Important Dates

Notices

Table of Contents

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

Description

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to provide undergraduate students with opportunities to undertake research projects with established health researchers in an environment that provides strong mentorship. In addition, the intent of the initiative is to develop human resources and expertise to facilitate the translational research objectives of CIHR (including clinical research). Furthermore, this opportunity targets the early stage of the student's academic training in order to encourage the pursuit of research in areas of strategic interest to CIHR's Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA) and CIHR's Institute of Aging (IA).

This Funding Opportunity covers separate strategic efforts of CIHR-IMHA and CIHR- IA:

The CIHR-IMHA will fund meritorious applications that are determined to be relevant to the research priority areas described below:

• Physical Activity, Mobility and Health
• Tissue Injury, Repair and Replacement
• Pain, Disability and Chronic Disease

The CIHR-IA is promoting advancement of research to action to address the intrinsic and extrinsic challenges associated with mobility in aging.

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 $180,000 This amount may increase if additional funding partners decide to participate.

The maximum amount awarded for a single award is $4,950 for up to 3 months:

• Students must complete a consecutive 13-week term
• Students who are registered in an undergraduate degree or health professional program will receive a stipend of $4,950 each.
• This award is non-renewable.
• Based on the total funds available for the initiative, applications will be funded from the top-ranked down as far as budgets will allow. Applications receiving a score of less than 3.5 will not be considered for funding.

The three separate areas of partner interest are listed below and described in the "Relevant Research Areas".

1. Musculoskeletal Health:

The CIHR-IMHA has dedicated $150,000 to support studentships under this funding opportunity. The CIHR-IMHA will fund meritorious applications that are determined to be relevant⁷ to the research priority areas described below:

• Physical Activity, Mobility and Health
• Tissue Injury, Repair and Replacement
• Pain, Disability and Chronic Disease

Additional funds are available for applications that fit within the following partner areas of interest. Meritorious applications meeting listed requirements will be funded top-down in each of the 2 following priority research areas:

2. Mobility in Aging:

The CIHR-IA has dedicated $30,000 to support meritorious applications that promote the advancement of research to action to address the intrinsic and extrinsic challenges associated with mobility in aging.

3. Occupational Therapy:

The CIHR-IA and COTF are planning to partner in support of one application that addresses knowledge and knowledge to action gaps within the range of intrinsic and extrinsic challenges (from biological to environmental) associated with mobility of older Canadians. This may build upon COTF foci: leadership; driving; universal design; aging in place; occupation-based fall prevention; and assistive technology.

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 "Objectives" section.

Objectives

The specific objective of this "Studentship" funding opportunity is to:

• encourage undergraduate students early in their academic training into areas of strategic interest to CIHR's Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA) and CIHR's Institute of Aging (IA).
• build human resources and expertise to facilitate the transfer of research to action.

Relevant Research Areas:

Applications are encouraged in one or more of the following research areas. Note that there is no requirement to cover more than one relevant research area.

1. Musculoskeletal Health:

Pain, Disability and Chronic Disease
The primary focus of this theme is to better understand the genetic and environmental causes, optimal treatment and elimination of pain and disability in all IMHA disease areas. A second area of significance is to understand the relationship between chronic diseases and conditions within IMHA's mandate (e.g. skin and bone diseases and diseases that compromise oral health). The impact of chronic musculoskeletal, oral, and skin diseases on general health and well-being is also of interest.

Tissue Injury, Repair and Replacement
This theme supports innovative research into the cause and prevention of the physical, psychological, psychosocial and economic impacts of acute and chronic injury. . Potential research areas include novel drug or cell delivery models and approaches, application of tissue-engineered biomaterials as conduits or shunts in tissue regeneration, prosthetics research, and the ethical consequences of regenerative medicine based on tissue engineering strategies.

Physical Activity, Mobility and Health
Research under this theme will create a better understanding of the relationships between physical activity, mobility and MSK health at every level, including the positive effects of motions and forces on the cellular behavior of joint tissues and the well being of individuals. The psychosocial aspects of exercise, activity and sports on populations is also relevant.

2. Mobility in Aging:

Research and Research Design in Aging should address issues of aging and/or the aged (generally above the age of 65) as essential elements of the objectives, hypotheses and analyses (e.g. dynamics of aging, age-relevant models and/or aged subject, uniqueness of aging or aged population). Intrinsic and extrinsic challenges in Mobility in Aging include:

• biological and physiological factors
• behavioural and psychosocial factors
• biomedical, clinical and technological innovations
• prevention, rehabilitation and management
• environmental factors - social, economic, policy and physical

3. Occupational Therapy:

Research that addresses knowledge and knowledge to action gaps within the range of intrinsic and extrinsic challenges (from biological to environmental) associated with mobility of older Canadians. This may build upon COTF foci: leadership; driving; universal design; aging in place; occupation-based fall prevention; and assistive technology.

