Important Dates

Notices

Table of Contents

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

Description

The CIHR HIV/AIDS Community-Based Research (CBR) Program assists community-based organizations, non-governmental organizations and institutions in developing the knowledge necessary to carry out their HIV/AIDS work in the most effective manner, and in creating expertise within these communities to conduct their own research.

Background

The CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity (CIHR-III), in partnership with the CIHR Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (CIHR-IAPH), is pleased to announce the launch of the next Funding Opportunities (FO) under the CIHR HIV/AIDS CBR Program, a component of the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Initiative.

Overview

Under the direction of the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity, the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Initiative is responsible for the management and oversight of the research components of the two major Government of Canada initiatives in HIV/AIDS, namely the: Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada; and the Canadian HIV Vaccine Initiative. These Initiatives provide funding to support researchers and trainees through the five streams of the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Initiative:

1. Biomedical and clinical;
2. Health services and population health;
3. Community-Based Research;
4. CIHR Canadian HIV Trials Network; and
5. Canadian HIV Vaccine Initiative.

This funding opportunity "Master's: HIV/AIDS Community-Based Research" is offered through the Community-Based Research funding stream.

Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada

The Federal Initiative reaffirms the Government of Canada's commitment to fighting the HIV/AIDS epidemic both in Canada and globally. As one of the partners in this initiative, CIHR sets priorities for and administers the HIV/AIDS Research Initiative and funds meritorious research grants and research personnel awards across the entire spectrum of HIV/AIDS research.

The goals of the Federal Initiative are to:

• Prevent the acquisition and transmission of new infections;
• Slow the progression of the disease and improve quality of life;
• Reduce the social and economic impact of HIV/AIDS; and
• Contribute to the global effort to reduce the spread of HIV and mitigate the impact of the disease.

The Federal Initiative builds on the successes of the Canadian Strategy on HIV/AIDS (CSHA) which recognized that collaboration across many different sectors was necessary to ensure an effective response to HIV/AIDS. The CSHA promoted the greater role of communities in the research process with the creation of the HIV/AIDS CBR Program. By building on the strengths of communities they will be best equipped to provide care, treatment and support to those already affected and to prevent the further spread of the HIV epidemic. Please visit the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada website for more information.

Community-Based Research (CBR)

Community involvement has been a hallmark of health research and action on HIV/AIDS from the beginning of the epidemic. Communities continue to play a central role in HIV/AIDS research, creating a model for communities taking action on other diseases and conditions. Through the HIV/AIDS Community-Based Research (CBR) Program, CIHR supports research that engages communities in all stages of research, from the definition of the research question, to capacity building and integration of community members in conducting research, to active participation in disseminating research results. In addition to these principles, CBR espouses the same values of methodological rigor and ethical review as other research approaches.

Community Leaders play an integral role in the research processes to ensure that the research will lead to useful and practical outcomes that will directly benefit the community. A Community Leader is defined as an individual who has direct involvement with a community affected by HIV/AIDS, understands the needs of the community and how research can lead to useful practical outcomes for the community and who can facilitate the involvement of the community in the research process.

Researchers from academic and other research institutions bring to community groups their research expertise in methodology, scientific rigor and supervision of future researchers. 

The CIHR HIV/AIDS CBR Program will support the partnered work of Community Leaders and Researchers in knowledge development and capacity-building initiatives of relevance to communities engaged in the fight against HIV/AIDS. There are two different streams of activities, each with distinct budgets, within the CIHR HIV/AIDS CBR Program - Aboriginal and General.

Funds Available

CIHR's contribution to the amount available for this initiative is subject to availability of funds voted annually to CIHR by parliamentary appropriations. Should CIHR funding levels be decreased by Parliament, CIHR reserves the right to defer or suspend payments to grants received as a result of this funding opportunity.

• The total amount available for this funding opportunity is $140,000;
• The maximum amount awarded for a single award is $17,500 for up to two years; and
• This award is non-renewable.

General Stream

The total available in this stream is $70,000 over two years.

Aboriginal Stream

The total available in this stream is $70,000 over two years

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 help ensure a reliable supply of highly qualified personnel to develop knowledge in the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic through community-based research; and
• To provide recognition and support to students who are pursuing a Master's degree in a community-based research field related to HIV/AIDS in Canada.

In line with the principles of CBR, applicants and their supervisors are encouraged to consider the engagement of the community in the training plan of the applicant.

Relevant Research Areas:

Research supported within this program is intended to address the needs deemed relevant by the affected communities while at the same time supporting the goals of the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Initiative and the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada (see below).

