ResearchNet - RechercheNet

Table of Contents

• Description
• Objectives
• Eligibility
• Guidelines
• Review Process and Evaluation
• How to Apply
• Contact Information
• Sponsor Description
• Additional Information

Description

Background

In the past few decades, there have been tremendous improvements in the fields of therapeutics, genomics, immunology, multi-omics, gut microbiome, epigenetics, and virology, along with the rise of big data science, computational biology, and artificial intelligence. In addition, the evolution of evidence-based medicine, or the systematic application of scientific evidence into clinical practice, has resulted in more rigorous approaches to assessing evidence and more effective application in clinical settings.

However, it is increasingly clear that one-size-fits-all approaches to disease diagnosis, care, treatment, and prevention have limited effectiveness¹. Heterogeneity exists at the individual and population level with regards to biological, genetic, molecular, structural, systemic, and environmental determinants of health, as well as aging, which significantly impact the maintenance of health, the prevention of disease, and the effectiveness of diagnostic tools and treatments.

According to data from the Canadian Chronic Disease Surveillance System (CCDSS), 44% of adults (20 years and older; from 2015-2016 data²) and 73% of seniors (65 years and older; from 2016-2017 data³ reported having at least 1 of 10 common chronic diseases including hypertension, diabetes, and cancer. In Canada, 1 in 3 people live with diabetes or prediabetes; 1 in 10 are affected by kidney disease; 1 in 5 have non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) or metabolic (dysfunction) associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD); and 1 in 4 have obesity. In addition, Canada has one of the highest rates of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in the world. Understanding diversity and heterogeneity can lead to more precise prevention and treatment approaches for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), which are the leading cause of death worldwide and represent an emerging global health threat⁴. It is also imperative to ensure diversity is considered in developing approaches for prevention and treatment of infectious diseases, such as HIV and sexually transmitted and blood borne diseases (STBBI), as the impacts are often disproportionate amongst diverse populations and co-morbidities with NCD further impact health outcomes for chronic infections.

In October 2022, the Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes (INMD) held a virtual workshop entitled "Heterogeneity in Nutrition and Metabolic Health" that brought together researchers and other stakeholders to: (1) define the scientific opportunities, research gaps and priorities related to heterogeneity in nutrition and metabolic health; and (2) identify the Canadian strengths that could be leveraged to support a strategic research initiative on heterogeneity in nutrition and metabolic health. A number of representatives from other CIHR institutes and external partners participated. Applicants are highly encouraged to review the summary of this Workshop posted on the INMD website.

Overview of the Funding Opportunity

The Team Grants: Embracing Diversity to Achieve Precision and Increase Health Equity aims to inspire a paradigm shift in health research whereby biological, behavioural, social and environmental diversity and structural determinants of health are considered and integrated. This approach will lead to a better understanding of how individuals stay healthy and help develop effective interventions and policies to improve the health of all people in Canada. This funding opportunity emphasizes health equity and inclusion of a diversity of populations who have historically experienced inequitable health outcomes in Canada.

This funding opportunity is composed of two types of grants:

• Research Teams (RT) Grants
• Knowledge Mobilization (KM) Hub Supplement (KMH)

Research Teams Key Elements

The following key design elements must be considered and incorporated as appropriate by the Research Teams:

