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Description
CIHR's mandate is to excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system. This funding opportunity will support teams of researchers and decision makers to produce knowledge syntheses and scoping reviews. So that these projects contribute to the use of synthesized evidence in decision-making, proposals will require strong partnerships with decision makers and well-developed knowledge translation strategies.
Applications to synthesize knowledge in any of CIHR's four themes - biomedical; clinical; health systems and services; health of populations, societal and cultural dimensions of health and environmental influences on health - are invited so long as they respond to decision-maker needs and the priorities identified by the Knowledge Synthesis and Exchange branch and its partners in this funding opportunity.
Applications to conduct randomized controlled trials are not eligible for this funding opportunity. Applications to undertake Cochrane reviews are eligible only if the requested funds will not overlap with funding from the Canadian Cochrane Network and Centre (CCNC) and the proposed review is not one of the 30 reviews already funded by CIHR through its contribution to the CCNC.
Background
Knowledge syntheses are the cornerstone of knowledge translation. At their most basic they render our vast libraries of scientific literature useful to decision makers—turning that knowledge into form that is reliable, relevant and readable. They are also a means to integrate the established literature with other forms of knowledge. A synthesis's comprehensiveness and application of scientific methods to literature analysis required by systematic synthesis minimizes the risk of bias and error that may accompany single studies, so decisions are less likely to be based on poor evidence. A synthesis also maps the state of our knowledge on a topic, revealing to decision makers where there is or is not strong evidence to inform their decisions, and guiding researchers to new avenues for primary research.
This funding opportunity will support two types of projects: knowledge syntheses and scoping reviews.
Knowledge syntheses
All forms of knowledge synthesis are invited, including systematic reviews, realist syntheses, narrative syntheses, meta-analyses, meta-syntheses and practice guidelines that synthesize evidence. Syntheses in this funding opportunity may synthesize results from qualitative research, quantitative research or draw on mixed methods. Syntheses of empirical as well as theoretical knowledge are invited.
Scoping reviews
These entail the systematic selection, collection and summarization of existing knowledge in a broad thematic area for the purpose of identifying where there is sufficient evidence to conduct a full synthesis or where insufficient evidence exists and further primary research is necessary.
The syntheses supported through this funding opportunity are meant to respond to the information needs of decision makers in all areas of health. To support this objective, all applications are required to include integrated and end-of-grant knowledge translation practices.
Integrated knowledge translation involves collaboration with decision makers throughout the research process, including development of the research questions, deciding on the methodology, data collection and tools development, interpreting findings, and disseminating the research results. It is a requirement of this funding opportunity that at least one decision maker participate as an applicant. End-of-grant knowledge translation covers activities undertaken at the end of the research process to disseminate the research findings to the appropriate audiences. For more on integrated and end-of-grant knowledge translation go to CIHR's knowledge translation web site.
Funds Available
CIHR's contribution to the amount available for this initiative is subject to availability of funds voted annually to CIHR by parliamentary appropriations, and the conditions that may be attached to them.
- The total amount available for this initiative is $3.2 million. This amount may increase if additional funding partners decide to participate.
- The maximum amount awarded for a synthesis is $100,000 per annum for up to 1 year. The maximum amount awarded for scoping reviews is $50,000 per annum for up to 1 year.
Partner/Collaborator Participation
CIHR is dedicated to identifying and developing collaborations with other funding organizations and stakeholders to enhance the availability of funding for this strategic initiative, and to create, where appropriate, opportunities for knowledge exchange and translation related to the scope of this particular initiative. Applicants are invited to visit the "Partner/Collaborator Description" section to find a list of partners/collaborators and their respective mandates and/or strategic interests. This list will continue to evolve as new partners/collaborators join in this initiative. The specific research foci and requirements for each partner/collaborator are outlined in the section "Objectives".
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Objectives
The specific objectives of this funding opportunity are:
- To produce scoping reviews and syntheses that respond to the information needs of decision makers in all areas of health.
- To support the use of synthesis evidence in decision-making by building integrated and end-of-grant knowledge translation practices into the production of scoping reviews and syntheses.
- To extend the benefits of knowledge synthesis to new kinds of questions relevant to decision makers and areas of research that have not traditionally been synthesized.
Relevant Research Areas:
CIHR - Knowledge Synthesis and Exchange Branch
The Knowledge Synthesis and Exchange branch aims to advance CIHR's knowledge translation mandate by promoting and supporting excellence in knowledge translation practice and research, knowledge synthesis and exchange, as well as by building capacity in these areas.