Specifically, the CIHR HIV/AIDS CBR Program aims to support research that benefits Canadian communities in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The impact of the proposed research on Canadian communities must be clearly demonstrated in all applications.

The III-CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity (CIHR-III) with the guidance of the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Advisory Committee (CHARAC) and through consultation with a wide range of stakeholders, has established six priorities for the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Initiative. These HIV/AIDS Research Priorities reflect areas of particular interest for funding but are not intended to lessen the importance of other areas of HIV/AIDS research or limit applications. All areas of HIV/AIDS research will remain eligible for funding through the CIHR HIV/AIDS CBR Program. The Institutes do not wish to further limit the areas of HIV/AIDS research eligible to ensure its inclusiveness and responsiveness to the needs of the different communities. Both quantitative and qualitative research methods, including epidemiology, intervention research, case studies and interviews will be considered.

Research in the priority areas described above that focuses on at risk populations including people living with HIV/AIDS, men who have sex with men, injection drug users, Aboriginal Peoples, prison inmates, youth at risk, women at risk and people from countries where HIV is endemic, is encouraged.

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 accepted:

1. The Nominated Principal Applicant must be a Trainee;
2. HIV/AIDS CBR Program Awards can only be held at Canadian institutions.

Please note: Specific to CIHR training awards, please refer to the General Guidelines for Training Programs, as well as the Master's Award program description.

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

The award consists of a stipend.

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, the following special requirements shall apply:

• Awards must be taken up within 6 months of the date of offer and must start September 1 or January 1 following the offer of award. Only candidates who are on leave of absence for reasons of illness, parental leave or health-related family responsibilities may be permitted to delay taking up the award until January 1 following the offer of award. CIHR requires a letter from the candidate requesting the delayed start date with a supporting letter from the primary supervisor confirming the dates of leave.

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 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.

• Within six months after the end of the award's term the applicant is required to submit a final performance report entitled "HIV/AIDS Master's Award CBR Final Report". A standard template will be provided by CIHR to all successful applicants;
• 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; and
• 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

Relevance Review Process (Updated: 2010-03-04)

The CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity 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 merit review, the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Initiative will have access to the full applications to conduct relevance review. Applications that are not deemed to be relevant will be withdrawn from the competition.

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

• Only full applications where the impact of the proposed research on Canadian communities is clearly demonstrated will be accepted; and
• Only full applications where the research focus is HIV/AIDS will be accepted.

Review Committee

A CIHR merit 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

Merit Review will be conducted in accordance with CIHR Peer Review Manual for Grant Applications.

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.

To support the strategic objectives of this funding opportunity, the following factors will be considered.

Scientific Merit:

• Achievements and Activities of the Candidate;
• Characteristics and Abilities of the Candidate; and
• Research Training Environment.

Potential Impact

Assessment Criteria include:

• The likely significance of the research for the involved community - Aboriginal and/or non-Aboriginal - and relevance to the goals of the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada;
• The candidate and supervisor's experience with community-based research;
• The involvement of the community as partners in the research. Information on community involvement and partnership should include:
  • A clear description of the community and community-based organization involved in the research;
  • Extent and nature of community involvement in the identification of the research question, development and implementation of the project; and
  • How partnerships will operate with regards to mutual accountability, interaction, cultural competency, communication of results to participants and ownership of research results.

Evaluation Process

The committee will use the following Merit Review Scale.

Each application will be assigned and reviewed by four merit committee members - two reviewers and two readers. One reviewer will focus on the assessment of Potential Impact and the other will focus on the assessment of Scientific Merit. The role of both reviewers is to present the application to the Merit Review panel. Readers will act as discussants at the review meeting. Potential Impact and Scientific Merit will be given equal weight in the assessment of the application by the Merit Review panel. Following the initial reviewers' and readers' comments and the discussion of the application by the entire panel, the two reviewers will determine a consensus rating for both Potential Impact and Scientific Merit. The Merit Review panel will then provide individual confidential votes within +/- 0.5 of the consensus ratings. Once the ratings have been determined, the Merit Review panel will review the requested budget and recommend an appropriate budget for the project. Only those applications that exceed the threshold rating of 3.5 on both Potential Impact and Scientific Merit will be considered for funding. The mean of the two scores will be calculated for the applications with a rating of 3.5 and above on both criteria to determine the final rating and establish a ranking list.

Funding Decision:

Upon completion of merit review, the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity will receive the ranking list, ratings and recommendations on funding level and award term for the applications that fall in the fundable range and have been determined to be relevant to the specific research areas and objectives of the initiative. The list will be used for funding decision-making purposes and will remain anonymous.

