Astellas Pharma Canada have announced a new research collaboration with the Quebec Urological Association Foundation (QUAF) to provide funding and support for urology research in the province of Quebec.

The QUAF Astellas Research Grant Program will award a total of up to $150,000over three years to support Canadian investigators in the field of urology. The primary objective of this new grant program is to advance peer-reviewed research in functional urology, with the ultimate goal of improving patient care.

The support of this new grant reflects an ongoing commitment by Astellas to the Canadian urologic community and provides a distinct program specifically geared towards researchers in the functional urology area who are based in Quebec.

"Astellas is proud to partner with the Quebec Urological Association Foundation to support the work of investigators and clinical trainees based in Quebec. It is our hope that this new grant program will create opportunities to advance research that can make a significant difference in patients' lives," said Fran Paradiso-Hardy, senior director, Medical Affairs at Astellas Pharma Canada.

"It is always a pleasure to work in close collaboration with our partners at Astellas, who continue to demonstrate their commitment to the Quebec urologic community. This partnership will ultimately lead to advancements in the field of urology and to cutting edge patient care," said Dr. Marie-Paule Jammal, president, Quebec Urology Association Foundation.

The call for submissions for the 2016 QUAF Astellas Research Grant will open January 6, 2017 and close March 1, 2017. Recipients will be notified June 2017.