Scoping and systematic reviews of KT research areas that would be of interest to the Knowledge Synthesis and Exchange branch include:
- Terms and definitions of knowledge translation including a concept analysis of these terms/definitions
- Measurement of KT including inventories of tools or tool sets that would enable measurement and comparison across studies
- The role of context in influencing the use of knowledge
- Tools and instruments designed to identify barriers to the use of knowledge (research findings) that may be related to: 1) potential users of the knowledge, 2) the environment or context in which the knowledge may be used, and 3) attributes or characteristics of the knowledge
- The extent to which results of systematic reviews are sought after, understood, and used to inform the decision making process and/or put into practice by user groups
Specific research foci and requirements of individual partners:
(Updated: 2008-03-10)
CIHR - Clinical Research Initiative (CRI)
Clinical research is needed to determine which of the growing number of health discoveries actually work in humans and are safe. Clinical research is one of the three cornerstones of academic medicine, the other two being patient care and medical training. It seeks chiefly to develop new diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive strategies for ongoing improvement of health care quality. This makes it a vital link between basic research and clinical practice, and it is actually the core of evidence based medicine. Clinical research generates data for optimal decision making about which diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive strategies to recommend and teach.
Through the CRI, CIHR has given itself the mission of strengthening Clinical Research in Canada in order to accelerate the translation of clinical research discoveries into improved and cost-effective approaches to maintaining health and treating illness, and to provide evidence for sound health policies and an efficient health care system.
The CIHR Clinical Research Initiative will provide support (subject to availability of funds) for applications that are determined to be relevant to health research in human beings and\or of clinical relevance with a focus on one or more of the following:
- Mechanisms of human health and disease
- Translational research
- Experimental and observational Clinical Trials of prevention and therapy
- Health Care Services/Systems research
- Clinical Epidemiological studies
CIHR - Partnerships and Citizen Engagement Branch
The Partnerships and Citizen Engagement Branch's mandate is to ensure the consistent and effective management of partnerships and citizen engagement activities across CIHR, based on the organization's strategic and operational priorities.
CIHR - Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (IAPH)
IAPH will support research that is relevant to the Institute's mandate: IAPH supports health research that addresses the special health needs of Aboriginal peoples in Canada, and aims to improve the health of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples through the assertion of Aboriginal understandings of health and by fostering innovative community-based and scientifically excellent research.
IAPH will support successful applications (subject to availability of funds) that contribute to the IAPH objective: facilitate and evaluate translation of Aboriginal health knowledge into policy and practice.
For more information on IAPH please see their website.
CIHR - Institute of Aging (IA)
IA supports research to promote healthy aging and to address causes, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation for a wide range of conditions associated with aging. IA has identified five priority areas for research on aging and health (in no particular order): aging and maintenance of functional autonomy; biological mechanisms of aging; cognitive impairment in aging; healthy and successful aging; and health services and policy relating to older people.
IA will contribute up to $200,000 towards successful applications that fit within one or more of its priority research areas.
For the CIHR Institute of Aging applications should address issues of aging and/or the aged as essential elements of the objectives, hypotheses and analyses (e.g., dynamics of aging, age-relevant models and/or aged subjects, uniqueness of aging or aged population).
CIHR - Institute of Gender and Health (IGH)
According to present research the cost of mental illness for employers is high:
- Employers pay two thirds of all expenses associated with mental illness and addiction through lost productivity, absenteeism, disability, wage replacement costs, employee group healthcare premiums and prescription drugs.
- Employees with mental health problems are 2 to 3 times more likely to be absent from work than other employees.
- Mental health claims are now the fastest growing category of disability claims in Canada, representing anywhere from 4 to 12% of payroll costs.
- Employees with a psychiatric disorder are often unproductive or unable to function at full capacity at work.
- The cost and prevalence of presenteeism (lost productivity due to employees not meeting the functional requirements of the job while at work) are often higher than absenteeism rates for workers with mental health problems.
Research also shows that mental health in the workplace has important sex and gender differences. IGH supports research that addresses how sex (biological-genetic dimensions) and gender (social-cultural dimensions) interact with other socio-cultural, bio-physical, and political-economic factors to influence health and create conditions that differ with respect to risk factors or effective interventions for males and females throughout the lifespan.
Depending on available funds, IGH will support successful applications that focus on promising best practices in dealing with mental health and addictions in the workplace from a gender perspective. Applicants may focus on women or men separately or include both. The syntheses must dis-aggregate data by gender and demonstrate the use of Gender/Sex-based or Gender/sex-sensitive analysis (GSBA) in applications. IGH has produced a GSBA Resource Guide for applicants and reviewers that can be found on their website.
CIHR - Institute of Genetics (IG)
Health Services for Genetic Diseases
The CIHR Institute of Genetics and CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research will fund up to three (3) grants in the area of "Health Services for Genetic Diseases" that address one or more of the following priorities:
- Models of service delivery
- Genetics in primary care
- Assessing new and emerging genetic technologies
- Public engagement and education
This funding opportunity is announced under the CIHR Institute of Genetics and CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research "Health Services for Genetic Diseases Strategic Initiative".
CIHR - Institute of Health Services and Policy Research (IHSPR)
Applicants can propose a synthesis to create new knowledge or to update existing knowledge; they can propose a synthesis of existing evidence and/or models of investigation or conceptual frameworks. Each submission must justify the approach taken and that the resulting synthesis will add value to the existing knowledge base.
