Important Dates

Notices

Table of Contents

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

Description

Priority Announcements offer additional sources of funding for highly rated applications that are relevant to specific CIHR research priority areas or mandates. Applications are submitted through the Proof of Principle Phase I funding opportunity.

Proof of Principle Phase I (POP-I) Grants will fund proof of principle research projects of up to 12 months duration designed to advance discoveries/inventions towards commercializable technologies, with a view to attract new investment and create new science-based businesses. Research projects across all four pillars of CIHR are eligible for this program.

The stage of research that best fits the POP Phase I is one where the IP 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. Applications focused solely on prototype construction will not be considered.

Funds Available

CIHR's contribution to the amount available for these strategic initiatives is subject to availability of funds voted annually to CIHR by parliamentary appropriations, and the conditions that may be attached to them.

• The maximum amount awarded for a single grant is $150,000 for one year (non-renewable: once a POP-I grant is awarded, all subsequent applications for POP-I funding must be for IP that is distinct from the funded grant).

Funds Available for Research in All Areas:

Funds are available for applications in all areas of research that address any important health problem or issue through the Proof of Principle Phase I funding opportunity.

Funds Available for Research in Specific Areas:

In this competition, funds are available to encourage and support applications in specific areas that are aligned with CIHR's research priority areas and mandates. Information on the research areas to be funded as well as the maximum amounts per grant that can be requested is found in the "Objectives" section.

CIHR Research Priority Areas:

1. Cancer Research in Early Detection, Imaging and/or Translational Therapeutics
2. Drug Development
3. Mobility in Aging Innovations
4. Regional Partnerships Program – New Brunswick
5. Regional Partnerships Program – Newfoundland and Labrador
6. Regional Partnerships Program – Prince Edward Island

Objectives

The specific objective of the Proof of Principle Phase I Priority Announcement (Specific Research Areas) is to offer additional sources of funding for highly rated applications that are relevant to specific CIHR research priority areas and mandates.

CIHR Research Priority Areas:

1. Cancer Research in Early Detection, Imaging and/or Translational Therapeutics.
The CIHR Institute of Cancer Research (CIHR-ICR) fosters research based on internationally accepted standards of excellence, which bears on preventing and treating cancer, and improving the health and quality of life of cancer patients. CIHR-ICR is dedicated to supporting research that reduces the burden of cancer on individuals and families through prevention strategies, screening, diagnosis, effective treatment, psycho-social support systems, and palliation.

CIHR-ICR will contribute up to $450,000 in the April 2009 Competition towards successful projects in the following priority areas, which include:

• Early Detection: this includes, but is not limited to:
  • new or improved cancer screening technologies to detect early stage malignant or pre-malignant lesions
  • molecular genetic tests for predicting cancer risk
  • biomarker-based screening technologies
  • new or improved cancer screening technologies that are safer, or offer increased sensitivity and specificity over current methods 

• Imaging: this includes, but is not limited to:
  • novel or improved imaging and spectroscopic technologies for early detection, screening, diagnosis and image-guided treatment of cancer
    
    
• Translational Therapeutics: the development of cancer therapeutics which includes, but is not limited to:
  • small molecule therapeutics for validated cancer targets
  • biologicals aimed against a validated cancer target or cancer cells
  • devices for cancer therapy

CIHR-ICR will not support projects involving high throughput screening or cancer target validation in the context of this specific RFA.

The maximum amount awarded for a single grant is up to $150,000 for one year. CIHR-ICR anticipates that three grants will be funded through the April 2009 competition.

Applications relevant to this priority area will be funded from the top down in order of ranking as far as budgets will allow.

For questions about this initiative and research objectives contact:

David Hartell
Associate, Institute Strategic Initiatives
CIHR Institute of Cancer Research
Telephone: 613-941-4329
Fax: 613-954-1800
E-mail: david.hartell@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, and the peer review process, see the "Contact Information" section.

2. Drug Development.
CIHR will fund applications in the area of drug development to facilitate the advancement of promising drug compounds discovered in academia to subsequent commercial and clinical development. Within the context of the Proof of Principle Phase I Program, CIHR will support applications focusing on

• target validation
• lead compound validation
• lead compound optimization

The maximum amount awarded for a single grant is up to $150,000 per annum for one year. CIHR anticipates that three grants will be funded through this competition.

Applications relevant to this priority area will be funded from the top down in order of ranking as far as budgets will allow.