• Diversity in Study Population to Develop More Precise Approaches: Research must include populations who are disproportionately affected by chronic disease with an emphasis on, but not limited to, populations of non-European ancestry⁵ and/or populations impacted by intersecting inequalities and discrimination based on socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, racism, culture, age, language, Indigeneity and/or disability, and consideration of biological variables (e.g., sex, age) to better understand disease susceptibility, progression, resilience, reversibility, and treatment, and move the field towards precision health.
• Integration of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Considerations in Research: Research teams must integrate Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) considerations (using, for example, a sex- and gender-based analysis plus (SGBA+) tools) and a life course approach in all of its diversity across research activities. Thus, research teams must provide a rationale for decisions regarding which stages of the life course are relevant for their applications. The research must include determinants of health, ethical, legal, social, privacy, and accessibility considerations, pharmacoeconomic factors, and socio-economic analyses.
• Interdisciplinary Team-Based Approaches to Understanding Heterogeneity: Research must cross disciplinary boundaries and research teams must be interdisciplinary in nature (i.e., consisting of members trained in different disciplines bringing their unique expertise together to solve a problem). Interdisciplinary teams must advance existing and/or develop new analytical methods and approaches that integrate multiple forms of data, tools, and measures, that incorporate the interaction between determinants of health to understand heterogeneity.
• Engagement of People with Lived/Living Experience: People with lived/living experience (PWLLE), particularly those from historically excluded populations or groups disproportionally affected by chronic diseases, must be included in this funding opportunity in an authentic and meaningful manner. In the context of this funding opportunity, PWLLE includes individuals with personal experience of a health issue (patients) or having been a clinical trial participant, or formal and informal caregivers, including family and friends, and organizations representing PWLLE. Research teams must include PWLLE in the co-creation and conduct of the research and in translation and dissemination activities to mobilize the research outputs. Research funded in this funding opportunity will follow the principles of patient engagement, as outlined in the SPOR Patient Engagement Framework.
• Data and Biosample Governance: Research teams must have a robust strategy for how data will be stored, linked, and shared, as well as how biological samples will be collected, stored, and analyzed. Data should be disaggregated by sex and/or gender, age, and population group, where appropriate. The Data Management Plan (DMP) and Biosample Governance Plan must identify and describe a process for granting external researchers access to the data and biological samples. Research data management should align with the FAIR principles.  Researchers are encouraged to use or enhance existing resources and datasets (where possible). Refer to the report published by CIHR and Genome Canada "Enhancing Canada's Population Cohort Environment" for related information.
• Capacity Building: Research teams will be required to support a diversity of trainees and include Early Career Researchers (ECRs) in collaborative research across institutions, disciplines, jurisdictions and sectors. Research teams should implement recruitment, training, and mentoring strategies to attract high-caliber trainees and ECRs, including embedding and applying EDI best practices.
• Knowledge Mobilization (KM): Research teams must engage with researchers, partners, including members of affected communities, community organizations, industry, and/or governments, and take an impact-oriented approach at all stages of the research (including in the research planning and design). Research teams must have a robust knowledge mobilization plan using the Knowledge Mobilization Planning Toolkit (See How to Apply section) to maximize the impact and benefit of the research. Research Teams will be required to allocate funds in their grant budget to support the role and responsibilities of a team member to be the KM Champion that regularly collaborates and coordinates with the KM Hub.
• Indigenous Peoples' Health and Indigenous Rights:  For applications including research with Indigenous communities, research teams must include appropriate consideration of TCPS 2: Chapter 9 – Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Canada as well as demonstration of meaningful and culturally safe practices, plans, and activities throughout the research project. Research teams must respect and integrate principles of Indigenous self-governance such as following the First Nations Principles of OCAP®⁶. (i.e., Ownership, Control, Access and Possession), the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance, or other principles of Indigenous self-governance. CIHR recognizes that First Nations, Métis and Inuit are rights-holding as First Peoples of Canada and is committed to supporting research conducted by, grounded in, or engaged with Indigenous Peoples. CIHR's commitment to supporting Indigenous self-determination in health research is available in the CIHR Strategic Plan 2021–2031 and the Action Plan: Building a healthier future for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Research Teams Research Areas

This funding opportunity will support Research Teams relevant to the following research areas:

General Omics Pool

This funding pool will support applications relevant to one or more of the overall objectives that must integrate cutting-edge omics research technologies and extend into other basic science research areas such as protein structure and function.

Nutrition and Metabolic Health Pool

This funding pool will fund research across INMD-related conditions (i.e., endocrine, liver, digestive, kidney, nutritional and metabolic disorders, including diabetes) in the following areas:

• Developing precision nutrition approaches to understand heterogeneity, intervene effectively, and prevent or manage chronic diseases in the INMD mandate areas by incorporating multidimensional data
• Characterizing heterogeneity in nutrition and/or metabolic health to prevent, detect and intervene effectively in terms of disease susceptibility, progression, resilience and reversibility, and treatment strategies for diseases and conditions in INMD mandate areas (Updated: 2023-12-20)

Precision Prevention in Nutrition and Metabolic Health Pool

This funding pool will fund research across INMD-related conditions (i.e., endocrine, liver, digestive, kidney, nutritional and metabolic disorders, including diabetes) in the following area:

• Precision prevention in nutrition and metabolic health, focused on diseases and conditions in INMD mandate areas

Infection and Immunity Pool

This funding pool will fund research in the following areas:

• Research focused on the prevention, detection and/or treatment of the inflammatory aspects of high burden chronic diseases
• Self-determined health priorities of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities related to infection and immunity and important to the holistic health and wellbeing of these communities.
• Research to address the underlying biological, social, structural, and environmental determinants of health to enhance equitable outcomes of infection and immunity related diseases/conditions in disproportionately affected populations.