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.

Specific to CIHR training awards, please refer to the General Guidelines for Training Programs, as well as the program description.

Specific Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements specific to this funding opportunity include the following:

The candidate must meet the following requirements:

• Enrollment in an undergraduate degree program at a Canadian university at the time of application. This includes but is not limited to students studying Kinesiology, Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, or Dentistry.
• Availability to present their work at an upcoming health research symposia or conference.
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada at the time of application.

The mentor/supervisor must meet the following requirements:

• Have a proven 'track record' as a principal investigator in one of more of the relevant research areas described above.
• Be employed by a Canadian institution considered eligible under CIHR's guidelines (Please see CIHR's Grants and Awards Guide for more information.)

Guidelines

General CIHR Guidelines

This funding opportunity will follow the General Guidelines for Training 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

The awards consist of a stipend only.

Awardees 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.

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:

• The candidates must be prepared to present their work at an upcoming research symposia or conference.

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.

Communication Requirements

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's Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis and CIHR's Institute of Aging, in partnership with the Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation 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 CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis, CIHR's Institute of Aging and the Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation will have access to anonymized project titles and summaries to conduct relevance review.

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

• Degree of alignment of the proposal with the objectives of the studentship training opportunity described in the "Objectives" section;
• Extent to which the proposal addresses the above relevant areas of inquiry of the Partners of this Funding Opportunity described in the "Objectives" section

Peer Review

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) / portfolio(s) and partner(s), following CIHR's Policy on Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality in the context of Merit, Relevance and Peer Review (CCIP).

Upon completion of peer review, the CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis and Institute of Aging, in partnership with the Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation 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.

Evaluation Criteria

The following evaluation criteria are specific to this funding opportunity.

• relevance of the research project to research objectives described above;
• excellence and suitability of the research project and training environment;
• quality of the mentoring plan;
• suitability of the mentor and appropriateness of the student for the award and training plan presented.

How to Apply

Note: This funding opportunity does not require the use of CIHR Web Forms or ResearchNet to apply for funding. (Updated: 2009-02-12)

• The application process for this funding opportunity is comprised of one step: Application.
• To complete your Application, follow the steps identified below.
• 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.

Application

• A complete application consists of:
  • A completed Studentship Form [ PDF-Fillable (275 KB) | PDF (46 KB) | Help ]. Official transcripts of the candidate's complete academic record to date. CIHR will only accept an official student's copy of the transcript if submitted in the original sealed envelope from the institution. Only certified true copies will be accepted from institutions outside North America;
  • A signed letter of up to two pages from the supervisor outlining the research project of candidate as well as the mentoring plan described in detail. This letter must be signed by the supervisor.
  • Half a page describing the relevance of the research project to the objectives and relevant research areas described above.
  • A complete Common CV Modules (validated for CIHR) for the proposed supervisor(s). Draft copies will not be accepted; Please follow instructions for Training Awards
  • Complete the CIHR/Rx&D Collaborative Research Program - Routing Slip [ PDF (26 KB) | Help ] and include it on the top of your application package.
  • Proof of Canadian citizenship or copy of permanent resident document.
    
    
• Send the completed application package by courier to:
  
  RE: "Studentship: Mobility, musculoskeletal, oral, and skin health and arthritis across the lifespan"
  Attn: Sophie Desjardins (Updated: 2009-02-12)
  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:

Sophie Desjardins (Updated: 2009-02-12)
Team Lead, Program Delivery
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-946-7232
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: sophie.desjardins@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

For questions about this initiative and research objectives contact:

Alita Perry
Analyst, Project Manager
Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-954-3469
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: alita.perry@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

For specific questions on the Institute of Aging's research objectives contact:

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.

CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA)
IMHA's mission reflects that of CIHR's - to excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge in all areas relevant to arthritis, musculoskeletal (MSK) rehabilitation, bone, muscle, skin and oral health, and to translate that new knowledge into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system.

Partners

Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation
The Canadian Occupational Therapy Foundation (COTF) supports research and scholarships in the field of occupational therapy. The Foundation's focus has been on generating, receiving and maintaining funds and developing mechanisms for granting awards to individuals and organizations for research, scholarships and publications. COTF's vision is to provide meaningful daily occupation for all Canadians and their mandate is to fund and promote scholarship and research in occupational therapy in Canada.