Table of Contents
Description
The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support research related to the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak. It is expected that this targeted investment will enable teams of researchers to gather data, validate methodology or tools, and/or explore novel (high risk) research ideas during the outbreak that will lead to strategies to control the current H1N1 outbreak and contributed to future pandemic planning.
The primary objective of this funding opportunity is to catalyze the mobilization of teams focused on pandemic H1N1/09 research by providing seed money for planning and development activities of expert teams to advance research in six priority areas outlined under the Objectives (link to objectives). It is strongly recommended that researchers collaborate to submit joint applications in each of the six relevant research areas. One application in each of the six relevant research areas will be considered for funding provided it receives a rating of 3.5 or above on the CIHR rating scale.
CIHR will facilitate communication with the researchers who have indicated interest in working together. Contact Michelle Hume (michelle.hume@cihr-irsc.gc.ca) to indicate your interest. (Updated: 2009-07-22)
Background
The world is facing an influenza pandemic, as the H1N1 influenza outbreak of April 2009 continues to spread. Fortunately, thanks to the Government of Canada's five-year, $21.5 million investment in pandemic preparedness research, Canada is prepared to meet the challenge.
The purpose of this funding pool is to provide money for research teams working in pandemic preparedness and influenza areas related to the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak. These funds will stimulate targeted research to support H1N1 outbreak research and uptake of findings and allow researchers to be competitive in more comprehensive existing funding opportunities.
The CIHR Catalyst Grant program provides seed money, on a short-term basis, to support health research activities which represent a first step towards the pursuit of more comprehensive funding opportunities (e.g. operating grants, team grants), such as:
- the planning and execution of pilot projects or feasibility studies aiming to generate preliminary data, observations, or knowledge;
- the planning and execution of novel projects which clearly demonstrate the potential for significant impact, but which are considered high risk in nature in that they may be unsupported by proof of concept / preliminary data;
- development and / or validation of new inventions, tools, methodologies, protocols, theoretical models or frameworks;
- planning and / or development activities of expert teams (multi-disciplinary, trans-disciplinary, etc…) coming together to address health research priorities.
Funds Available (Updated: 2009-07-31)
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 funds through this funding opportunity is $1,600,000. These funds will be divided into six funding pools, related to the six Relevant Research Areas and it is anticipated that the top grant in each of the six areas below will be funded.
- The maximum amount awarded for start up funds (Module 1) for a single grant is $200,000 per annum for up to one year. Requests for equipment will be considered as part of the applications.
- This amount may increase if additional funding partners decide to participate*.
- CIHR-III anticipates that through participation of additional funding partners, the maximum amount awarded per grant for module 1 plus up to 4 additional modules of $100,000 each is $600,000 per annum for up to one year. See the How to Apply section for details about the modules.
- The funding provided through this funding opportunity is non-renewable.
*In order to secure funds, CIHR-III will share the content of your application with potential partners.
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.
New partners/collaborators will determine relevance of applications and will fund from the top down in order of ranking for relevant applications that align with their relevant research areas as described below.
Top
Objectives
The primary objectives of the Catalyst Grant program are to:
- Generate preliminary observations, data or knowledge, or to facilitate team formation, as a first step towards the pursuit of more comprehensive funding opportunities (e.g., operating grants, team grants) by researchers or teams of researchers
- Support original, high quality projects which have the potential to generate high impact results and/or innovative research proposals, research tools, techniques, devices, inventions, or methodologies.
The Catalyst Grant program is further expected to contribute to:
- Providing new or established investigators with funding to pursue new areas of investigation
- Providing investigators the opportunity to pursue high risk health research questions with the potential for high impact
- Providing the opportunity for a unique combination (e.g. multi-disciplinary, trans-disciplinary, international) of individual researchers to develop as a team
- Development of a culture of invention and innovation in Canada
- Mobilization of research communities to develop research agendas and/or action plans to advance research in specific priority areas.
Within the framework of the overall objectives of the CIHR Catalyst Grant Program, the specific objectives of this funding opportunity are:
- To contribute to the Canadian research response to the 2009 H1N1 outbreak by supporting grants in the areas of influenza and the current pandemic threat;
- To provide funds to collect and analyze data from the 2009 outbreak; and
- To provide funds to support health research activities which represent a first step towards the pursuit of more comprehensive funding opportunities.
Relevant Research Areas:
It is anticipated that the top grant in each of the six areas below will be funded.
- Natural history and epidemiological characteristics of spread of the novel H1N1 influenza A virus
What is the mode of transmission of H1N1 and what are the optimal methods for preventing transmission? Are there lesson from the outbreak that may help to reduce risk of disease transmission?
- Biology of the novel H1N1 virus and use of antivirals
How stable is the virus and how is the virus evolving in humans and pigs? What new rapid diagnostic tests will detect the virus? What is the efficacy and safety of antiviral drugs and how can resistance be minimized?
- Host immune response to the novel H1N1 virus and contributing cofactors
What is the pathogenesis of H1N1 infection? What immune response reduces/increases the severity of infection? What is the role co-infection and genetics in transmission and disease course? What is the role of pre-existing influenza immunity in offering cross-protection?
