Important Dates

Table of Contents

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

Description

CIHR's mandate is to excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support teams of researchers and knowledge users to produce knowledge syntheses and scoping reviews that will contribute to the use of synthesized evidence in decision-making and practice.

Knowledge syntheses are the cornerstone of knowledge translation. They transform vast libraries of scientific literature into knowledge that is reliable, relevant and readable for knowledge users. Syntheses are comprehensive and apply scientific methods to literature analysis which minimizes the risk of bias and error that may accompany single studies, so decisions are less likely to be based on insufficient or premature evidence. Syntheses are also a means to integrate the established literature with other forms of knowledge or map the state of current knowledge on a topic, revealing to knowledge users where there is or is not strong evidence to inform their decisions, and guiding researchers to new avenues for primary research.

Applications to synthesize knowledge in any of CIHR's four themes - biomedical; clinical; health services and policy; population and public health - are eligible provided that they respond to a knowledge user identified need.

This funding opportunity will support two types of projects: knowledge syntheses and scoping reviews.

Knowledge syntheses

All forms of knowledge synthesis are eligible, including systematic reviews, realist syntheses, narrative syntheses, meta-analyses, meta-syntheses, meta-ethnography and practice guidelines that synthesize evidence. Syntheses in this funding opportunity may synthesize results from qualitative, quantitative or multi-method research. The types of knowledge than can be synthesized are broad and can include empirical as well as theoretical knowledge. All syntheses in this funding opportunity must assemble, analyse and summarize knowledge. Standard protocols, handbooks and checklists exist to guide the conduct of some syntheses, and A Guide to Knowledge Synthesis is available on CIHR's web site. Applicants are encouraged to make use of and cite these resources where appropriate.

Scoping reviews

Scoping reviews are exploratory projects that systematically map the literature available on a topic, identifying the key concepts, theories, sources of evidence, and gaps in the research. They are often preliminary to full syntheses, undertaken when feasibility is a concern -- either because the potentially relevant literature is thought to be especially vast and diverse (varying by method, theoretical orientation or discipline) or there is suspicion that not enough literature exists. These entail the systematic selection, collection and summarization of existing knowledge in a broad thematic area for the purpose of identifying where there is sufficient evidence to conduct a full synthesis or where insufficient evidence exists and further primary research is necessary.

Background

Knowledge Translation at CIHR

Knowledge Translation is a dynamic and iterative process that includes the synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically-sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the healthcare system.

This process takes place within a complex system of interactions between researchers and decision makers/knowledge users which may vary in intensity, complexity and level of engagement depending on the nature of the research results and on the needs of the particular knowledge user.

At CIHR, we have divided KT into two main categories: end of grant and integrated KT. With end of grant KT, the researcher develops and implements a plan for making users aware of the knowledge that has been gained from the project; in integrated KT stakeholders or potential knowledge users are engaged in the entire research process. Funding in the Knowledge Synthesis initiative requires an integrated approach to KT.

By end-of-grant KT, we mean the typical dissemination and communication activities undertaken by most researchers: KT to their peers such as conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals. End of grant KT can also involve more intensive dissemination activities that tailor the message and medium to a specific audience, such as summary briefings to stakeholders; more interactive approaches such as educational sessions with patients, practitioners and /or policy makers; media engagement or the use of knowledge brokers. The commercialization of scientific discoveries is another form of end of grant KT.

The term integrated KT describes a different way of doing research with researchers and knowledge users working together to shape the research process - starting with collaboration on setting the research questions, deciding the methodology, being involved in data collection and tools development, interpreting the findings and helping disseminate the research results. This approach, also known by such terms as collaborative research, action-oriented research, participatory research, community based research, mode 2 knowledge production and co-production of knowledge, should produce research findings that are more likely be relevant to and used by the knowledge users. End of grant KT is part of the integrated KT process.

For more information on KT at CIHR, please see About KT.

Funds Available

CIHR's and partner contribution to the amount available for this initiative is subject to availability of funds. Should CIHR or partner funding levels not be available or are decreased due to unforeseen circumstances, CIHR and partner reserve 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 $600,000. This amount may increase if additional funding partners decide to participate.
• The maximum amount awarded for a knowledge synthesis is $100,000 for 1 year.
• The maximum amount awarded for a scoping review is $50,000 for 1 year.

Funding Opportunities in Specific Research Areas

Funds are available for the current competition to support Knowledge Synthesis Grant applications in specific research areas:

• Knowledge Synthesis Grant: Fall 2010 Priority Announcement (Specific Research Areas)

Partner 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 Description section to find a list of partners and their respective mandates and/or strategic interests. This list will continue to evolve as new partners join in this initiative. The specific research foci and requirements for each partner are outlined in the "Objectives" section.

Objectives

The specific objectives of this funding opportunity are:

• To increase the uptake/application of synthesized knowledge in decision-making by supporting partnerships between researchers and knowledge users to produce scoping reviews and syntheses that respond to the information needs of knowledge users in all areas of health;
• To extend the benefits of knowledge synthesis to new kinds of questions relevant to knowledge users and areas of research that have not traditionally been synthesized.

