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Description
Within the framework of the overall CIHR Catalyst Grant Program, the CIHR Institute of Genetics (IG) has committed to sponsoring an annual targeted funding opportunity to support two unique areas of strategic investment: (i) Invention - Tools, Techniques and Devices; and (ii) High-Risk, High-Benefit Research:
(i) Invention - Tools, Techniques and Devices. We recognize that a diverse array of tools, techniques and methodologies are currently employed in health research and are an integral part of hypothesis-driven projects. Accordingly, the invention and development of new research tools or techniques, or the improvement and application of existing ones, is often crucial and tightly linked to and enabling of scientific discovery. Therefore, a major objective of this funding opportunity is to encourage Canadian investigators to develop novel tools and techniques, or novel applications of existing tools and techniques. The novelty in the proposed tools and techniques, and their potential impact, are expected to be the essence of those projects and the focus of the peer review. The proposed research must have the potential for significant impact, and should not merely describe an incremental advance.
(ii) High-Risk, High-Benefit Research. Creating new knowledge through bold initiatives is a cornerstone of the philosophy and future directions of the IG. However, it is extremely difficult to obtain seed funding to test high-impact but high-risk ideas in a CIHR Operating Grants competition, since proof of concept and other factors often take precedence in peer review deliberations. Thus the second major objective of this strategic funding initiative is to support those proposals that demonstrate unusual potential for 'breakthrough' or transformative advances, advances that would generally be considered too uncertain of success in a regular operating grant competition. Successful proposals will be based on solid scientific underpinnings and demonstrate the potential for significant impact of the idea being tested.
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. Should CIHR funding levels be decreased by Parliament, CIHR reserves the right to defer or suspend payments to grants received as a result of this funding opportunity.
- The total amount available for this funding opportunity is $ 1,500,000. This amount may increase if additional funding partners decide to participate.
- The maximum amount awarded for a single grant is:
- Invention - Tools, Techniques and Devices: $100,000 per annum for up to three years
- High-Risk, High-Benefit Research: $100,000 per annum for up to two years
- The equipment amount, where applicable, is awarded in year one.
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Objectives
The objectives of the IG Catalyst Grant program are to:
- encourage Canadian investigators to develop novel tools and techniques, or novel applications of existing tools and techniques
- support research projects that demonstrate unusual potential for 'breakthrough' or transformative advances, advances that would generally be considered too uncertain of success in a regular operating grant competition
- facilitate the rapid transfer of research findings through appropriate communication strategies
Relevant Research Areas:
The CIHR Institute of Genetics will provide funding for applications that align with any area of its mandate, which is to support 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.
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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 Individual Eligibility Requirements regarding the eligibility requirements for individuals and institutions
Randomized Controlled Trials ( RCTs ) will not be considered under this funding opportunity.
Eligibility to Apply:
In order for your application to be accepted, the Nominated Principal Applicant must be an independent researcher.
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Guidelines
General CIHR Guidelines
This funding opportunity will comply fully with the policies and guidelines outlined in the CIHR Grants and Awards Guide. 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.
There should be minimal or NO overlap with other funded work.
Global Health Research and International Collaborations
As outlined in the CIHR Grants and Awards Guide Global Health Research Section and International Collaborations Section, applicants who are eligible for CIHR funding may apply to CIHR's funding opportunities for funds to support research to be carried out in, or in direct collaboration with researchers and/or decision-makers based in, other countries. CIHR contributes to, and supports international research projects and international collaborations to address a range of research areas, including but not limited to established priorities in global health research and contributes to the development of health-research capacity both internationally and at home.
Conditions of Funding
Successful applicants funded through this funding opportunity and any other persons working on the project must comply fully with the "policies and guidelines in the conduct of research". Policies and guidelines cover areas such as Applicant Responsibilities, 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 CIHR's Policy on Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality in the context of Merit, Relevance and Peer Review (CCIP).
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 Communication of Competition Results 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
CIHR is committed to collecting and disseminating information on the outputs and impacts of the research it funds. This information is an important part of CIHR accountability within the Federal Government and to Canadians.
- A Nominated Principal Applicant, whose grant expires on August 1, 2008 or later, may be required to submit an End of Grant report to CIHR 18 months after the authority to use the grant fund period. This online report would be made available to the Nominated Principal Applicant on ResearchNet at the beginning of the grant funding period and can be filled in as the research progresses.
- 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 outcomes and describing how the grant funds were used in lay terms.
- The Nominated Principal Applicant 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;
- The Nominated Principal Applicant must also encourage their associates, trainees and administration to participate in the monitoring, review and evaluation of CIHR's programs, policies and processes as required.
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Review Process and Evaluation
Relevance Review Process
The CIHR institute of Genetics 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 peer review, the Institute of Genetics will have access to anonymized project titles and summaries or, upon written consent of the applicant, full applications to conduct relevance review. The relevance review will focus on the extent to which the proposed research relates to the Relevant Research Areas described in the Objectives section. Projects that are deemed not relevant will be withdrawn from the competition.
Review Committee
A CIHR peer 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) / branch(es) and partner(s), following 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 Understand Peer Review section of CIHR's website.