Synthesis Priority Research Areas
CIHR-IHSPR will support approximately ten successful research synthesis applications determined to be relevant to one or more the Listening for Direction III (LfD III) themes and/or its three priority research areas emerging from those themes.
In addition, CIHR-IHSPR will support up to one synthesis focused on health services and policy research related to low- and middle-income countries. A separate pool has been established to ensure funding for at least one meritorious application in the low- and middle-income country priority research area that meets funding requirements, is top-ranked and deemed relevant by funding partners. Those submitting applications under CIHR-IHSPR's "Low- and Middle-income Country Priority Research Area" must clearly indicate so in the Summary of Research Proposal of the Research Module (p. 9).
Listening for Direction III (LfD III) and CIHR-IHSPR Priority Research Areas:
CIHR-IHSPR is committed to supporting research syntheses that contribute new knowledge or the updating of existing evidence and/or models of investigation or conceptual frameworks in relation to the 11 theme areas that emerged from the LfD III national consultation exercise. A detailed description of the LfD III themes is available.
Complementary and corresponding to the LfD III themes, CIHR-IHSPR has identified the following three priority research areas and has an interest in supporting research syntheses that contribute new knowledge or the updating of existing evidence and/or models of investigation or conceptual frameworks in relation to:
1. Access to Appropriate Care across the Continuum
- Health human resources
- Primary health care reform
- Community-based care (e.g., long-term care, home care, mental health, rehabilitation)
- Chronic disease prevention and management
- Strategic management for timely treatment
- Citizen engagement
2. Drug Policy
- Effectiveness, safety and adverse events
- Policies for equitable access to medicines (e.g., provincial formularies, regulation, financing and sustainability)
- Citizen-centeredness and public expectations (e.g., direct-to consumer advertising, role of the media, role of the public in resource allocation decision-making)
3. Health Information
- Electronic health records (e.g., evaluation, implementation, secondary use of data, ethical and privacy issues)
- Improving the quality, access to, linkage of, and use of data by decision makers and health services researchers
A more detailed description of the three CIHR-IHSPR priority research areas is available.
The Atlantic Advisory Committee on Health Human Resources (AACHHR) is interested in partnering with CIHR-IHSPR on syntheses in the area of Health Human Resources as described in both the LfD III themes and the CIHR-IHSPR priority research areas.
The Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI) is interested in partnering with CIHR-IHSPR on syntheses in the area of Patient Safety, as described in the LfD III themes.
Health Canada is interested in partnering with CIHR-IHSPR on syntheses in the area of Access to Appropriate Care across the Continuum, with a special focus on the Strategic Management for Timely Treatment, as described in the CIHR-IHSPR priority research areas.
The Western & Northern Health Human Resource Planning Forum is interested in partnering with CIHR-IHSPR on syntheses in the area of Health Human Resources, as described in the LfD III themes.
Low- and Middle-income Country Priority Research Area:
As part of its mission, CIHR-IHSPR seeks to lead, stimulate and facilitate effective Canadian involvement in international health research that benefits Canadians and the global community. CIHR-IHSPR wishes to support research addressing internationally recognized priorities in health services research in low- and middle- income countries and ensure that Canadian researchers can support health services and policy research and support the translation to policy in countries that in many instances face a different set of challenges.
CIHR-IHSPR will support a synthesis related to health services and policy research conducted in low- and middle-income countries that addresses policy priorities that have been identified by stakeholders within the countries being studied. This investigation would include a review of the existing evidence as it relates to a particular theme or subject area of specific relevance and importance to specified low- or middle-income countries. Through a scan of the published and grey literature, investigators would contribute new knowledge or update existing evidence and/or models of investigation or conceptual frameworks in relation to a relevant subject area. Those submitting under IHSPR's "Low- and Middle-income Country Priority Research Area" funding must clearly indicate so in the Summary of Research Proposal of the Research Module (p. 9).
Examples of LfD III and CIHR-IHSPR Priority Synthesis Questions
A table containing examples of illustrative synthesis questions can be accessed.
Existing Research Syntheses
(Updated: 2008-01-24)
As part of the application, researchers are expected to position their proposed synthesis in relation to what already exists. To this end, a list of syntheses addressing health services and policy research topics (systematic reviews of the effects of governance, financial and delivery arrangements) along with a list of research syntheses funded through CIHR competitions are available. These lists are not comprehensive or exhaustive. It is expected that researchers will consult these lists, as well as other sources, in order to make their case about the need for the proposed synthesis and/or the extent to which the proposed synthesis will build on but not duplicate existing syntheses.
CIHR - Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health (IHDCYH)
IHDCYH supports research that ensures the best start in life for all Canadians and the achievement of their potential for optimal growth and development. Through our support, researchers address a wide range of health concerns, including those associated with reproduction, early development, childhood, and adolescence.