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.

Eligibility to Apply:

In order for your application to be eligible:

1) The Nominated Principal Applicant must be one of the following:

• An independent researcher;
• A knowledge user;

2) The team (including the Nominated Principal Applicant) must involve one of each of the following listed as a Principal Applicant:

• An independent researcher;
• A knowledge user;

3) Applications to undertake Cochrane reviews are eligible only if the requested funds will not overlap with funding from the Canadian Cochrane Network and Centre (CCNC) and the proposed review is not one of the 30 reviews already funded by CIHR through its contribution to the CCNC;

4) CIHR recognizes that updating out-of-date syntheses can be as important as conducting new ones. Applicants wishing to do an update must clearly justify the need to do the update;

5) For internationally-focused syntheses, at the time of the funding start date the Nominated Principal Applicant must be affiliated with and able to receive funding from an institution eligible to receive CIHR funding (according to eligibility requirements for CIHR Grants and Awards described above), for this competition.

Recommendations

We strongly recommend that each team includes:

• an expert in the content area covered by the synthesis;
• an expert in synthesis methods; and
• an information scientist.

Randomized Controlled Trials:

Randomized Control Trials (RCTs) will not be considered under this funding opportunity.

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.

The following expenditures will be considered eligible for funding received through this funding opportunity:

• Equipment, Maintenance and Service costs
• Purchase and maintenance of research equipment and other research tools
• Salary Costs
  • The salary (ies) of a professional coordinator, knowledge broker, or research assistants
  • Release time funding may be used to replace part of the salary of a knowledge user to allow them time to participate in the research program.
    • The maximum amount paid to an individual is $50,000 per annum (including the Nominated Principal Applicant).
    • A release time stipend will only be awarded upon the approval of the employer of the knowledge user, if applicable.
    • Recipients of release time funding are not considered employees of CIHR.
• Knowledge Translation Related Costs
• Regional, national and international networking and exchange activities during the planning and dissemination of the research synthesis (e.g. networking, conferences, workshops, meetings, communication and dissemination methods). Eligible activities must involve substantive and meaningful interaction between researchers and intended knowledge users.
• Costs associated with the creation and distribution of dissemination and communication tools (e.g. plain language summaries or other mechanisms)
• Costs associated with ensuring open access to the findings (e.g., costs of publishing in an open access journal or making a journal article open access)

Applicants may increase funding for their proposal and further demonstrate the level of engagement of the knowledge users through additional cash or in-kind commitments from their relevant organizations.

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.

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.

• The Nominated Principal Applicant, 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 will 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 6 months after the end of the grant's term, the Nominated Principal Applicant is required to submit a text "Knowledge Synthesis Grant Final Report", which includes the final synthesis/scoping review product, summarizing the outcomes and describing how the grant funds were used. A standard template will be provided.
• 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.

Review Process and Evaluation

Merit Review Committee

A CIHR merit review committee, comprised of researcher and knowledge-user peers, 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). For information on CIHR's peer review process in general, see the Understand Peer Review section of CIHR's website.

Evaluation Criteria:

Application will be evaluated by merit review.

The 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:

Research Question
Explanation of the research project and justification for the need to conduct the research:

• To what extent does the project respond to the objective(s) of the Funding Opportunity?
• To what extent is the research question clear and respond to an important information/decision-making need identified by the knowledge user(s) on the research team?
• To what extent does the proposal demonstrate that the synthesis, scoping review or update is needed and has not already been done?

Research Approach
Detailed description of the research approach and justification for the proposed methods/strategies:

• To what extent is it likely that the proposed methods will address the research question(s)?
• To what extent is the study design appropriate and rigorous?
• To what extent are the knowledge user team members meaningfully engaged where appropriate (e.g. in defining the research questions, informing the research plan, interpreting the findings, informing the end-of-grant KT plan)?
• To what extent does the end-of-grant KT plan detail strategies appropriate for its goals and target audiences?

Feasibility
Demonstration that the researcher-knowledge user team has the requisite skills, experience and resources to complete the project in the proposed time frame:

• To what extent are the knowledge users on the team committed to applying the findings when they become available and is their application achievable in the particular practice, program and/or policy context?
• To what extent does the researcher-knowledge user team have the necessary expertise, time and track record to deliver on the project's objective(s), including the objectives of the end-of-grant KT plan? (includes expertise in the content area to be covered by the synthesis, expertise in synthesis methods, and expertise in information retrieval, etc)
• To what extent is the project accomplishable in the given timeframe with the resources available/described?

Outcomes
Results expected from the successful uptake of project findings:

• To what extent will the project have a substantive and sustainable impact on health outcomes, practice, programs and/or policy in the study context?
• To what extent will the project's findings be relevant to other practice, programs and/or policy contexts?

