Important Dates

Notices

• Note that the page limit for the 5 Year Research Plan has increased to 5 pages.

Table of Contents

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

Description

In 1999, GlaxoSmithKline Inc. (GSK), with an investment totalling over $30M, embarked on a project that established the first of several endowed chairs and was designed so that these personnel awards would exist in perpetuity, thus allowing them to become a cornerstone of an academic institution's long-term research strategy. Such a project was aimed at addressing the concern regarding the number of highly-qualified researchers who were leaving Canada.

In total 20 endowed Research Chairs have been established (or are in the process of being established) at many of Canada's medical schools (or affiliated research institutes) in disciplines where specific universities are particularly strong, and where GSK and CIHR both have clear scientific interest.

With the aim of maximizing the impact, including the effective placement and distinction of the endowed chairs, GSK and CIHR, through the CIHR/Rx&D Collaborative Research Program, have agreed to co-fund awards for the first holder of each chair. The recipients must be judged successful and meritorious through CIHR Peer Review.

The perpetuity of the endowed Research Chair awards established through this strategic partnership initiative between GSK and CIHR will allow such awards to become a cornerstone of a university's long-term research strategy.

This funding opportunity is funded as a strategic partnership initiative and is designed to support Research Chair awards of a duration of 5 years; renewable once subject to satisfactory progress and peer review. Awards will consist of an annual salary with a possible operating grant component, as determined by the nominating institution.

The total amount available for this initiative is over $30 M. CIHR funds are contingent on matching funds derived from the GSK endowments held by the nominating institution and on satisfactory passing CIHR peer review. GSK contributes 1$ million on average to an endowment fund toward each chair at each eligible institution.

To further augment the value of this initiative, nominating institutions are encouraged to seek additional funds for the endowment from other partners, e.g. institutional sources (hospital, university, research institute), local and provincial governments, not-for-profit organizations, private donors, and industrial partners. In order to augment or supplement the value of the award with funds from other (non-GSK) private sector contributors, the institution shall seek approval from GSK, which will not be unreasonably withheld. To be considered eligible for CIHR matching, the private sector (or industry) contribution must come from companies meeting CIHR's definition of an industry partner, as outlined in the CIHR Partnerships Programs Guidelines. All partners' funds must be in cash. The nominating institution must have complete control over the nomination and subsequent recruitment of the candidate. The nominating institution will be accountable for the cash flow derived from the endowment.

CIHR does not contribute directly to the endowment fund but matches the cash flow generated from the industry portion of the endowment.

Several years may have passed before the endowment fund yield sufficient cash flow to support the award at all institutions. This explains why not all awards have started at the same time.

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 decrease 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 from CIHR for this initiative is $1,250,000 per competition.
• Salary contribution: $75,000 to $150,000 per annum, including fringe benefits, commensurate with the candidate's experience and with institutional policies. For the salary component of the award, CIHR will match up to a maximum of $375,000 over five years (i.e. $75,000 per annum) towards the salary, but the matching amount will not exceed the cash flow generated by the eligible industry portion of the GSK endowment fund. The maximum salary from all sources (i.e. CIHR, GSK and other partners incl. institution) for a single award is $225,000 (including fringe benefits) per annum, for up to five years.
• Operating grant component: typically $100,000 per annum. For the operating grant component of the award, CIHR requires a minimum 1:2 contribution ratio (CIHR: eligible contributor) where at least one of the eligible contributors is GSK (through its endowment). CIHR's contribution will not exceed the 1:2 ratio and also will not exceed the eligible industry contribution by GSK.
• This award is renewable once.

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/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 objectives of this funding opportunity are:

• to provide attractive, long-term personnel awards;
• to promote recruitment and retention of highly-qualified personnel; and
• to establish Chairs in disciplines where specific universities are particularly strong, and where GSK and CIHR have clear scientific interest.

In addition, the intent of this initiative is to facilitate the translational objectives of CIHR, with particular interests in clinical research. Clinical research combines discoveries from the basic science laboratory incorporating the observations and insights of health professionals (a key aspect of translational research). It is the creation of new health knowledge and the translation of that knowledge from the research setting into applications where it ultimately impacts on the health of Canadians.

Relevant Research Areas

Disciplines where specific universities are particularly strong, and where GSK and CIHR have clear scientific interest; e.g. therapeutic areas such as metabolic diseases, respiratory medicine, virology, oncology, vaccines; related fields that are important to specific elements of development and commercialization, such as pharmaceutics, clinical pharmacology, functional genomics, and structural biology; and emerging research areas that include social sciences, such as health outcomes.

Through the nominating letter, each proposal must describe how the award will address the "Objectives" and "Relevant Research Areas" above.

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.