(Updated: 2008-03-10)
CIHR – Institute of Infection and Immunity (III)
III is the lead CIHR Institute for the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Initiative. This initiative, supported by the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada, promotes Canadian research and builds research capacity in order to increase our understanding of the virus, the epidemic and effective responses.
The HIV/AIDS Research Initiative will contribute up to $200,000 towards successful synthesis projects in its priority areas, which include:
- Health Systems, Services and Policy
- Resilience, Vulnerability and Determinants of Health
- Prevention Technologies and Interventions
- Drug development, toxicities and resistance
- Pathogenesis
- Issues of co-infection
Further information on the Priorities for the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Initiative is available on the Institute website.
The Canadian Stroke Network (CSN)
The Canadian Stroke Network's mission is to reduce the impact of stroke on Canadians through collaborations that create valuable new knowledge in stroke; to ensure the best knowledge is applied; and to build Canadian capacity in stroke. We envision that by 2013, Canadian individuals, families, and society will benefit from measurable improvements in stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
(Updated: 2008-03-28)
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)
The Mental Health Commission of Canada was established by the Federal Government as a not-for-profit organization at arm’s length from all levels of government to provide a national focus for the discussion of mental health issues, to promote mental health in Canada and to help develop a national strategy for an integrated mental health system that places people living with mental health problems and illnesses at its centre. The MHCC encourages research to support its three strategic initiatives: (i) the development of a national strategy for mental health in Canada, (ii) the implementation of a ten-year anti-stigma/anti-discrimination campaign and (iii) the creation of knowledge exchange mechanisms that will serve as a centre of information for people living with mental health problems and illnesses, their families, policy-makers, researchers and the Canadian public. The MHCC will consider co-funding grants that are clearly aligned with its mandate and which focus on one or more mental health and mental illness issue related to, for example, children and youth, Indigenous Peoples, the law and the justice system, seniors, family caregivers, the work force, science, peer to peer support, service delivery and integration, anti-stigma/anti-discrimination programs, knowledge exchange, homelessness, and the recovery model. Any applications being submitted in these areas may be considered by the MHCC for funding.
(Updated: 2008-01-07)
Tri-Agency Partnership on Knowledge Syntheses on the Environment
The Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) will be partnering through this funding opportunity to support knowledge syntheses on the environment. Clearly a concern to Canadians, improving the environment was included among the Government of Canada’s top five priorities in the 2007 Speech to the Throne. It is also one of the four priorities of Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada’s Advantage [ PDF (929 KB) | Help ], the Government of Canada’s science and technology strategy.
The agencies will be collaborating to support research on cross-cutting, multi-disciplinary initiatives designed to address important scientific and scholarly opportunities and problems that matter to Canadians. The environment is a multi-faceted topic that will require contributions from across the many disciplines of Canada’s research community. With this in mind, the three agencies will provide support for multi-disciplinary teams of researchers who plan to draw on, and synthesize, existing knowledge and scholarship to respond to knowledge gaps identified by the variety of stakeholders involved in improving the environment.
The three agencies will support syntheses on complex interactions between the environment and one or more other sectors – particularly health, energy and natural resources, and information and communications technology (see graphic). Where appropriate, syntheses should address social, economic and cultural aspects, including governance and policy issues, of the intersection between:
- The environment and the health of Canadians;
- Energy/natural resources and the environment;
- Information and communications technologies and the environment; or
- Any combination of the above.
All applicants will be required to partner with a knowledge user organization or identified stake-holders that have a direct interest in, or need for, synthesized research knowledge.
A separate pool has been created to fund up to six syntheses under this initiative. Those submitting applications under the "Knowledge Syntheses on the Environment" initiave must clearly indicate so in the Summary of Research Proposal of the Research Module (p. 9).
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Eligibility
Eligibility criteria for all CIHR research funding programs apply. The business office of the institution of an eligible Nominated Principal Applicant generally administers CIHR funds. Please refer to the Eligibility Requirements for CIHR Grants and Awards regarding the eligibility requirements for individuals and institutions.
Randomized Controlled Trials: 2007-2008 (RCTs) will not be considered under this funding opportunity.
Only health-related applications to the “Tri-Agency Partnership on Knowledge Syntheses on the Environment” will be eligible for both the funding pool and the general synthesis competition. (Updated: 2008-01-07)
Specific Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements specific to this funding opportunity include the following:
Decision-maker Partnerships (Integrated Knowledge Translation)
In addition to standard CIHR applicant roles (i.e., Principal Applicant, and Co-Applicant), two additional applicant roles apply to this competition: Principal Decision-Maker Applicant and Decision-Maker Applicant, which are equivalent to Principal Applicant and Co-Applicant respectively.
- At least one decision-maker must be an applicant on the proposal and submit a decision-maker CV.