Aging Pool

This funding pool will fund research in the following areas:

• Prevention of chronic conditions associated with altered metabolism and inflammation particularly in mid to later stages of life.
• Biological, social, structural, environmental, determinants of health to enhance understanding of development and progression of chronic conditions and equitable outcomes in older adult populations.
• Research that increases understanding of heterogeneity of chronic conditions with aging, including inflammation

Cancer Pool

This funding pool will fund research in the following areas:

• Research that increases understanding of heterogeneity in nutrition and metabolic health as they relate to cancer prevention or early detection of cancer by incorporating multidimensional data. 

Indigenous Pool

This funding pool will fund research that align with the overall objectives of the funding opportunity and supports research driven by Indigenous Peoples and communities, that is grounded in Indigenous and distinctions-based methodologies with a commitment to reconciliation in research, and include the principles of:

• Self-determination and self-governance that respect the right of sovereignty over data and a distinctions-based approach to generate disaggregated data that may be analyzed, interpreted, and shared in meaningful ways with Indigenous communities
• Reciprocity and equality of reciprocal exchanges and equal partnership between Indigenous ways of knowing and Western approaches to improve physical, mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being.

HIV/AIDS and STBBI Population Health and Prevention Pool

This funding pool will support research that has a primary focus on HIV/AIDS and STBBI and aims to improve the health outcomes for key populations disproportionately affected by HIV/AIDS and STBBI. In this context, applications must also address one or more of the following areas:

• Research and interventions which aim to understand, address and reduce the impact of stigma, racism, homophobia, transphobia, sexism, and other forms of discrimination and systemically entrenched oppression;
• Development, testing, and advancement of new or improved, culturally-safe and holistic models of care and evidence-based interventions; and
• Studies to enhance knowledge of sexual and reproductive health including understanding the contributing roles of sex, gender, sexuality, and systemic barriers in sexual and reproductive health.

HIV/AIDS and STBBI Co-infections and Co-morbidities Pool

This funding pool will support research that has a primary focus on HIV/AIDS and STBBI and aims to improve the health outcomes for key populations affected by HIV/AIDS and STBBI. Within this context, applications must also address one or more of the following areas:

• Research to expand the understanding of the biological and immunological interactions among HIV/AIDS and STBBI co-infections, related co-morbidities or aging; and
• Research that contributes to the design, development or implementation of next-generation interventions to address co-infections and co-morbidities.

HIV/AIDS and STBBI Indigenous Pool

This funding pool will fund research that has a primary focus on improving HIV/AIDS and STBBI outcomes for Indigenous populations by:

• Prioritizing First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples and communities, in leading their research agendas;
  • Promoting cultural safety of and appropriate engagements by researchers working with Indigenous Peoples in meaningful ways to ensure that respectful relations are established;
  • Prioritizing the use of Indigenous culturally relevant theoretical and conceptual frameworks, and Indigenous culturally relevant research protocols, including Indigenous methodologies; and
  • Promoting equity and development of trainees, researchers and knowledge users who are of Indigenous ancestry.

Institute Partners (Updated: 2024-01-25)

The Institute of Gender and Health (IGH) will fund research consistent with its mandate and directly relevant to the examination of sex- and/or gender-related considerations on health, and may include:

• Development or advancement of interdisciplinary sex and gender research methodologies (i.e., measures, tools, analytic strategies, and/or approaches)
• Sex- and/or gender-related mechanisms, determinants and other processes that influence health
• Intersectional and/or community-engaged research approaches that go beyond the sex and gender binary
• Populations with significant and systemic health disparities (i.e., priority areas of women's health, 2SLGBTQI+ health, and/or the health of Black and Indigenous communities)

Research Teams Competition Partners

The following competition partners have shown interest to fund research in any of the pools above relevant to the areas described below:

Diabetes Canada

Diabetes Canada will fund research relevant to the objectives of the funding opportunity that will improve the lives of people living with or at risk of diabetes and complications. Eligible research goals are:

• To support researchers in the discovery of the biomedical, clinical, health services, and/or population health factors that lead to the onset and progression of all types of diabetes and related complications.
• To develop solutions aimed at the prevention, management, treatment and finding a cure(s) for diabetes and its complications.
• To address challenges in diabetes health services, and design and implement solutions that improve healthcare delivery, health policies, and access to care for all communities and populations affected by diabetes.

