Important Dates

Notices

• Applications for Demonstration Projects that are Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) need not submit an outline but must still register on or before March 2, 2009.
• The CIHR Institute of Aging anticipates launching similar calls for Demonstration Projects in December 2009.

Table of Contents

• Description
• Objectives
• Eligibility
• Guidelines
• Performance Measurement
• Review Process and Evaluation
• How to Apply
• Contact Information
• Partner/Collaborator Description
• Additional Information

Description

The purpose of the "Demonstration Projects in Mobility in Aging" funding opportunity is to enhance the capacity of research-users ¹ to apply research evidence to their decisions on approaches ² - products, programs, services, and health system models - that contribute to improved Mobility in Aging. This funding opportunity is announced under the Mobility in Aging Initiative led by the CIHR Institute of Aging.

A Demonstration project is designed to evaluate the implementation of an evidence-based approach (practice, tool, program, service, policy or product ³ as a viable solution to a known problem, and is aimed at assessing the merits of widespread use of such an approach.

At the outcome, a Demonstration project should contribute to the understanding of: how, why and for whom does an approach work (or not); the effectiveness and value-added of the approach compared to the status quo and/or related approaches; and the feasibility and cost-benefit of adopting the approach in the current or new jurisdiction. The research evidence should facilitate informed decisions on the initiation, continuation, revision or discontinuation of the specific approach.

Demonstration projects may, as required, involve:

• trial and comparison of different approaches targeting the same problem
• one or more testing cohorts, settings or sites
• creating new, and/or modifying, existing indicators and/or quantitative and qualitative tools
• impact analysis
• pre- and post-implementation evaluation surveys
• cost-benefit analysis
• the study of processes by which a new approach is introduced, implemented, evaluated and/or adopted and sustained with the aim to extract best practices

Successful Demonstration projects generally require a broad range of skills and experience, including, e.g., quantitative and qualitative research, project management, field operations, systems design and implementation, and data collection and analysis.

Background

In the context of the Mobility in Aging Initiative and this funding opportunity, "mobility" encompasses not only participation in society (e.g., ability to drive and having accessible public transportation) and physical activity, but also the performance of specific maneuvers such as walking or climbing stairs and the carrying out of instrumental activities of daily living.

Mobility is a challenge for a significant proportion of the older population. In addition to extrinsic barriers of mobility, such as inappropriate aids, transportation infrastructure and physical environments, older adults also cope with intrinsic barriers, such as fear of falling and mobility impairments. Currently of those 60 years of age or over, 13% have mobility impairments; the proportion climbing to 30% by 80 years of age. ⁴ As baby boomers move through their senior years over the next 4 decades, the number of Canadians living with mobility impairments will grow exponentially. Already, 54% of Canadians 55 and older believe that they are less mobile than they were 10 years ago: more than one third have difficulty climbing several flights of stairs and one quarter have difficulty bending or stooping (28%) or walking a kilometre or more (24%).⁵

Mobility in older adults can significantly affect social and economic independence along with physical and mental health. Research addressing the range of intrinsic and extrinsic challenges (i.e., from biological to environmental) associated with Mobility in Aging has the potential to optimize the well-being of a large number of Canadians as well as significantly reduce the nation's health care costs.

Through a number of consultations with relevant researcher and user/stakeholder communities, a key recommendation to the Institute of Aging was to address the issue of researcher to research users disconnect. Participants repeatedly emphasized a need for collaboration within and across organizations, disciplines, specialties, and stakeholders to break down silos and address lack of cross-sectoral interactions.

Furthermore, participants noted that while current knowledge gaps do exist, there is a body of knowledge and evidence in Mobility in Aging that is not being used to the full advantage of research-users and stakeholders. There is a need to increase the use of evidence in decisions on the initiation, continuation or discontinuation of approaches/interventions (practices, tools, programs, services, policies or products). For example, studies are required to evaluate current interventions and their effectiveness, as well as how to overcome barriers to the implementation of best practices. (More details on these consultations, the 4 targeted research areas, and other gaps can be found in the document: "Mobility in Aging Initiative - Priorities for Research and Research-advancing Activities Identified through Consultations". The CIHR IA is responding to the above recommendations with the launch of the "Demonstration Projects in Mobility in Aging" funding opportunity.