- Decision-makers are eligible to be the Nominated Principal Applicant if they are affiliated with an institution eligible to receive CIHR funds
- The project must involve one interactive session between researchers and decision makers at approximately the halfway point to share interim results.
- The project must include a stage near the completion of the project when researchers and decision makers review the synthesis results and craft recommendations for practice or policy useful to the decision-maker partner(s)
CIHR defines a decision maker as an individual who makes decisions about, or influences, health policies or practices. Decision makers can be practitioners, educators, health care administrators, elected officials, and individuals within the media, health charities, patient user groups or the private sector. They can work at the local community, municipal, provincial or national level. Decision makers are those individuals who are likely to be able to make use of the results of the research.
End-of-Grant Knowledge Translation
- The application must include a detailed end-of-grant knowledge translation plan that details how the results of the synthesis or scoping review will be disseminated to audiences beyond the decision-maker partner(s)
Other Requirements
- We strongly recommend that teams include experts in the content area covered by the synthesis, an expert on synthesis methods, and an information scientist.
- Applications to undertake Cochrane reviews are eligible only if the requested funds will not overlap with funding from the Canadian Cochrane Network and Centre (CCNC) and the proposed review is not one of the 30 reviews already funded by CIHR through its contribution to the CCNC.
- Fundamental research on new synthesis methodologies is not eligible. Applications on new methodologies should be submitted to the Knowledge Translation and Exchange panel of the open competition.
- CIHR recognizes that updating out-of-date syntheses can be as important as conducting new ones. Applicants wishing to do an update must still have a decision-maker partner and clearly justify the need to do the update.
- For internationally-focused syntheses, at the time of application the Nominated Principal Applicant must be affiliated with and able to receive funding from an institution eligible to receive CIHR funding (according to eligibility requirements for CIHR Grants and Awards described above), for this competition.
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Guidelines
This funding opportunity will follow the General Guidelines for Grant Programs. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate the use of Gender and Sex-Based Analysis in applications.
Allowable Costs
Applicants should review the Use of Grant Funds section of the Tri-Agency (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC) Financial Administration Guide for a complete listing and description of allowable costs and activities.
The full application must provide a detailed justification of all costs.
The following expenditures will be considered eligible for funding received through this funding opportunity:
Equipment, Maintenance and Service costs
- Purchase and maintenance of research equipment and other research tools
Salary Costs
- The salary (ies) of professional co-ordinator, knowledge broker, or research assistants
- Release time payments for the decision-maker partners to a maximum of $50,000 (includes decision makers acting as Nominated Principal Applicants).
Knowledge-Translation Related Costs
- Regional, national and international networking and exchange activities during the planning and dissemination of the research synthesis (e.g. networking, conferences, workshops, meetings, communication and dissemination methods). Eligible activities must involve substantive and meaningful interaction between researchers and intended users and relevant stakeholders
- Costs associated with the creation and distribution of dissemination and communication tools (e.g. plain language summaries or other mechanisms)
- Costs associated with ensuring open access to the findings (e.g., costs of publishing in an open access journal or making a journal article open access).
Conditions of Funding
All conditions specified in CIHR General Grants and Awards Policies shall apply to applications funded through this Funding opportunity. Conditions cover areas such as Applicant and Institutional Responsibilities, Ethics, Official languages policy, Access to Information and Privacy Acts, and Acknowledgement of CIHR's Support. Successful applicants will be informed of any special financial requirements prior to the release of funds or when they receive CIHR's Authorization for Funding (AFF) document.
Within six months after the end of the grant's term, the Nominated Principal Applicant is required to submit a copy of the final report in the following format:
- one page of key messages and recommendations for decision makers;
- a three-page summary linking the scientific evidence to the key messages and recommendations;
- the full synthesis report (no page limit).
Access to Information Act and Privacy Act, and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
All personal information collected by CIHR about applicants is used to review applications, to recruit reviewers, to administer and monitor grants and awards, to compile statistics, and to promote and support health research in Canada. Consistent with these purposes, applicants should also expect that information collected by CIHR may be shared as described in Use and Disclosure of Personal Information Provided to CIHR for Peer Review.
CIHR as a federal entity is subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act, therefore the requirements of these two statutes will apply to all information located in CIHR's premises including, without limitation, cost-sharing agreements related to this Funding opportunity and all matters pertaining thereto.
While respecting the application of the Privacy Act to federal entities, all signing parties involved in a collaborative agreement will also be bound by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). All personal information (as identified by the PIPEDA) collected, used or disclosed in the course of any commercial activity under collaborative agreements related to the Funding opportunity will be collected, used and disclosed in compliance with the PIPEDA.
Communication Requirements
Grant recipients are required to acknowledge CIHR, its institutes and partners in any communication or publication related to the project. See CIHR General Grants and Awards Policies, Public Communication and Acknowledgement of CIHR's Support for details on CIHR's communication requirements. The contributing institutes / partners will be identified on the Authorization for Funding and decision letter.