See Contact Information and Sponsor Description sections for further details.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada

The Kidney Foundation of Canada will fund research relevant to the objectives of the funding opportunity across the four pillars. This includes but is not limited to applications focusing on:

• Understanding development, risk, prevention, treatment, management, care or cure for all aspects of kidney function, diseases of the kidney, and kidney transplant
• Improvement of health systems and services with the goal of improving efficiency, effectiveness and equity of the health care system through changes to practice and policy related to kidney disease;
• Population and public health research with the goal of improving the kidney health of populations living in Canada through increased understanding of ways in which social, cultural, environmental, occupational, and economic factors determine health status.

See Contact Information and Sponsor Description sections for further details.

Génome Québec

Génome Québec will provide additional support to a research project which will either produce omics data, including diverse and extensive data sets, and/or develop tools to integrate such omics data with other types of data. The goal is to contribute to precision health (including disease prevention, diagnosis, care, or treatment), by using omics and/or promote the use and adoption of omics technologies. The project must be led by a Nominated Principal Applicant (NPA) based in an eligible institution in Québec. NPA and host institution have to be eligible by both CIHR's criteria and Génome Québec's financial guidelines.

See Contact Information and Sponsor Description sections for further details.

Genome BC

Genome BC will provide additional support to research projects being led by Principal Applicants based in BC and undertaking omics research.

See Contact Information and Sponsor Description sections for further details.

Knowledge Mobilization (KM) Hub Supplement Key Elements

To help facilitate knowledge mobilization for all successful Research Teams, this funding opportunity will provide additional funds to the successful team that submits the highest ranked fundable KM Hub Supplement to establish and lead a dedicated Knowledge Mobilization Hub (KM Hub). The KM Hub will be responsible for supporting the knowledge mobilization activities of all the Research Teams by establishing an overarching structure to support the coordination and collaboration of the Teams to leverage interdisciplinary activities, optimize research impact through clearly defined knowledge mobilization and engagement efforts, and achieve the overall funding opportunity objectives. The KM Hub will incorporate the following core elements in its design and approach:

1. KM Learning Community: Build and support a KM learning community involving all research teams and knowledge user communities for shared learning (i.e., capacity development), meaningful collaboration and partnerships, and coordination to advance KM strategies and approaches.
2. Meaningful Engagement: Build, maintain, and strengthen engagement among the Research Teams, the research community, PWLLEs, knowledge users (KUs), and partners, through authentic and meaningful engagement by building and supporting partnerships, facilitating dialogue amongst the research, policy and practice communities, from the start and throughout the lifecycle of the research teams.
3. Knowledge Mobilization Activities and Support: Complement and amplify the KM activities of research teams by providing coordination, administrative, and KM support to accelerate translation of research into policy, practice, and/or clinical guidelines, using innovative KM strategies (e.g., dissemination of publications, conference presentations, briefings, and media engagements, development and dissemination of impact stories, description of how key results will be shared with target audiences or how community engagement will take place, creation and maintenance of stakeholder map), by accumulating, synthesizing, and disseminating timely evidence appropriately tailored to a wide-ranging audience. Refer to the Knowledge Mobilization Planning Toolkit (see How to Apply for more guidance).
4. Inclusion of Indigenous Peoples (First Nations, Inuit and Métis Indigenous communities): The KM Hub must include appropriate consideration of TCPS 2: Chapter 9 – Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Canada, as well as respecting principles of Indigenous data governance such as First Nations Principles of OCAP®⁶ (i.e., Ownership, Control, Access and Possession), the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance, or other appropriate distinctions-based approaches, and demonstration of meaningful and culturally safe practices, plans and activities throughout the KM Hub activities.
5. Governance and Operations: Have a clear governance plan encompassing a diverse core leadership team with fair, inclusive, and equitable engagement with research teams, clearly articulated roles and responsibilities, risk mitigation plans, and implementation strategies. The governance plan will reflect: (a) overall management and oversight of Hub related (e.g., strategic, operational and financial) activities; (b) clearly defined and adequately supported knowledge brokerage across research teams and knowledge user communities; and (c) co-development of planning, implementation, and activities to meet overall Hub objectives.