Applications will be funded from the top down in order of ranking as far as budgets will allow.

Applications that receive a rating below 3.5 will not be funded.

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 Master's 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 (Updated: 2010-03-18)

• 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. Only the original official transcripts and the completed sponsor assessment forms must be sent via courier (stamped no later than the application deadline date) to:
  
  Julien David, Program Delivery Coordinator
  HIV/AIDS Community-Based Research Program
  Canadian Institutes of Health Research
  160 Elgin Street, Room 97
  Address Locator 4809A
  Ottawa, ON K1A 0W9

Specific Requirements (Updated: 2010-03-18)

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

• Under the Apply to Priority Announcement task, please select "“Priority Announcement/Funding Pool".  Under Relevant Research Area select either General or Aboriginal Stream.  For this Funding Opportunity only the first drop down box must be completed."); (Updated: 2010-03-04)
• Under the Attach Other Application Materials task, please upload the CBR Principles Summary under the Other document type. This CBR Principles summary must demonstrate in a maximum of one page, the level of partnership with relevant community stakeholders as well as a clear description of community involvement in the identification of the research question, development, implementation and possible knowledge translation activities of the project;
• In the Common CV module (validated for CIHR), the section called "Activities/Contributions" must include information on both academic and non-academic contributions, publications including peer-reviewed articles and significant reports in the public domain and should focus on achievements of the applicant with community-based research and experience working with community-based organizations. Draft copies will not be accepted; and
• A validated Common CV of the identified supervisor must be appended.
• Original official transcripts (must be an unopened original from the issuing institution ) are required . Certified true copies will only be accepted from institutions outside North America (translated in either English or French). A certified true copy is defined as a copy of the original document that has been certified to be a true copy of the original document by a commissioner of oath such as a notary or lawyer. The copy must bear the original signature and stamp of the official authority.
• CIHR “Sponsor’s Assessment of a Candidate for a Master's Award” report [ PDF (286 KB) | Help ] to be completed by two sponsors who have had an opportunity to assess the candidate's potential - one of these should be the candidate's most recent research supervisor, if applicable; and
• A confirmation of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency (e.g., scanned copy of the candidate’s Canadian Passport) is required.

The following criteria are optional and your Application will be accepted whether or not they are followed. However, please note that this information may be used by the peer review committee to make recommendations on funding and hence could have an impact on your evaluation.

• In addition to the academic supervisor, students are encouraged to link with a mentor from the community (e.g., an elder or a stakeholder from the affected community) that would provide guidance as to the appropriate engagement of the student toward the affected community in the research project. A brief letter of support from this mentor describing the interaction with the student must be appended to the application, when applicable. Mentors from the community that hold an appointment at an eligible academic or research institution may be listed as a co-supervisor on the application;
• Applicants are encouraged to resubmit previously unsuccessful applications, taking into consideration past reviewers' comments;
• Volunteer experience can be inserted into the 'Work Experience' section if deemed relevant; and
• Community recognition can be inserted in the 'Distinctions/Awards/Credentials' section.
• Please note: It is not necessary to select a specific Peer Review Committee on the application form as all applications to the CBR Program will be reviewed by a specifically created Merit Review committee.

Contact Information

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

Julien David
HIV/AIDS Community-Based Research & OLMC Program Coordinator
Targeted Initiatives Branch
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-941-6493
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: julien.david@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

For questions about this initiative and research objectives contact:

Suzette Dos Santos
Officer, HIV/AIDS Research Initiative
Institute of Infection and Immunity
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-941-4464
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: HIVAIDS-VIHSIDA@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.

Partners

CIHR - Institute of Infection and Immunity (III)
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. CIHR-III is the lead CIHR Institute for the CIHR HIV/AIDS Research Initiative.

CIHR - Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (IAPH)
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.

Additional Information

1) For additional assistance please contact the Community-Based Research Facilitator in your region. Community-Based Research Facilitators can help:

1. Develop and enhance community-based research capacity among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community representatives and researchers from both academic and non-academic settings;
2. Facilitate the development of partnerships between community organizations and researchers and the engagement of affected communities in HIV/AIDS community-based research; and
3. Improve the skills of community organizations in designing community-based research.

2) In order to build capacity within the CBR community, CIHR will be offering training sessions to those planning to apply for funding through the HIV/AIDS Community-Based Research Program. This will allow participants to learn more about the process of preparing and submitting a complete application to CIHR. Please visit the CIHR HIV/AIDS CBR website for more information.