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Performance Measurement
N/A
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Review Process and Evaluation
Relevance Review
The Knowledge Synthesis and Exchange branch, PCE, CRI, IAPH, IA, IG, IGH, IHSPR, IHDCYH, III, MHCC, NSERC, SSHRC and CSN will provide funding for applications that are relevant to (in alignment with) the objectives and research priority areas described in the "Objectives" section.
Prior to merit review all the partners will have access to anonymized project titles and summaries to conduct relevance review.
Upon completion of merit review, all the partners will receive the ranking list, merit scores (ratings) and recommendations on funding level and award term for the applications that fall in the fundable range and have been determined to be relevant to the specific research areas and objectives of the initiative. The list will be used for funding decision-making purposes and will remain anonymous.
Merit Review
A CIHR merit review committee will evaluate the full applications. The committee may be drawn from one of CIHR's pre-existing committees or may be created specifically for this funding opportunity. Committee members are selected based on suggestions from many sources including the institute(s) / portfolio(s) and partner(s), following CIHR's Policy on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest and Privacy Issues in Peer and Relevance Review (CCIP). For information on CIHR's peer review process in general, see the Peer Review section of CIHR's website.
Evaluation Criteria
Merit review will be conducted in accordance with The CIHR Peer Review Process - Policies and Responsibilities of Grants Committee Members, including the standard evaluation criteria described under "Factors in the Assessment" (section 6.2).
The following evaluation criteria are specific to this funding opportunity. Reviewers will apply the following criteria to arrive at scores for potential impact and scientific merit.
Potential Impact
- Degree to which the question responds to a knowledge gap identified by decision-makers
- Commitment and capacity of the decision-maker partners to use the synthesis in their decision-making
- Likelihood that the project will have a positive and substantive impact on health outcomes, practice or policy
- Overall quality and feasibility of the end-of-grant knowledge translation plan
- Relevance of the proposal to themes identified in this funding opportunity
Scientific Merit
- Clarity of the research questions
- Extent to which the proposal demonstrates that the synthesis, scoping review or update is needed and has not already been done
- Quality of the collaboration between researchers and decision-makers (on both research and knowledge translation activities)
- Appropriateness, innovativeness and rigour of the methods and appropriateness of the sources and levels of evidence
- Productivity and experience of the research team; capacity of the team to achieve the proposed research and knowledge translation activities
Potential impact and scientific merit will be weighted equally. Only those applications receiving a score of 3.50 or more on both potential impact and scientific merit will be considered for funding. These scores will then be merged into a single score.
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How to Apply
The application process is comprised of two steps: Registration and Full Application.
Review the application instructions provided in How to Apply for Funding.
Applicants are required to complete their applications using the CIHR Web Forms.
Select "Operating Grants" (Registration and Application) from the Grant Programs Application Packages.
Additional instructions to be followed for this funding opportunity:
- In the Research Funding Program section of the Research Module, select "Strategic Initiative/RFA" and enter the title of this funding opportunity. Those submitting under IHSPR's "Low- and Middle-income Country Priority Research Area" or the "Tri-Agency Partnership on Knowledge Syntheses on the Environment" funding must clearly indicate so in the Summary of Research Proposal of the Research Module (p. 9).
- Fill in the Research Module.
For this funding opportunity the research proposal section of the Research Module is limited to 9 pages, including figures and
tables and the Summary of Research Proposal. References may be listed in additional pages. The summary of progress (pg.10) and the response to previous reviews (pages 11a & 11b) should not be submitted.
The Research Module must include the following sections:
Project relevance (3 pages)
Describe the knowledge gap that will be filled by this project, accounting for previous work done in the area, fit with the priorities listed in this funding opportunity, how researchers and decision makers will benefit from new knowledge in the area, and how the decision-maker partners contributed to the formulation of the research question.
Research Plan (3 pages)
Describe the methods, detailing sources of data, inclusion/exclusion criteria, critical appraisal techniques, methods for synthesizing findings, and strategies to ensure methodological rigor.
Decision-maker partnership (Integrated knowledge translation) (2 pages)
Describe the decision-maker partners and their role in the project, including the fit between the research area and their decision-making responsibilities, and their commitment and capacity to use the research results. Detail the plan to share interim results with the decision-maker partners and the process for generating recommendations for decision-making in collaboration with the partners.
End-of-grant Knowledge Translation Plan (1 page)
Identify the end-of-grant knowledge translation goals, audiences/participants (including but limited to the decision-maker partner(s)), methods and resources. Consider: What knowledge should be transferred? To whom? By whom? How? With what effect? Explain how the knowledge translation strategies employed will lead to the use of synthesis evidence in decision-making. Demonstrate that the team has the capacity to undertake the KT plan.
- Fill in the Common CV Module.
