuscular disorders.

In addition to its direct impact on advancing scientific knowledge of ALS and the search for effective treatments, funding research in the field of ALS and neuromuscular diseases fosters innovation, knowledge translation, and a culture of education and research in the province. Financial support through programs like the ALS Society of Alberta Postdoctoral Scholarship Competition allows scholars to focus on their novel explorations without the worry of financial constraints. Investing in research in Alberta advances the translation of scientific knowledge into practical, evidence-based applications through dissemination to the broader scientific community, healthcare professionals, and policymakers, leading to positive impacts on the lives of Albertans. It also creates new opportunities for mentorship, training, and collaboration – deepening researchers’ expertise and nurturing a culture of lifelong learning and open knowledge sharing.

“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.” – Nancy Lyzaniwski, Chair, ALS Society of Alberta Board of Directors

“Campus Alberta Neuroscience is extremely proud to partner in the 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.” – Neil Neary, Executive Director, Campus Alberta Neuroscience

Candidates for the ALS Society of Alberta Postdoctoral Scholarship Competition must hold a recent doctoral degree and have, by the time of the application deadline, secured a supervisor in Alberta for an ALS/neuromuscular disorder research project. With more details coming later this year, interested parties should expect to demonstrate their strong academic background and potential, an innovative research idea, and a strong relevance to the ALS Society of Alberta’s mission, “to make each day the best possible day for people living with and affected by ALS.”

Applications for the ALS Society of Alberta Postdoctoral Scholarship Competition will open in March 2024. If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of those affected by ALS and neuromuscular disorders, we encourage you to prepare your proposals and be ready to apply.