Individuals may only apply to one CIHR salary award competition in the same year (September 1 to August 31).

Specific to CIHR salary awards, please refer to the General Guidelines for Salary Programs in addition to qualifying or superseding specific eligibility clauses below.

Specific eligibility requirements

Applicants must choose the most appropriate CIHR research salary award program for which they are eligible and may only submit an application to one of these programs. Applicants must wait until after they are notified of the decision for one application before they can submit to another funding opportunity.

In order for your application to be eligible, the Nominated Principal Applicant must be an independent researcher.

Eligibility requirements specific to this funding opportunity include the following and must be demonstrated at the time of application:

• Candidates must:
  • be nominated by, and the location of tenure of the awards must be, a CIHR-eligible academic institution (university and/or hospital) that is participating in the GSK endowment fund program for the purpose of supporting the award (see list of participating institutions in the Partner/Collaborator Description section).
  • not have nor be already receiving, with the exception of the renewal chairs, or be guaranteed salary support by the nominating institution through the GSK endowment.
  • have a written commitment from the Institution, via letter from the Dean of Faculty or Research Director which accompanies the application, as specified in the section, "How to Apply"
• Candidates cannot hold the award at the same time as they hold a Canada Research Chair, or any other federally-funded Chair or major personnel salary award.
• Applications will be accepted up to eighteen months prior to the anticipated start date of the award.
• Renewal applications must be received at CIHR no later than six months before the termination of the first five-year term of the award.
• In regards to the award value:
  • Candidates are to receive a minimum salary of $75,000 per annum including fringe benefits. The salary should be at a level that is commensurate with the candidate's experience and with institutional policies.
  • All partners' funds must be in cash.

For the operating grant component of the award, CIHR requires a minimum 1:2 contribution ratio (CIHR: eligible contributor) where at least one of the eligible contributors is GSK (through its endowment). CIHR's contribution will not exceed the 1:2 ratio and also will not exceed the eligible industry contribution by GSK.

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

The awards consist of a salary and operating funds (if applicable).

For the operating funds (if applicable), 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. The full application for the operating grant must provide a detailed justification of all costs.

The following costs are not eligible for support through this Funding Opportunity:

• CIHR funds may not be used to contribute directly to an endowment fund.

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.

In addition to CIHR standard guidelines and requirements, awardees are expected to:

• Provide confirmation that the recipient is guaranteed an appointment for the full duration of the award;
• Devote at least 75% of their time to research. They may engage in teaching and consultation to a limited extent, and there is no restriction on the time they spend in the supervision of research trainees. Time spent, within the 75% of protected time to research, on consultations in a clinical field should be related to the awardee's research and be undertaken with the agreement of the Head of the Department and the Dean of Faculty or Research Director;
• Have read and agree to the communication requirements; and
• Commence the award on the first day of any month between the July 1 following the date of offer and March 1 of the following year.
• This award must be accepted within 15 working days of the date of offer or the award will be cancelled and offered to the next fundable applicant. Note: This requirement supersedes all other policies or guidelines published by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, including, but not limited to, the Grants and Awards Guide.

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.

Communication Requirements

Award 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, 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 funding recipient 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.
• Awardees must submit an annual 2-page progress report, as well as a list of related publications to be submitted 2 months past the anniversary date of the award's start. Upon submission, CIHR will forward the progress reports to GSK.

The following table is intended to further clarify objectives by linking them to expected outcomes and measures which will be included in CIHR's Management Resources and Results Structure (MRRS), as required by the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat.

*e.g. therapeutic areas metabolic diseases, respiratory medicine, virology, oncology, vaccines; related fields that are important to specific elements of development and commercialization, such as pharmaceutics, clinical pharmacology, functional genomics, and structural biology; and emerging research areas that include social sciences, such as health outcomes.

Review Process and Evaluation

Review Committee

A CIHR 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 the CIHR Peer Review Manual for Salary Award Applications.

The following standard criteria for evaluating applications will apply:

• Applicant Track Record
• Research Proposal
• Environment and Support

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

Funding Decision

• Applications that receive a ranking below 3.5 will not be funded.
• In cases where two or more candidates are nominated for one position at a nominating institution, the award offer will be first made to the highest-ranked candidate.

How to Apply

• The application process for this funding opportunity is comprised of two steps: Letter of Intent and Application.
• To complete your Letter of Intent follow the instructions below.
• To complete your Application, follow the instructions identified in the Salary Awards – 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.