Researchers
You must submit full common CV modules for the Nominated Principal Applicant, Principal Applicants, and one Co-Applicant of the team. Only abbreviated CVs (maximum 3 pages) are required for any additional Co-Applicants. Full CVs will not be considered for these applicants. The first page of the CV should only include the contact information of the applicant (mailing address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address, and CIHR PIN number). This information must be kept separate from the rest of the CV because it will not be forwarded to reviewers. All applicants must have a CV and a CIHR PIN number. The second and third page of the CV should include information on current grants held including % budgetary overlap with any current grant, relevant publications from the last five years, and expertise keywords.
Decision makers
Decision makers are not required to use the common CV module. Instead, they must submit a three-page free-form CV.
Page one should include:
- Name and contact information (including mailing address, e-mail and phone number)
- CIHR PIN number
- Keywords: list up to 10 keywords to describe your expertise
Pages two and three should include:
- History: qualifications, work experience, distinctions, awards, etc.
- Experience in the management of innovation and change
- Most significant contributions
- Fill in the Budget Module.
- Clearly justify all budget items (including cash and in-kind contributions)
- Submit signed letter(s) of support from the decision-maker co-appliant(s). The letter should explain the role of the decision maker and demonstrate his or her interest in the topic and commitment to the project and using the results of the synthesis.
- Courier the original and 6 copies of the full application by the application deadline.
Send the completed registration and application packages by courier to:
RE: "Synthesis Grants: Knowledge Translation"
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Room 97, 160 Elgin Street
Address locator: 4809A
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0W9
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Contact Information
For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, and the merit review process contact:
Prabha Singh
Program Delivery Officer
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-952-0823
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: psingh@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
For questions about this initiative and research objectives contact:
Andrea Smith (2008-03-10)
Senior KSE Specialist
Knowledge Synthesis and Exchange Branch
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-948-2682
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: andrea.smith@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
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Partner/Collaborator Description
Note: Additional partners/collaborators, including partners/collaborators from industry and the private sector are expected to join this funding initiative over the coming year.
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
CIHR is Canada's major federal funding agency for health research. Its objective is to excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system.
CIHR - Knowledge Synthesis and Exchange Branch (KSE)
The Knowledge Synthesis and Exchange branch aims to advance CIHR's knowledge translation mandate by promoting and supporting excellence in knowledge translation practice and research, knowledge synthesis and exchange, as well as by building capacity in these areas.
CIHR - Partnerships and Citizen Engagement Branch (PCE)
The Partnerships and Citizen Engagement Branch's mandate is to ensure the consistent and effective management of partnerships and citizen engagement activities across CIHR, based on the organization's strategic and operational priorities.
(Updated: 2008-03-10)
CIHR - Clinical Research Initiative (CRI)
The CIHR Clinical Research Initiative promotes and wishes to expand clinical research networks that can rapidly conduct high-quality clinical and translational research studies that address multiple research questions. By working together toward common goals, Clinical Research Networks will improve the way the Canadian Clinical Research Enterprise works, connects, interacts and shares information. Through direct collaboration with clinical research professionals from across the Nation, Clinical Research Networks will be key in the improvement of the clinical research enterprise, fostering communication and sharing of best practices.
CIHR - Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (IAPH)
IAPH supports health research that addresses the special health needs of Aboriginal peoples in Canada, and aims to improve the health of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples through the assertion of Aboriginal understandings of health and by fostering innovative community-based and scientifically excellent research.
CIHR - Institute of Aging (IA)
IA supports research that promotes healthy aging and addresses causes, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation for a wide range of conditions associated with aging.
CIHR - Institute of Gender and Health (IGH)
IGH supports research that addresses how sex (biological-genetic dimensions) and gender (social-cultural dimensions) interact with other socio-cultural, bio-physical, and political-economic factors to influence health and create conditions that differ with respect to risk factors or effective interventions for males and females throughout the lifespan. The objectives of the Institute for Gender and Health are to (1) generate evidence regarding the impact of sex and gender on health status, health behaviour, and health services use throughout the life span; (2) enhance understanding of how gender, sex and health interact with other health determinants; (3) provide evidence to inform the design of programs, policies and practices; (4) build the capacity of gender and health researchers in Canada; and (5) advance the gender and health perspective nationally and internationally.
CIHR - Institute of Genetics (IG)
IG ;supports research on the human and model genomes and on all aspects of genetics, basic biochemistry and cell biology related to health and disease, including the translation of knowledge into health policy and practice, and the societal implications of genetic discoveries.
CIHR - Institute of Health Services and Policy Research (IHSPR)
IHSPR is dedicated to supporting innovative research, capacity-building and knowledge translation initiatives designed to improve the way health care services are organized, regulated, managed, financed, paid for, used and delivered, in the interest of improving the health and quality of life of all Canadians.
CIHR - Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health (IHDCYH)
IHDCYH supports research that ensures the best start in life for all Canadians and the achievement of their potential for optimal growth and development. Through our support, researchers address a wide range of health concerns, including those associated with reproduction, early development, childhood, and adolescence.