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 $900,000. This amount may increase if additional funding partners decide to participate.
• The amount awarded for a single grant will typically range between $50,000 to $200,000 per annum for terms between 1 and 3 years. The equipment amount is awarded in year one.

CIHR encourages cash and in-kind contributions from those organizations that have the financial capacity and are in a position to benefit financially or otherwise from the conduct and outcomes of the Demonstration project, be they a key research-user organization, the host for the implementation and evaluation of the approach, or other. See "Allowable Costs" in the Guidelines section.

Partner/Collaborator Participation

Objectives

The purpose of the "Demonstration Projects in Mobility in Aging" funding opportunity is to enhance the capacity of the Mobility in Aging user communities to apply research evidence to innovations - products, programs, services, and health systems - that contribute to improved mobility in the older adults.

The specific objectives of this funding opportunity are:

• promote and advance the uptake of research and evidence into action in Mobility in Aging;
• bridge the worlds of academic researchers and research users in the Mobility in Aging community;
• build capacity in the research-user community to better identify and use evidence in their everyday business;
• provide credible validation (or invalidation) of approaches for decision makers in the research and research-user communities;

Relevant Research Areas:

• relate significantly to the health and quality of life of older adults (generally above the age of 65) by addressing issues of aging and/or the aged as essential elements of the project's objectives and analyses;
• align with the eligible research and research-related activities of the Mobility in Aging Initiative;
• be relevant to the health system, health care settings, home and/or community settings;
• be executed on a pragmatic scale in a "real world" environment;
• include appropriate methodologies for implementation and evaluation;
• include both researchers and research-users from relevant organizations on the project team.

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 (RCTs) will be considered under this funding opportunity. Applicants who are considering submitting a Randomized Controlled Trial application in response to this funding opportunity are required to consult CIHR RCT staff listed in Contact Information and are advised to familiarize themselves with the RCT specific guidelines and instructions, which are fully described in the Randomized Controlled Trials: 2008-2009 funding opportunity.

Note:

• Applications for Demonstration Projects that are RCTs need not submit an outline, but must still register on or before March 2nd, 2009.
• RCTs will not be permitted when necessary background research or preliminary studies have not yet been completed. Consult CIHR RCT staff should you require further information.
• It is the applicant's responsibility to identify the application as an RCT. However, CIHR staff will make final decisions on identifying such applications.

Specific Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements specific to this funding opportunity include the following:

• Proposals must involve at least one research-user on the project team.

Within the context of this funding opportunity, a research-user is defined as an individual or organization who could or should use research findings and evidence in their decisions on policies, programs, etc., such as health institution administrators, health care providers (e.g., physicians, nurses, physiotherapists), formal and informal caregivers, social and frontline workers, policy decision makers, the media, health charities, the private sector and the general public. A research-user can work at the local community, municipal, provincial or national level.

Guidelines

General CIHR 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. This encouraged approach does not contradict CIHR IA's promotion and support of research that advances the health and quality of life of older adults (generally above the age of 65).

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.

For this funding opportunity please note the following regarding funding:

• CIHR encourages cash and in-kind contributions from those organizations that have the financial capacity and are in a position to benefit financially or otherwise from the conduct and outcomes of the Demonstration project, be they a key research-user organization, the host for the implementation and evaluation of the approach, or other. CIHR would not expect partner contributions to total to more than 66% of the cost of the Demonstration Project. For reference, examples of "In-kind" contributions can be found under the "Additional Information" section. For Industry partners, see CIHR's "In-kind Eligibility Table" listing types of in-kind (cash-equivalent) contributions.
• Funding is not intended to cover costs to implement approaches already planned or initiated, but rather the costs related to addressing the research questions on the approach.

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.

In addition to CIHR standard guidelines and requirements, the following special requirements shall apply:

• Within six months after the end of the grant's term, the Nominated Principal Applicant is required to submit a final performance report, summarizing the results and describing how the grant funds were used. A standard form will be provided by CIHR.
• Proceedings of any workshop or consultative event must be submitted electronically to the CIHR Institute of Aging within 3 months of the event. A standard form will be provided by the CIHR Institute of Aging. CIHR may decide to post such proceedings on its website or other public document.