1) Letter of Intent

• In lieu of the traditional Letter of Intent requirement, GSK is required to inform CIHR, in writing, of any upcoming applications for the award at least one month before the application deadline.
• The letter should be addressed to the Deputy Director of the Career and Knowledge Translation Awards and Prizes Division, Research Capacity Development, and must be postmarked no later than the date indicated herein.
• The letter must include:
  • the name(s) of the candidates(s) and nominating institution;
  • the total cash flow generated by the eligible industry portion of the GSK endowment fund and the value of the CIHR requested contribution towards the salary component of the award and, if applicable, the operating grant component;
  • the proposed title of the application and area of research of the candidate;
  • keywords describing the proposed research; and
  • the clarification of affiliation between applicant and industrial partner (if applicable).
• The letter will be used to determine if the following eligibility criteria are respected and as such must clearly address each point:
  • Candidates are to receive a minimum salary of $75,000 per annum including fringe benefits. The salary should be at a level that is commensurate with the candidate's experience and with institutional policies.
  • All partners' funds must be in cash.
  • For the operating grant component of the award, CIHR requires a minimum 1:2 contribution ratio (CIHR: eligible contributor) where at least one of the eligible contributors is GSK (through its endowment). CIHR's contribution will not exceed the 1:2 ratio and also will not exceed the eligible industry contribution by GSK.
• Send letter by courier to:
  
  RE: "GlaxoSmithKline CIHR/Rx&D Research Chairs"
  Research Capacity Development
  Canadian Institutes of Health Research
  Room 97, 160 Elgin Street
  Address locator: 4809A
  Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0W9

2) Application:

Additional instructions that must be followed for this funding opportunity:

• In addition to the guidelines in the Phase Instructions, the commitment letter from the Dean of Faculty or Research Director which accompanies the application, should:
  • indicate the nature of the appointment or pending appointment (ie. name of position, tenured-track or not, effective dates, definition of position, etc). If the candidate is appointed to both an academic research institution/university and an institute/hospital, the letter should specify the nature of both positions ;
  • provide a detailed breakdown of how at least 75% of the candidate's time will be protected for research for the duration of the award. The committee will be expecting a clear description of the engagement of the institution towards the protection of time of the candidate. All non-research related activities (e.g. clinical consultation, teaching, administrative duties, etc) should be clearly described and the amount of time spent to each activity should be detailed. If the candidate is appointed to both an academic research institution/university and an institute/hospital, the detailed breakdown of how the candidate time will be protected should be provided with both positions in mind; and,
  • confirm that at the time of application, the candidate had not nor is already receiving or guaranteed salary support by the nominating institution through the GSK endowment.
• In addition to the guidelines in the Phase Instructions, the five-year research program should also address the following:
  • how can the proposed research be incorporated, developed or integrated into clinical research? Clinical research combines discoveries from the basic science laboratory incorporating the observations and insights of health professionals (a key aspect of translational research). This may include basic research endeavours that have not yet reached the clinic, per se.

Additional instructions for the Partner Letter:

• Please ensure that the following issues are addressed in the "Partner Letter. A maximum of 3 additional pages are permitted:
  • Please explain in a letter the Partner's involvement (maximum 2 pages).
  • What is the relevance of the research project to the Partner and how does it pertain to the Partner's internal research agenda?
  • What potential benefits does the Partner derive from participating in the project? How will the results of the project be applied?

Contact Information

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

Jasmine Lefebvre
Program Delivery Coordinator
Research Capacity Development
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-954-5999
Fax: 613-954-1800
E-mail: Chairs-Chaires@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

For questions about this initiative and research objectives contact:

CIHR/Rx&D Collaborative Research Program
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-948-2564
Fax: 613-954-1800
E-mail: rxd@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

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.

Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D)
Rx&D is an association of leading research-based biopharmaceutical companies dedicated to improving the health of all Canadians through the discovery and development of new medicines and vaccines. Our community represents 18,000 men and women working for close to 50 member companies and it invests each year more than $1 billion in research and development to fuel Canada's knowledge-based economy. Guided by our Code of Ethical Practices, our membership is committed to working in partnership with governments, healthcare professionals and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.

The CIHR/Rx&D Collaborative Research Program is inspired by the longstanding successful collaboration between the pharmaceutical research industry and CIHR. Under this program, the eligible company partner is a member of Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D). The Program promotes peer-reviewed research and enhances the training and development of health research personnel and opportunities in Canada. The Program is designed to enable scientists, clinicians and members of the full spectrum of health professionals, and Rx&D members to optimize their access to the unique opportunities and advantages offered by CIHR's translational research opportunities, including clinical research. The program can also lead to research synergies through collaboration between scientists from both sectors.

Partners

GlaxoSmithKline Inc. (GSK)
GSK is a Canadian research-based pharmaceutical company with a powerful combination of skills and resources that provides a platform for delivering strong growth in today's rapidly changing health care environment. GSK is committed to improving the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer.

Participating Institutions