- Ethical issues in a pandemic outbreak
What are the best strategies for priority setting of scarce resources in an outbreak? How can research ethics approval be optimized for outbreak research and for testing experimental therapies?
- H1N1 vaccine efficacy issues
Do existing vaccines offer cross-protection against H1N1? Is there evidence for antigen competition when multivalent flu vaccines are used together? Is protection antibody or T cell mediated? Is mucosal immunity more important than systemic immunity? Does pneumococcal polysaccharide or conjugate vaccine reduce flu associated morbidity/mortality?
- Health services and policy research
Optimizing the resourcing, organization, management and response of the health care system: What are the best health system strategies for ensuring adequate treatment of those affected, while minimizing untoward effects on non-affected patients, health care professionals, and society at large? What are the medical, economic and other costs of possible transmission of H1N1 compared to those associated with practices set in place to avoid that transmission (e.g., development of a vaccine), taking into consideration the opportunity costs associated with both approaches?
Partner Support within the Six Identified Relevant Research Areas (Updated: 2009-07-31)
- The Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (IAPH) will support research in the relevant research areas as described above that align with their mission.
- The Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (ICRH) will support research in the relevant research areas as described above that align with their mission and focused on interaction of H1N1 with the respiratory system, particularly in vulnerable populations.
Top
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.
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) will not be considered under this funding opportunity.
Top
Guidelines
General CIHR Guidelines
This funding opportunity will follow the General Guidelines for Grant Programs. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate the use of Gender and Sex-Based Analysis in applications.
Allowable Costs
Applicants should review the Use of Grant Funds section of the Tri-Agency (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC) Financial Administration Guide for a complete listing and description of allowable costs and activities.
The full application must provide a detailed justification of all costs.
Conditions of Funding
All conditions specified in CIHR General Grants and Awards Policies shall apply to applications funded through 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:
- 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 results and describing how the grant funds were used. A form will be provided by CIHR.
Access to Information Act and Privacy Act, and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
All personal information collected by CIHR about applicants is used to review applications, to recruit reviewers, to administer and monitor grants and awards, to compile statistics, and to promote and support health research in Canada. Consistent with these purposes, applicants should also expect that information collected by CIHR may be shared as described in Use and Disclosure of Personal Information Provided to CIHR for Peer Review.
CIHR as a federal entity is subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act, therefore the requirements of these two statutes will apply to all information located in CIHR's premises including, without limitation, cost-sharing agreements related to this Funding opportunity and all matters pertaining thereto.
While respecting the application of the Privacy Act to federal entities, all signing parties involved in a collaborative agreement will also be bound by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). All personal information (as identified by the PIPEDA) collected, used or disclosed in the course of any commercial activity under collaborative agreements related to the Funding opportunity will be collected, used and disclosed in compliance with the PIPEDA.
CIHR Guidelines for Health Research Involving Aboriginal People
The CIHR Guidelines for Health Research Involving Aboriginal People came into effect as policy for CIHR-funded research on July 1, 2008. Applicants whose proposed research will involve Aboriginal People are strongly encouraged to familiarise themselves with these guidelines and in particular with the section "Application of the Guidelines," which outlines the situations in which these guidelines apply.
Policy on Access to Research Outputs
CIHR believes that greater access to research publications and data will promote the ability of researchers and knowledge users in Canada and abroad to use and build on the knowledge needed to address significant health challenges. Open access will promote accessibility to CIHR-funded research and will serve to increase the international visibility of Canadian research. As of January 1, 2008, CIHR grant recipients are reminded to adhere with the responsibilities outlined in the Policy on Access to Research Outputs. Under this policy, grant recipients must make every effort to ensure that research papers and bio-molecular data generated from CIHR funding are freely accessible online.
Communication Requirements
Grant recipients are required to acknowledge CIHR, its institutes and partners in any communication or publication related to the project. See CIHR General Grants and Awards Policies, Public Communication and Acknowledgement of CIHR's Support for details on CIHR's communication requirements. The contributing institutes/partners will be identified on the Authorization for Funding and decision letter.
Top
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.
Additional monitoring, performance measurement and evaluation requirements specific to this Funding Opportunity:
- Investigators are encouraged to participate in and present at meetings with other groups interested in their area.
Top
Review Process and Evaluation
Relevance Review Process (Updated: 2009-07-31)
All partners/collaborators will use the "Summary of Research Proposal" as the primary document for relevance review. Partners will fund grants that are relevant to their organization top down based on ranking by the peer review committee.
Modules 2-5 of funded start-up grants (Module 1) will be given priority consideration over the funding of additional start-up grants (Module 1). However, if no modules 2-5 of the funded grants are deemed relevant, additional start-up applications (Module 1) may be considered for funding. Modules 2-5 cannot be funded without the start-up component (Module1) being funded first.