For questions about this initiative and research objectives contact:

Kristina Harris
Senior KSE Specialist
Knowledge Synthesis and Exchange Branch
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-941-4437
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: kristina.harris@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, and the peer review process, see the "Contact Information" section.

3. Mobility in Aging Innovations.
Within the context of CIHR's Mobility in Aging Initiative the CIHR Institute of Aging (CIHR-IA) will fund meritorious Proof of Principle Phase I projects advancing Mobility in Aging Innovations that are aimed at sustaining and improving the quality of life of seniors. As such inclusion of seniors (generally above the age of 65) in the validation and testing of products and designs is expected. The specific objectives of the Proof of Principle Phase I-Mobility in Aging Innovation funding are to:

• Accelerate the development of solutions to solve 'real world' mobility problems faced by seniors
• Encourage the development of age-friendly products and designs, taking into account the diversity of seniors' comfort with technology and skills, environments, and health status (combinations of cognitive, sensory and motor deficits) in proof of principle activities
• Promote inclusion, participation in and contribution of seniors

The maximum amount awarded for a single grant is up to $150,000 for one year. CIHR-IA anticipates that two grants will be funded through the April 2009 competition.

Applications relevant to this Mobility in Aging Innovations priority area will be funded from the top down in order of ranking as far as budgets will allow.

NOTE: Applicants are directed to the Operating Grant: Demonstration Projects in Mobility in Aging funding opportunity in cases where the product/process/service is not ready for commercialization and not at a stage ready for the Proof-of-Principle program. A Demonstration project is designed to evaluate the implementation of an evidence-based approach (practice, tool, program, service, policy or product) as a viable solution to a known problem and is aimed at assessing the merits of widespread use of such an approach.

For questions about this Mobility in Aging Innovations priority area and research objectives contact:

Sharon Nadeau
Associate, Institute Strategic Initiatives
CIHR Institute of Aging
Telephone: 613-946-1270
Fax: 613-954-1800
E-mail: sharon.nadeau@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, and the peer review process, see the "Contact Information" section.

4. Regional Partnerships Program – New Brunswick (RPP-NB).
CIHR, through the Regional Partnerships Program (RPP) in partnership with New Brunswick-RPP may fund health research applications that contribute to the goal of building health research capacity in New Brunswick, which meet RPP eligibility requirements.

Please note that in order to be considered for RPP funding, researchers must have their applications screened through the internal review procedures of the New Brunswick RPP Advisory Board a minimum of two weeks prior to submitting their application to CIHR in order for their grant to be eligible for consideration for RPP funding.

More information on the research priorities of New Brunswick can be found on their website. For eligibility guidelines, see the New Brunswick- CIHR RPP program description.

Additional Information:

• The grant is non-renewable;
• Recipient will be the top ranked researcher that meets eligibility requirements;
• The grant must be held in New Brunswick and in accordance with the CIHR-RPP guidelines.

The maximum amount awarded for a single grant is up to $150,000 per annum for one year.

The Regional Partnerships Program provides funding for highly ranked applications within the fundable range that are not funded through the CIHR competition to which they were submitted.

For questions about the NB RPP Advisory Board review process and criteria, please contact:
John Boyne
Administrator, Medical Research Fund of New Brunswick
P.O. Box 5100
520 King Street
Fredericton, NB, E3B 5G8
Telephone: 506-444-3222
Fax: 506-453-2958
Email: john.boyne@gnb.ca

For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, the peer review process, and the Regional Partnerships Program, see the "Contact Information" section.

5. Regional Partnerships Program – Newfoundland and Labrador.
CIHR, through the Regional Partnerships Program (RPP), in partnership with Newfoundland and Labrador - RPP may fund health research applications in Newfoundland and Labrador, pending funding availability, which meet RPP eligibility requirements.

Please note that researchers must submit their applications at least one month prior to the CIHR application deadline to have their applications vetted by the internal review procedures at RPP- Newfoundland and Labrador in order for their grant to be eligible for consideration for RPP funding.

More information on the research priorities of Newfoundland and Labrador can be found on their website.

Additional Information:

• The grant is non-renewable;
• The grant must be held in NL and in accordance with the CIHR-RPP guidelines.
• Recipients will be the top ranked researcher that meets eligibility requirements.

The maximum amount awarded for a single grant is up to $150,000 per annum for one year.