Funding Decision:

CIHR Institutes, Initiatives, Branches, and Partners offering funding through the Knowledge Synthesis Funding Opportunity 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.

Unless otherwise stated, the applications relevant to the specific research focuses will be funded from the top down as far as the budgets will allow. The remaining applications will be funded by the general pool of funds (as stated in the Funds Available section of this Funding Opportunity) from the top down as far as budgets will allow.

Potential Impact and Scientific Merit will be weighted equally. Only those applications receiving a score of 3.5 or more on both potential impact and scientific merit will be considered for funding. These scores will be averaged into a single score to determine the ranking of the application.

How to Apply

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

The following criteria must be met for your application to be accepted:

• The Research Proposal in the "Enter Project Information and Supporting Documents" task under "Project Information" is limited to 9 pages. References, figures and tables may be listed in additional pages in the "Research Proposal Appendix" tab.
• The Research Proposal must include the following sections:
  • Research Question (approximately 3 pages)
    • Description of the research project including: the objectives of the proposed project; an explanation of the knowledge gap that will be filled, contextualized in the current literature and accounting for previous work done in this area.
    • Justification for the need to conduct the project (i.e. demonstration that the synthesis, scoping review or update is needed and has not already been done) including a description of the knowledge users involved and the project's relevance to the identified knowledge users.
    • If this project is an update to an out-of-date synthesis, provide a clear justification for the need to do an update.
    • Explanation of how the project responds to the objective of this Funding Opportunity.
    • Note: If this is an application to undertake a Cochrane review, you must submit a letter from the Canadian Cochrane Network and Centre (CCNC), confirming that the proposed review is not one of the 30 reviews already funded by CIHR through its contribution to the CCNC. This letter may be included as part of the references submitted for the Research Proposal.
  • Research Approach (approximately 4 pages)
    • Description of the proposed research methods and the rationale for the approach selected, including detailing the data sources, inclusion/exclusion criteria, critical appraisal techniques, methods for synthesizing findings, and strategies to ensure methodological rigor.
    • Description of how knowledge user team members are engaged in the project, including the nature of the collaboration and the extent to which it is, and will continue to be, an effective partnership.
    • The project must involve at least two interactive sessions between researchers and knowledge users to share interim results and to review the synthesis or scoping review results and agree on recommendations for practice or policy. Detail the plan to share interim results with the participating knowledge users and how they will be involved in crafting the recommendations near the completion of the project.
    • Description of the end-of-grant KT plan for disseminating the outcomes of the project, including how the strategies employed should lead to the use of synthesis evidence in decision-making and/or practice. What knowledge should be transferred? What are the goals of the plan? Who is the audience? How will this be accomplished? How feasible is it? What resources are required?
  • Feasibility (approximately 1 page)
    • Demonstrated or potential strength of the team: the training or track record of the applicant(s), including expertise in the content area covered by the synthesis, expertise in synthesis methods, and expertise in information retrieval; the relevancy of the recent research of the applicant(s).
    • Description of how each team member will contribute to the project.
    • Description and justification of timeline.
  • Outcomes (approximately 1 page)
    • Description of the impact the project will have on health outcomes, practice, programs and/or policy.
    • Relevance of the project's findings to other practice/program/policy settings.
• Common CV (Validated for CIHR):
  • Please note you are required to identify your role on ResearchNet and the applicant role you select will determine which CV you are required to submit.
  • Independent Researchers: Submit full common CV modules for the Nominated Principal Applicant, Principal Applicants, and Co-Applicants.
  • Knowledge-Users: A Knowledge-User CV has been created to capture relevant information for Knowledge-Users. Knowledge-Users must submit a Knowledge-User CV for the Nominated Principal Applicant, Principal Knowledge-User, and Knowledge-User roles.
• Letters of support:
  • Knowledge-Users: Submit signed letter(s) from each of the Knowledge user applicant(s).
  • The letter should explain the role, amount of time committed to the project, the cash and/or in kind contribution, and the precise degree of involvement of each of the knowledge user applicants as well as a description of how they intend to use the results of this research project.
  • Please note: the review committee reads these letters carefully to assess the degree of commitment of the knowledge user applicant(s). Knowledge users are advised to personally write their letters, rather than sign a template letter.
• Fill in the Budget Information in the "Budget Information and Supporting Documents" task and clearly justify all budget items (including cash and in-kind contributions, if relevant)

Contact Information

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

Erika Levis
Program Delivery Coordinator
Knowledge Creation Program
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-954-6000
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: erika.levis@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

For questions about this initiative and research objectives contact:

Yumna Choudhry
Senior KT Specialist
Knowledge Translation Branch
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-954-1944
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: yumna.choudhry@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

Partner/Collaborator Description

Note: Additional partners are expected to join this funding initiative over the coming year.

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 – Knowledge Translation Branch
The Knowledge Translation branch aims to advance CIHR's knowledge translation mandate by promoting and supporting excellence in knowledge translation practice and research, knowledge synthesis and exchange, as well as by building capacity in these areas.