(Updated: 2008-03-10)
CIHR - Institute of Infection and Immunity (III)
The CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity supports research to enhance immune-mediated health and to reduce the burden of infectious disease, immune-mediated disease, and allergy through prevention strategies, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation.
Partners
The Atlantic Advisory Committee on Health Human Resources (AACHHR)
AACHHR provides policy advice to the Atlantic Deputy Ministers of Health and of Education (or equivalent department/s) to enhance intra-regional cooperation on issues relating to health human resources. The overall goal of the AACHHR is to improve the appropriateness and responsiveness of the health labour force by recommending to the Deputy Ministers how to effectively and efficiently match the human resource requirements of the evolving service delivery system to population health needs.
AACHHR may contribute to the funding of syntheses relevant to the area of Health Human Resources, pending availability of funding, relevance review and appropriate merit review ranking.
The Canadian Patient Safety Institute (CPSI)
The CPSI is dedicated to achieving measurable improvement in the rate of adverse events patients experience in the Canadian healthcare system, and to optimizing successful national and international patient safety initiatives. It's vision is a Canadian health system where patients, providers, governments and others work together to build and advance a safer health system; where providers take pride in their ability to deliver the safest and highest quality of care possible; and where every Canadian in need of healthcare can be confident that the care they receive is the safest in the world.
The Institute provides leadership on patient safety issues, and seeks to create a culture open to disclosure and committed to innovative change that will improve patient safety and care. In its role the CPSI:
- plays a leadership and coordination role across sectors and systems, and fosters collaboration, open communication and knowledge exchange among governments, health organizations and other stakeholders;
- promotes effective strategies and leading practices to improve patient safety, such as the Canadian Root Cause Analysis Framework, and raises awareness with stakeholders, patients and the general public about patient safety;
- supports the development of patient safety initiatives, influences cultural shifts and champions change;
- facilitates ongoing research through funding applied health services research projects and demonstration projects;
- promotes a research environment that encourages the exploration, exposure and resolution of patient safety issues;
- seeks to increase the scope and scale of patient safety research, and collaborates with health research organizations, such as CIHR and CHSRF; and
- empowers patients and their families with information and support.
CPSI may contribute to the funding of syntheses relevant to the area of Patient Safety, pending availability of funding, relevance review and appropriate merit review ranking.
The Canadian Stroke Network
The Canadian Stroke Network's mission is to reduce the impact of stroke on Canadians through collaborations that create valuable new knowledge in stroke; to ensure the best knowledge is applied; and to build Canadian capacity in stroke. We envision that by 2013, Canadian individuals, families, and society will benefit from measurable improvements in stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.
Health Canada
Health Canada is the federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health, while respecting individual choices and circumstances. By working with others, Health Canada strives to:
- Prevent and reduce risks to individual health and the overall environment;
- Promote healthier lifestyles;
- Ensure high quality health services that are efficient and accessible;
- Integrate renewal of the healthcare system with longer term plans in the areas of prevention, health promotion and protection;
- Reduce health inequalities in Canadian society; and
- Provide health information to help Canadians make informed decisions.
Health Canada may contribute to the funding of syntheses relevant to the area of Strategic Management for Timely Treatment, pending availability of funding, relevance review and appropriate merit review ranking.
(Updated: 2008-03-28)
The Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC)
The Mental Health Commission of Canada was established by the Federal Government as a not-for-profit organization at arm’s length from all levels of government to provide a national focus for the discussion of mental health issues, to promote mental health in Canada and to help develop a national strategy for an integrated mental health system that places people living with mental health problems and illnesses at its centre.
Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)
NSERC is the national instrument for making strategic investments in Canada's capability in science and technology. NSERC supports both basic university research through discovery grants and project research through partnerships among universities, governments and the private sector, as well as the advanced training of highly qualified people.
Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) is the federal agency that promotes and supports university-based research and training in the humanities and social sciences. Through its programs and policies, the Council enables the highest levels of research excellence in Canada, and facilitates knowledge-sharing and collaboration across research disciplines, universities and all sectors of society.
The Western & Northern Health Human Resource Planning Forum
The mandate of this organization is to provide a forum where western provincial and northern territorial ministries of health and advanced education can explore opportunities for collaborative planning and joint initiatives in the area of health human resources.
The Forum members include British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The Forum's activities include:
- Exchange of information and networking on jurisdictional developments and initiatives.
- Identification of opportunities for enhancing interjurisdictional co-operation.
- Development and implementation of joint projects and initiatives.
- Establishment of interjurisdictional task groups.
- Organization of western and northern region planning conferences, involving other stakeholder groups as appropriate.
- Co-ordination of input to and representation on national working groups and committees.
- Identification and accessing of funding sources to support Forum activities and projects
The Western & Northern Health Human Resource Planning Forum may contribute to the funding of syntheses relevant to the area of Health Human Resources, pending availability of funding, relevance review and appropriate merit review ranking.
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