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Description
Named in honour of the contributions of an outstanding family to the field of genetic research and medicine in Canada, the Scriver Family MD/PhD Studentship Awards were created to further strengthen the Canadian clinical research endeavour by increasing the number of clinician-investigators.
About the Scriver Family
Dr. Walter Scriver was a talented internist and physician-in-chief at Royal Victoria Hospital. His research focused mainly on care for patients with diabetes and diseases of the kidneys, but his efforts in creating a supportive environment for young clinician scientists at McGill was one of his greatest legacies.
Dr. Jessie Boyd Scriver is recognized as a pioneer in Canadian medicine. Admitted to the first medical class at McGill to accept women, and graduating second in her class was the beginning of a distinguished career. Her groundbreaking research in sickle-cell anemia is still referenced today, and Jessie Boyd Scriver was an active author well into her nineties. She was Montreal's first female paediatrician, and the first woman to serve as president of the Canadian Paediatric Society.
Drs. Walter Scriver and Jessie Boyd Scriver were also the parents of another prominent McGill medical school graduate, their son Dr. Charles Scriver. His cutting-edge research helped to establish the field of modern biochemical genetics and has had a direct impact on the screening, treatment, and prevention of many genetic diseases.
Dr. Charles Scriver's research began with discovery and elucidation of several new inborn errors of metabolism. Phenylketonuria (PKU), an "old" inborn error, became a prototype to study the development and effective use of various tools for genetic screening and testing. These methods were then applied to other genetic diseases, in newborn and carrier populations, and have lead to new therapeutic approaches to these "orphan" diseases. In turn, these studies lead to measures of population frequencies of genetic disease in general, and to the interesting population genetics of PKU. Since inborn errors disturb metabolic homeostasis, an interest emerged in the complex networks involved in homeostasis. His use of the Web and informatics to create databases of mutations and phenotypes would come to serve the Human Variome Project, an offspring of the Human Genome Project. Alva Professor Emeritus of Human Genetics at McGill University, Charles Scriver is a respected advocate for the role of education and science, and recognized as an outstanding mentor and supporter of young clinician scientists in particular.
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 initiative is $660,000 over a term of six years
- Up to five awards are available
The maximum amount awarded for a single award is $22,000 for up to six years:
- Trainee stipend: $21,000 per annum.
- Research allowance: $1,000 per annum.
This award is non-renewable.
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.
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Objectives
The specific objective of this funding opportunity is to further strengthen the Canadian clinical research endeavour by increasing the number of clinician-investigators working within the IG's mandate.
Relevant Research Areas:
Research on the human and model genomes and on all aspects of genetics, basic biochemistry and cell biology related to health and disease, including the translation of knowledge into health policy and practice, and the societal implications of genetic discoveries.
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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:
- The Nominated Principal Applicant must be a trainee
- At least one project participant must be a supervisor
- Applicants must be accepted into a combined MD/PhD training program at a Canadian University where the research training program is in one of the research areas specified in the objectives section
- Applicants must be nominated by a Canadian MD/PhD Program Director whose program is receiving funding from a CIHR MD/PhD Program Grant
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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 stipend and a research allowance.
For the research allowance, 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.
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.
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.
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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 and administration to participate in the monitoring, review and evaluation of CIHR's programs, policies and processes as required.
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Review Process and Evaluation
Relevance Review
The CIHR Institute of Genetics and the Canadian Gene Cure Foundation will provide funding for applications that are relevant to (in alignment with) the objectives and research priority areas described in the Objectives section.
Prior to merit review, the CIHR Institute of Genetics and the Canadian Gene Cure Foundation will have access to anonymized project titles and summaries or, upon written consent of the applicant, full applications to conduct relevance review.
Applications that are not deemed to be relevant will be withdrawn from the competition.
Review Committee
In the event that the number of applications exceeds the number of awards available, a CIHR merit review committee will be used to evaluate the applications. Committee members would be selected based on suggestions from the CIHR Institute of Genetics and Canadian Gene Cure Foundation 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
To support the strategic objectives of this funding opportunity, the following evaluation criteria will be used:
- Achievements and activities of the candidate
- Training environment
Funding Decision:
If applicable, upon completion of merit review, the CIHR Institute of Genetics and the Canadian Gene Cure Foundation will receive the ranking list, ratings and recommendations 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 unless applicants have provided written consent to share nominative information.