The Regional Partnerships Program provides funding for highly ranked applications within the fundable range that are not funded through the CIHR competition to which they were submitted.

For questions about the Newfoundland and Labrador RPP eligibility review process and criteria, please contact:
Office of Research and Graduate Studies
Faculty of Medicine
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Room H-1759, Health Sciences Complex
St. John's, NL, A1B 3V6
Telephone: 709-777-6762
Fax: 709-777-7501

For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, the peer review process and the Regional Partnerships Program, see the "Contact Information" section.

6. Regional Partnerships Program – Prince Edward Island (RPP- PEI).
CIHR, through the Regional Partnerships Program (RPP), in partnership with Prince Edward Island - RPP may fund applications that span the four themes of research that contribute to the goal of building health research capacity in PEI.
The following areas of research strength at UPEI reflect the four themes:

• Cardiovascular and respiratory health research.
• Metabolism, nutrition and diabetes.
• Human development and cognition.
• Cancer research.
• Applied health services and health promotion.
• Natural products and human health.
• Population health.

Please note that in order to be considered for RPP funding, researchers must have their applications screened through the internal review procedures at the PEI Health Research Institute a minimum of two months prior to submitting their application to CIHR in order for their grant to be eligible for consideration for RPP funding.

More information on the research priorities of Prince Edward Island can be found in the University of Prince Edward Island Strategic Plan.

For eligibility guidelines, see the PEI-CIHR RPP program description.

Additional Information:

• The grant is non-renewable;
• The grant must be held in Prince Edward Island;
• Recipient will be the top ranked researcher that meets eligibility requirements.

The maximum amount awarded for a single grant is up to $150,000 per annum for one year.

The Regional Partnerships Program provides funding for highly ranked applications within the fundable range that are not funded through the CIHR competition to which they were submitted.

For questions about Prince Edward Island - RPP eligibility review process and criteria, please contact:

Leslie Cudmore
University of Prince Edward Island
Office of Research & Development
550 University Avenue
Charlottetown, PE, C1A 4P3
Telephone: 902-566-0709
Fax: 902-620-5092
Email: lcudmore@upei.ca

For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, the peer review process and the Regional Partnerships Program, see the "Contact Information" section.

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.

Eligibility requirements specific to the Proof of Principle Phase I include the following:

1. Funding consideration is open to researchers who have an established track record of recognized, competitive, peer-reviewed funding from recognized agencies for research in areas related to the proposed project.
2. Letters of Intent and Full Applications must be supported and signed by the Director of the Technology Transfer Office (or equivalent) of an eligible institution.
3. In cases where the applicant(s) and/or TT Office fully or partly owns or is affiliated with the identified receptor company, the applicant(s) must declare and describe his/her ownership situation. It is anticipated that the management of such situations will be done in accordance with the Conflict of Interest Policies of the applicant's academic institution.
4. It is expected that the applications put forth be for proof of principle research on intellectual property that has been subjected to an initial technology assessment and selected for its significant commercial potential.
5. Proof of Principle Grants are not renewable. Applications for the continuation of a research project funded through the POP program must progress from Phase I to Phase II. Applicants wishing to submit new applications to a Phase where they have already received funding must clearly explain how the IP in the present application is distinct from the previously funded application.
6. No exclusive option for license or purchase can be offered to a for profit commercial entity. It is permitted to offer non exclusive licenses.
7. The IP may be a new therapeutic use of a compound that is not covered under an existing license.
8. If the IP proposed has been in the IP portfolio of a company, a legal, binding statement acknowledging that all rights to the IP have been given back to the research/academic institution must be included at the LOI stage.

Guidelines

Applications funded through the Proof of Principle Phase I are subject to funding policies outlined in the CIHR Grants and Awards Guide. Guidelines governing CIHR's grant programs are outlined in Section 3: 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.

Conditions of Funding

All conditions specified in CIHR General Grants and Awards Policies shall apply to applications funded through the Proof of Principle Phase I program. 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.

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

CIHR Research Priority Areas:

CIHR and partner organizations will provide funding for applications that are relevant to (in alignment with) the objectives and research priority areas described under "CIHR Research Priority Areas" within the "Objectives" section.

Relevance of the applications to the research priorities will be determined in the following manner.

Prior to peer review, CIHR and the partner organizations will review applications to determine the relevance, or alignment, of the research proposed to the research priority area(s) described above.