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.

CIHR Guidelines for Health Research Involving Aboriginal People

The CIHR Guidelines for Health Research Involving Aboriginal People came into effect as policy for CIHR-funded research on July 1, 2008. Applicants whose proposed research will involve Aboriginal People are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with these guidelines and in particular with the section "Application of the Guidelines," which outlines the situations in which these guidelines apply.

Policy on Access to Research Outputs

CIHR believes that greater access to research publications and data will promote the ability of researchers and knowledge users in Canada and abroad to use and build on the knowledge needed to address significant health challenges. Open access will promote accessibility to CIHR-funded research and will serve to increase the international visibility of Canadian research. As of January 1, 2008, CIHR grant recipients are reminded to adhere with the responsibilities outlined in the Policy on Access to Research Outputs. Under this policy, grant recipients must make every effort to ensure that research papers and bio-molecular data generated from CIHR funding are freely accessible online.

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.

Performance Measurement

CIHR is committed to demonstrating results to Canadians for the money invested in health research. Therefore, processes for monitoring progress and appropriate use of funds, as well as for performance measurement and program evaluation are in place. As a result, funding recipients must:

• contribute to the monitoring, review and evaluation of CIHR's programs, policies and processes by participating in evaluation studies, surveys, workshops, audits and providing data or reports as required for the purpose of collecting information to assess progress and results;
• encourage their associates, trainees and administration to participate in the monitoring, review and evaluation of CIHR's programs, policies and processes as required.

Review Process and Evaluation

Relevance Review

The CIHR Institute of Aging and other Mobility in Aging Partners will provide funding for applications that are relevant to (in alignment with) the objectives and research priority areas described in the Objectives section.

The relevance of proposals will be determined at the Registration stage of the application process. For this process, senior Institute of Aging staff (in consultation with the Institute Advisory board members, as required) and Mobility in Aging Partners will have access to anonymized project titles and registration documents to conduct relevance review. In the case where a registration information on the proposed project is deemed non-relevant to this funding opportunity applicants will be informed as such and notified not to submit a full application within approximately two weeks of the registration deadline. The relevance review will have no impact on the peer review process.

The following criteria will be used in conducting the relevance review.

• Alignment of the proposed project with the objectives of this funding opportunity;
• Extent to which the proposal addresses the above relevant research areas described in the "Objectives" section;
• For the Institute of Aging, it is critical that proposals include aging and/or the aged as essential elements of the research objectives, hypotheses and analyses (e.g., dynamics of aging, age-relevant models and/or aged subjects);
• For other Mobility in Aging Partners, many of these will consider funding applications in mobility in aging that are also relevant to their priority areas.

Peer Review

A CIHR peer review committee will evaluate all the full applications to this Demonstration Projects Competition. The committee may be drawn from one of CIHR's pre-existing committees or may be created specifically for this funding opportunity. For those Demonstration Project Applications that are deemed RCTs, a parallel peer review on scientific merit and methodological rigour will occur through the CIHR RCT Peer Review Committee. The input of the RCT peer review on whether the application is deemed fundable or not, along with evaluation comments will be considered by the Demonstration Projects competition peer review committee in their decision on the RCT application in the rating and ranking of all applications (RCT and non-RCT).

Demonstration Project Applications that are deemed RCTs must be judged as fundable by both the Demonstration Projects competition peer review committee and the CIHR RCT Peer Review Committee to be considered for funding under the Demonstration Projects competition.

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.

Upon completion of peer review of the full applications, the representatives from senior Institute of Aging staff (in consultation with the Institute Advisory board members, as required), and Mobility in Aging Partners will receive the ratings, rankings and peer review committee recommendations on funding level and term for the applications that are rated in the CIHR fundable range and are found to be relevant to the specific objectives of the research initiative and the research areas described under "Objectives" and "Relevant Research Areas." The list will be used for funding decision-making purposes and will remain anonymous. These applications will be funded from the top down in order of ranking as far as budgets will allow. Applications that receive a ranking below 3.5 will not be funded.