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). 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 Process – Policies and Responsibilities of Grants Committee Members. Reviewers will use the following set of criteria for the evaluation of all CIHR grant applications:
- Research Approach
- Originality of the Proposal
- Applicant(s)
- Environment for the Research
- Impact of the Research
The following evaluation criteria specific to this funding opportunity will also be used:
- Relevance to pandemic preparedness and the current H1N1 influenza threat.
- Fit of the application to the objectives and relevant research areas outlined in the funding opportunity.
A detailed elaboration of these criteria can be found in the Information for Peer Reviewers section of CIHR website.
Top
How to Apply
Note: This funding opportunity requires the use of ResearchNet to apply for funding.
- The application process for this funding opportunity is comprised of one step: Application.
- To complete your Application, follow the instructions identified in 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.
Additional instructions that must be followed for this funding opportunity:
(Note: These additional instructions supersede all other policies or guidelines published by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, including, but not limited to, the Grants and Awards Guide, the Memorandum of Understanding, etc.)
- In the “Summary of Research Proposal” task:
- Applicants must select only one of the following funding pools that they would like to be considered under and must indicate the selected pool at the top of the summary of research proposal in the application:
- Natural history and epidemiological characteristics of spread of the novel H1N1 influenza A virus
- Biology of the novel H1N1 virus and use of antivirals
- Host immune response to the novel H1N1 virus and contributing cofactors
- Ethical issues in a pandemic outbreak
- H1N1 vaccine efficacy issues
- Health services and policy research
- Provide a concise overview of your complete research program, including all modules for which funds are being requested.
- Describe how the proposed research is unique and/or compliments other research efforts in the field.
- The “Summary of Research Proposal” will be the primary document used
by partners for relevance review. (Updated: 2009-07-31)
- In the "Research Proposal", in the "Enter Project Information and Supporting Documents" task under "Project Information":
- Include in the application a description of how the proposed research approach aligns with the objectives and identified relevant research area (see Objectives section).
- Describe the proposal in up to 5 modules. These modules should be structured as independent research components with stand-alone budgets with startup funds of $200,000 for the first module and subsequent prioritized modules of up to $100,000 to a maximum of 4 additional modules ($400,000). Clearly link the research proposal modules and the budget modules.
- In the "Budget Information and Supporting Documents" task:
- Include the Financial Assistance Requested information.
- In the "Financial Assistance Requested" details, provide a detailed explanation including specific research activities linked to timelines and milestones for use of:
- Start up amount of $200,000; and
- Additional modules of $100,000 up to a total of 4 modules for $400,000 in additional funds, if available
- In the "Attach Other Application Materials" task, include an Appendix by selecting the "Other" document type. Ensure that the Appendix includes:
- A table, listing the names of the core team members, their affiliation, their expertise and a brief description of their role in the project. Applicants are encouraged to include only their core team members rather than everyone who will be associated with their team.
- A timeline and anticipated milestones for the proposed project.
- If available, include letters of support from the core team members.
Your Application will be submitted using ResearchNet. Only the signed Signature Pages must be sent (courier stamped no later than the application deadline date) to:
RE: "Catalyst Grant: Pandemic Outbreak Research Response"
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Room 97, 160 Elgin Street
Address locator: 4809A
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0W9
Top
Contact Information
For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, and the peer review process contact:
Liliane Chénard
Program Delivery Team Lead
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-957-8842 (Updated: 2009-07-23)
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: liliane.chenard@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
For questions about the Pandemic Preparedness Strategic Initiative and research objectives, contact:
Michelle Hume
Associate
Pandemic Preparedness Strategic Research Initiative
CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity
Telephone: 613-948-2692
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: michelle.hume@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Top
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.
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 to nearly 12,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada.
CIHR – Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (Updated: 2009-07-31)
The Institute of Aboriginal Peoples ' Health (IAPH) fosters the advancement of a national health research agenda to improve and promote the health of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada , through research, knowledge translation and capacity building. The Institute's pursuit of research excellence is enhanced by respect for community research priorities and Indigenous knowledge, values and cultures.
CIHR - Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (Updated: 2009-07-31)
The Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (ICRH) supports research into causes, mechanisms, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation for a wide range of conditions associated with the heart, lung, brain (stroke), blood, blood vessels, critical care and sleep.
CIHR – Institute of Health Services and Policy Research
The CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research (IHSPR) is dedicated to supporting innovative research, capacity-building and knowledge translation initiatives designed to improve the way health care services are organized, regulated, managed, financed, paid for, used and delivered, in the interest of improving the health and quality of life of all Canadians.
CIHR – Institute of Infection and Immunity
The CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity (III) supports research to enhance immune-mediated health and to reduce the burden of infectious disease, immune-mediated disease, and allergy through prevention strategies, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation.
Pandemic Preparedness Strategic Research Initiative
The CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity established the Pandemic Preparedness Strategic Research Initiative (PPSRI) to support research that will build on international efforts and improve Canada's ability to prevent and/or respond to an influenza pandemic. It is essential to build a network of researchers in Canada to address issues unique to this country so that local experts and knowledge will be available in the event of a pandemic. In addition, Canada's healthcare system and expertise make researchers in this country ideally suited to address specific research questions concerning pandemic influenza.
Top
| 