To conduct relevance review, these representatives will have access to a completed relevance form in addition to anonymized project titles and summaries, provided that applicants have consented to the sharing of information in consideration for other funding opportunities as well as to the sharing of information to observers in completing their ResearchNet application.

Upon completion of peer review, the CIHR and the partner organizations will receive the ratings, rankings and peer review committee recommendations on funding level and grant or award term for those applications that 1) are found to be relevant to the specific objectives of the research initiative and the research priority areas described under "CIHR Research Priority Areas"; and 2) are rated within the CIHR fundable range. 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.

Peer review committees will not be informed of applications submitted for funding through this announcement.

Peer Review

A CIHR peer review committee will evaluate the full applications. The committee will be comprised of experts in health research, intellectual property management, technology transfer, commercialization, institute-industry relationships, entrepreneurship, and/or venture capital investors and will follow CIHR's Policy on Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality in the context of Merit, Relevance and Peer Review (CCIP). For information on CIHR's peer review process in general, see the Peer Review section of CIHR's website.

Evaluation Criteria

Peer review will be conducted in accordance with The CIHR Peer Review Process - Policies and Responsibilities of Grants Committee Members.

For each application, the research and technical plan will be assessed together with essential elements of a commercial plan. Each application is evaluated on its own merit in relation to the objectives of the POP Program and using the following evaluation criteria. Please note that applications must be rated in the fundable range on both criteria in order to be considered for funding.

I) Criteria for Research and Technical Plan

• Description, feasibility and appropriateness of the research plan
• Originality of the research plan and impact of the expected contributions
• Relevance and description of the scientific and/or technical requirements to move the invention/discovery toward commercialization.
• Identification of potential hurdles and how they will be addressed
• Qualifications and track record of the applicants
• Applicants' familiarity with literature in the field and current competitive, or emerging, technologies
• How the proposed experiments will strengthen the IP position or generate new IP

II) Criteria for Commercialization Plan

• Description, feasibility and appropriateness of the commercialization plan ; Demonstration of a need for Proof of Principle research
• Impact of proposed product/service on the health of Canadians and/or the health economy
• Description of patenting strategy, freedom to operate, prior art, market evaluation and opportunity; Consideration of potential barriers to commercialization
• Industry and business contacts, appropriateness of receptor company
• Qualifications, track record of persons associated with the commercial aspects of the project and identification of business expertise needed to complete the plan.
• Capacity and commitment of applicant's institution to take the project through the commercialization process
• Appropriateness of follow-on steps planned at conclusion of project

On completion of the peer review, applications passing on each of the two above criteria will be ranked according to merit scores (ratings) and the funding recommendations of the committee will be submitted to CIHR. Applications will be funded from the top-ranked down as far as the quality of the applications and the budget will allow.

How to Apply

Note: This funding opportunity requires the use of ResearchNet to apply for funding.

• The application process is comprised of two stages: Letter of Intent and Full Application.
• Both Letter of Intent and Application are submitted through the "200904-PPP" competition of the Proof of Principle: Phase I (2008-2009) funding opportunity.
• To complete your Letter of Intent and Application, follow the specific application guidelines and instructions which are fully described in the Proof of Principle: Phase I (2008-2009) "How to Apply" section.
• A step-by-step 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.)

• CIHR Research Priority Areas:
  • Priority announcements for research in specific CIHR priority areas are listed in the "Objectives" section of this funding opportunity, under "CIHR Research Priority Areas."
  • To apply for funding through these priority announcements, select the priority announcement title and relevant research area(s) addressed by your research proposal in the "Identify Priority Announcements and Relevant Research Area" section of your ResearchNet application.
  • You may request that your application be considered for up to three priority announcement research areas per application, in each Proof of Principle Phase I competition.

Contact Information

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

Edit Palencsar
Program Delivery Coordinator
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-946-0095
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: edit.palencsar@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

For questions about the Regional Partnerships Program funding guidelines and how to apply, contact:

Monique Dunbrack
Program Delivery Coordinator
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-952-6872
Email: monique.dunbrack@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

For questions about the Regional Partnerships Program research objectives contact:

Erik Blache
Senior Advisor, Partnerships and Citizen Engagement
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-948-2684
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: erik.blache@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with your ResearchNet account or the e-Submission process contact:

CIHR ResearchNet Support
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-941-9080
Email: support@researchnet-recherchenet.ca