Applications will be funded from the top down in order of ranking as far as budgets will allow.
If there are enough awards to fund all nominations, all submissions determined to be relevant to the specific research areas and objectives of the initiative will be funded.
Applications that receive a ranking below 3.7 will not be funded.
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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 General 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 in the Print/Upload Signature Pages task in ResearchNet prior to submitting your application.
- Transcripts, MD/PhD Program Director Nomination Letter (submitted in the original signed sealed envelope) and Signature pages (original candidate signature required) must be sent to CIHR courier-stamped by the deadline date to:
RE: Scriver Family MD/PhD Studentship Award
Targeted Initiaves Branch
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
160 Elgin Street, Room 97
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0W9
Canada
Specific Instructions
- The Identify Sponsors task is not applicable for the for the Institute of Genetics Scriver Family MD/PhD Studentship funding opportunity.
The following criteria are mandatory for your Application to be accepted:
1. Attach Common CVs and Supporting Documents
Application Common CV Modules (validated for CIHR) must be uploaded for the candidate and the proposed supervisor(s). Draft copies will not be accepted.
2. Enter Project Information and Supporting Documents
Attachments:
All attachments must adhere to the guidelines for attachments on the Acceptable Application Module Formats.
Training Expectations:
- Provide an overview describing how the training you expect to acquire will contribute to your productivity and to the research goals you hope to achieve. (2 page maximum)
Research Proposal Summary:
- Provide:
- Project Title
- Summary of the research project
- Include the specific hypothesis of the research and describe the candidate's role on the project. This summary should be written in general scientific language. (1 page maximum, including references)
- The title and summary of the research project should be completed in collaboration with the proposed supervisor(s).
3. Attach Other Application Materials:
University Nomination Letter:
- This nomination letter should come from the MD/PhD Program Director. An original letter must be submitted in the original sealed envelope from the MD/PhD Program Director.
Other:
- Describe the training environment including the space, facilities and personnel support that are available to the candidate to achieve his/her proposed research goals. (1 page maximum)
4. Confirm Documents Sent
The documents listed below must be sent to CIHR courier-stamped by the deadline date in order for your application to be considered complete:
- Transcripts
- MD/PhD Program Director Nomination Letter
- Signature pages
- Official transcripts of the candidate's graduate level academic record to date must be included. CIHR will only accept an official student's copy of the transcript if submitted in the original sealed envelope from the institution. 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. An original MD/PhD Program Director Nomination Letter must be submitted in the original sealed envelope.
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Contact Information
For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, and the peer review process contact:
André Fortin
Team Lead (A)
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-941-0651
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: andre.fortin@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
For questions about this initiative and research objectives contact:
Jennifer Ahlgren
Institute Project Officer
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: 613-957-6126
Fax: 613-954-1800
Email: jennifer.ahlgren@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
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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.
CIHR Institute of Genetics
The CIHR Institute of Genetics supports research on the human and model genomes and on all aspects of genetics, basic biochemistry and cell biology related to health and disease, including the translation of knowledge into health policy and practice, and the societal implications of genetic discoveries.
Partners
The Canadian Gene Cure Foundation
The Canadian Gene Cure Foundation (CGCF) is a registered Canadian charitable organization. It was formed in 1999 by a group of dedicated scientists and members of the Canadian Genetic Diseases Network (CGDN) who strongly believe more funding is needed for medical genetics research in Canada.
The CGCF raises funds to support excellence in human genetics research. The Foundation awards grants annually to enable cutting-edge Canadian scientists to research cures and treatments for genetic disorders. It also recognizes the importance of mentoring Canada's future scientists, supporting educational opportunities for high school students and awarding scholarships to encourage physician scientists. CGCF also proudly supports networking opportunities in which scientists can exchange ideas and work cooperatively, linking advances in different disease areas.
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