Evaluation Criteria:
Peer review will be conducted in accordance with CIHR Peer Review Manual for Grant Applications. Reviewers will use the following set of criteria for the evaluation of all CIHR grant applications:
1. Research Approach
- How well will the proposed approach address the hypotheses or questions or developmental opportunity? How well have the applicant(s) anticipated difficulties in their approach and considered alternatives? How critically is the relevant literature appraised and evaluated?
2. Originality of the Proposal
- For High-Risk, High-Benefit proposals only: How important and original are the hypotheses, questions, or issues to be addressed, and how clearly are they formulated?
- Invention - Tools, Techniques and Devices proposals only: How important and novel are the outcomes expected from the proposed research or developmental activities? What is the potential for important new observations, tools/techniques, knowledge or impact in health research?
3. Applicant(s)
- How appropriate to the proposed research activities is the training or track record of the applicant(s)? Are the reviewers confident that the applicant(s) can accomplish the work proposed?
4. Environment for the Research
5. Impact of the Research
A detailed elaboration of these criteria can be found in the Information for Peer Reviewers section of CIHR website.
To support the strategic objectives of this funding opportunity, the following factors will be considered in addition to the standard set of evaluation criteria:
- It will be recognized by reviewers that preliminary data or observations for novel ideas or totally new research directions may not always be available, and therefore there will be less emphasis on preliminary data or observations in these cases.
- Researchers, regardless of career stage, would not be expected to have an extensive publication record in the new field, but rather to possess a set of transferable competencies that will enable them to accomplish the proposed objectives.
- For projects of a high-risk nature, the potential for great scientific gain should offset the risk of failure.
- There should be minimal or no overlap with other funded work.
- Where the project is expected to lead to potentially commercializable intellectual property (IP), applicants are expected to clarify the IP status and strategy of approach. In particular, if a commercial or industrial partner is engaged with the project, then this relationship and its financial implications need to be clarified.
- Applicants must clearly and unambiguously demonstrate how their proposal falls within the scope of this funding opportunity, as defined by either or both of its components - i.e., (i) Invention - Tools, Techniques and Devices; and/or (ii) High-Risk, High-Benefit Research. Specifically, applicants must clearly indicate in the research proposal which category applies to their study, or whether both do (e.g. a proposal on an invention might also be of high-risk and high-benefit).
- Applicants must describe why the proposed research is a "better fit" with the IG Catalyst program than the CIHR Open Operating Grant Program.
- Applicants should understand that this funding opportunity is not intended to replace or supplement traditional operating grants
Funding Decision:
Upon completion of peer review, the IG will receive the ranking list, 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 unless applicants have provided written consent to share nominative information.
Applications will be funded from the top down in order of ranking as far as budgets will allow.
Applications that receive a rating below 3.7 will not be funded.
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How to Apply
- 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 Catalyst Grants - ResearchNet "Registration" Phase Instructions and the Catalyst Grants - ResearchNet "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 (including all required signatures) and submitted on time to CIHR. Effective September 1, 2008, CIHR will assume no responsibility in following-up with applicants who submit an incomplete application. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted into the competition.
Submission Requirements
- Your Application will be submitted using ResearchNet. Scan and upload the signed signature pages including the routing slip in the Print/Upload Signature Pages task in ResearchNet prior to submitting your application.
Specific instructions that must be followed for this funding opportunity
Step 2: Application
- The following criteria are mandatory for your Application to be accepted:
- The Research Proposal must be no more than 11 pages not including references, charts, tables, figures and photographs. In the research proposal, applicants must:
- Clearly and unambiguously demonstrate how their proposal falls within the scope of this funding opportunity, as defined by either or both of its components - i.e., (i) Invention - Tools, Techniques and Devices; and/or (ii) High-Risk, High-Benefit Research.
- Indicate the category that applies to their study - i.e., Invention - Tools, Techniques and Devices; and/or (ii) High-Risk, High-Benefit Research (e.g. in some cases, a proposal on an invention might also be of high-risk and high-benefit).
- Describe why the proposed research is a "better fit" with the IG Catalyst program than the CIHR Open Operating Grant Program.
- Where the project is expected to lead to potentially commercializable intellectual property, applicants are expected to clarify the IP status and strategy of approach. In particular, if a commercial or industrial partner is engaged with the project, then this relationship and its financial implications need to be clarified in the application.
- The following criteria are optional and your application will be accepted whether or not they are followed. However, please note that this information may be used by the peer review committee to make recommendations on funding and hence could have an impact on your evaluation.
- The maximum number of publications to be appended is 5.
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Contact Information
For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, and the peer review process contact:
Matthieu Cyr
Program Delivery Officer
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-946-6568
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: matthieu.cyr@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
For questions about this initiative and research objectives contact:
Jennifer Ahlgren
Institute Project Officer
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-957-6126
Fax: 613-954-180
Email: jennifer.ahlgren@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
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Partner/Collaborator Description
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
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 more than 13,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada.
CIHR – Institute of Genetics
The CIHR Institute of Genetics 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.
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