Evaluation Criteria

Peer 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. CIHR recognizes that applications will emphasize different approaches to research and to knowledge translation, therefore reviewers and committees are expected to weight criteria such as these differently from one application to another.

For Demonstration Project Applications that are NOT deemed RCTs - the evaluation criteria are as follows:

1. Potential Impact
   • How clearly is the approach to be studied described and documented?
   • How likely is it that the approach to be studied will have an impact on improving mobility in the older adult population?
   • How important and original are the contributions expected from the project proposed?
   • Is it clear how the new knowledge will help guide decisions on the approach and/or its refinement?
   • To what extent have the applicant(s) engaged relevant organizations for implementing the project and applying its findings? If the approach is deemed successful, has a sustainability process been elaborated by the appropriate organization?
   • Is the level of participation (financial or in-kind) for the relevant organization(s) appropriate relative to estimated gains to the organization(s)?
   • If applicable, to what extent will the project complement/enhance any evaluation plans already in place?
2. Scientific Rigour and Feasibility
   • How appropriate, pragmatic, and feasible are the research design, data collection plan, and timelines?
   • How well have the applicants anticipated difficulties in their research approach and considered alternatives?
   • How critically is the relevant literature appraised and evaluated?
   • Have the applicant(s) brought together the necessary expertise and collaborations to accomplish the work proposed?
3. Applicant(s) productivity, experience and training
   • How appropriate to the proposed area of inquiry is the training or track record of the applicant(s)? How important and original is the recent productivity of the applicant(s)? To what extent do the applicant(s) have the expertise and capacity to do the work proposed?
   • How much experience do the applicant(s) have in initiating and maintaining research partnerships with the organization(s) in implementing demonstration projects (if applicable)?

For Demonstration Project Applications that are deemed RCTs - the evaluation criteria are as follows:

1. Potential Impact (as describe above) is to be address in Appendix one (1) of the Research Proposal of their RCT application (not to be confused with appendix one of the Research Module).
2. Scientific and Methodological Rigour and Management as described in the RCT Review Process and Evaluation.

How to Apply

Note: This funding opportunity requires the use of CIHR Web Forms to apply for funding.

• The application process for this funding opportunity is comprised of two steps: Registration and Application.
• To complete your Registration and Application, follow the instructions identified in the Operating Grants - Web Forms "Registration" Phase Instructions and the Operating Grants - Web Forms "Application" Phase Instructions.
• An overview of CIHR's application processes can be found under Apply for Funding.
• Reminder to applicants: Please ensure that your application is complete, includes all required signatures (application participants, organizational and partner signatures both National and/or International, as identified in the "Participant Categories for CIHR Grants" and the "Meaning of Signatures on Application Forms" sections of the CIHR Grants and Awards Guide) and is submitted on time to CIHR. As of September 1, 2008, CIHR no longer assumes responsibility in following-up with applicants who submit an incomplete application. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted into the competition.

Additional instructions that must be followed for this funding opportunity:
(Note: These additional instructions supersede all other policies or guidelines published by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, including, but not limited to, the Grants and Awards Guide, the Memorandum of Understanding, etc.)

NOTE: For Research-User and/or Decision Maker CVs the following information is required:

• Page 1 of the Common CV:
  • Name and contact information of Decision Maker Applicant (including mailing address, e-mail and phone number);
  • CIHR PIN;
  • Signature.
• A two-page free form CV with the following information:
  • Name and address;
  • Keywords: list up to 10 keywords to describe your expertise;
  • History: qualifications, work experience, distinctions, awards etc.;
  • Experience in the management of innovation and change;
  • Most significant contributions.

NOTE: For Demonstration Project Applications that are NOT Randomized Controlled Trials:

• In the Research Funding Program section of the Research Module, select "Strategic Initiative" and enter the title of this funding opportunity : "Operating Grant: Demonstration Projects in Mobility in Aging".
• Research Proposal section of the Research Module is limited to 12 pages and is to be laid out as follows:
  • Impact: in 3 pages, address criterion 1.
  • Research -user participation and engagement: in 1 page, address and justify the level of participation (financial or in-kind) for the relevant organization(s) appropriate relative to estimated gains to the organization(s).
  • Criteria 2 and 3: in the remaining 8 pages address criteria 2 and 3.
  • Letters of Support are encouraged and should be provided in appendix.

Send the completed registration and application packages by courier to:

RE: "Operating Grant: Demonstration Projects in Mobility in Aging"
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Room 97, 160 Elgin Street
Address locator: 4809A
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0W9

NOTE: For Demonstration Project Applications that are Randomized Controlled Trials:

• Applicants are advised to familiarize themselves with the Randomized Controlled Trials: 2008-2009 funding opportunity and then follow the specific application guidelines and instructions which are fully described in its "How to Apply" section. Additional instructions are the same as below.
• Applications for Demonstration Projects that are Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) need NOT submit an outline but must still register on or before March 2nd, 2009.
• Evaluation Criterion 1 on Potential Impact (as describe above) must be addressed in 3 pages or less as Appendix one (1) of the RCT application (not to be confused with appendix one of the Research Module).

Send the completed registration and application packages by courier to:

RE: "Operating Grant: Demonstration Projects in Mobility in Aging"
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Room 97, 160 Elgin Street
Address locator: 4809A
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0W9

Contact Information

For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, and the peer review process contact:

Marie-France Roy (Updated: 2009-02-25)
Knowledge Creation Program
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-941-3420
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: mariefrance.roy@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

For questions about Randomized Controlled Trials (RCT) applications contact:

Irwin Schweitzer
Trials Officer
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-941-0718
Fax: 613-954-1800<
Email: irwin.schweitzer@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

For questions about this initiative and research objectives contact:

Sharon Nadeau
Associate, Strategic Initiatives
Institute of Aging
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-946-1270
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: sharon.nadeau@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

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)
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's agency for health research. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health-care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to nearly 12,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

CIHR - Institute of Aging (IA)
The CIHR Institute of Aging (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): healthy and successful aging, biological mechanisms of aging, cognitive impairment in aging, aging and maintenance of functional autonomy, and health services and policy relating to older people.

Partners

Visit the current list of partners to the Mobility in Aging Initiative. A number of these partners will consider funding applications in Mobility in Aging that are also relevant to their priority areas.

Additional Information

Examples of In-kind Contributions

Note that this is not an exhaustive list and that in-kind contributions are generally those that are entirely relevant and central to the research (such judgment may be referred to peer review) and would have to be purchased if they were not provided by the partner.

CIHR recognizes the contribution of partners to essential components of projects. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Access to unique database of the partner;
• Professional, analytical and other services: e.g., marketing or communication expertise;
• Equipment of the partner (donated or loaned);
• Materials, technology, and components (including development work by partner);
• Licenses: partners may provide licenses for use by the academic institution for the proposed project;
• Software and software training and support;
• Use of facilities:
  • logistical support, food and lodging for academic personnel working on partner premises or on field work.
  • use of specialized equipment facilities by academic personnel or use of process or production lines.

¹ In the context of this funding opportunity, the term "research-users" refers to those who could or should use research findings and evidence in their decisions on policies, programs, etc., such as health institution administrators, health care providers (e.g., physicians, nurses, physiotherapists), formal and informal caregivers, social and frontline workers, policy decision makers, the media, health charities, the private sector and the general public.

² In the context of this RFA, the term "approach" is intended to represent an intervention, practice, tool, program, service, policy or product that is the focus of study of the Demonstration project.

³ Applicants are directed to the Proof-of-Principle program in cases where Intellectual Property is involved and has been subjected to an initial technology assessment; and where one has already worked out what the novel invention is, what is needed to be protected (or is protected), what will be the product/process/service, and what will be commercialized. Usually applicants have significant data and are planning or expanding critical and confirmatory proof of principle tests in the proposal. The Proof-of-Principle program is designed to advance discoveries/inventions towards commercializable technologies, with a view to attract new investment and create new science-based businesses.

⁴ See Catalyst Grant: Mobility in Aging funding opportunity.

⁵ See Catalyst Grant: Mobility in Aging funding opportunity.