Role and Contributions of Applicant Partners: CIHR recognizes that a broad range of partners may be relevant to this opportunity and it is expected that applicant(s) describe the role of all applicant partners and how/if they will contribute to research and research related activities. Any consideration of risk and/or conflict of interest should also be explained, as appropriate.

Funds Available

CIHR and partner(s) financial contributions for this initiative are subject to availability of funds. Should CIHR or partner(s) funding levels not be available or are decreased due to unforeseen circumstances, CIHR and partner(s) reserve the right to reduce, defer or suspend financial contributions to grants received as a result of this funding opportunity.

The total amount available for this funding opportunity is $41,635,000 (not including Supplementary Partner Funding – see below), enough to fund approximately 38 Engagement Grants, 19 Team Grants, and one supplement for a Knowledge Mobilization Hub. This amount may increase if additional funding partners participate. (Updated: 2024-01-25)

Letter of Intent (LOI) Stage:

• At the LOI stage, $760,000 is available to fund thirty-eight (38) Engagement Grants at a maximum amount per grant of $20,000 for up to one (1) year. Note: This funding will support researchers engaging with diverse groups of patients, citizens and PWLLE.
• Of this $760,000:
  • General Omics Pool: up to $120,000 is available to fund up to six (6) LOI relevant to the General Omics Pool
  • Nutrition and Metabolic Health Pool: up to $120,000 is available to fund up to six (6) LOI relevant to the Nutrition and Metabolic Health Pool
  • Precision Prevention in Nutrition and Metabolic Health Pool: up to $40,000 is available to fund up to two (2) LOI relevant to the Precision Prevention in Nutrition and Metabolic Health Pool
  • Infection and Immunity Pool: up to $120,000 is available to fund up to six (6) LOI relevant to the Infection and Immunity Pool
  • Aging Pool: up to $40,000 is available to fund up to two (2) LOI relevant to the Aging Pool
  • Cancer Pool: up to $40,000 is available to fund up to two (2) LOI relevant to the Cancer Pool
  • Indigenous Pool: up to $80,000 is available to fund up to four (4) LOI relevant to the Indigenous Pool
  • HIV/AIDS and STBBI Population Health and Prevention Pool: up to $80,000 is available to fund up to four (4) LOI relevant to the HIV/AIDS and STBBI Population Health and Prevention Pool
  • HIV/AIDS and STBBI Co-infections and Co-morbidities Pool: up to $80,000 is available to fund up to four (4) LOI relevant to the HIV/AIDS and STBBI Co-infections and Co-morbidities Pool
  • HIV/AIDS and STBBI Indigenous Pool: up to $40,000 is available to fund up to two (2) LOI relevant to the HIV/AIDS and STBBI Indigenous Pool

Full Application Stage:

• At the full application stage, $40,875,000 is available to fund approximately nineteen (19) Research Teams grants and one (1) Knowledge Mobilization Hub Supplement. (Updated: 2024-01-25)
• Of this $40,875,000: (Updated: 2024-01-25)
  • $40,125,000 is available to fund Research Teams. The maximum amount per Research Teams grant is $400,000 per year for up to five (5) years, for a total of $2,000,000 per grant. Note: This includes funds to liaise with the KM Hub. (Updated: 2024-01-25)
    • General Omics Pool: up to $6,000,000 is available to fund up to three (3) applications relevant to the General Omics Pool
    • Nutrition and Metabolic Health Pool: up to $6,000,000 is available to fund up to three (3) applications relevant to the Nutrition and Metabolic Health Pool
    • Precision Prevention in Nutrition and Metabolic Health Pool: up to $2,000,000 is available to fund up to one (1) application relevant to the Precision Prevention in Nutrition and Metabolic Health Pool
    • Infection and Immunity Pool: up to $6,000,000 is available to fund up to three (3) applications relevant to the Infection and Immunity Pool
    • Aging Pool: up to $2,000,000 is available to fund up to one (1) application relevant to the Aging Pool
    • Cancer Pool: up to $2,000,000 is available to fund up to one (1) application relevant to the Cancer Pool
    • Indigenous Pool: up to $4,000,000 is available to fund up to two (2) applications relevant to the Indigenous Pool
    • HIV/AIDS and STBBI Population Health and Prevention Pool: up to $4,000,000 is available to fund up to two (2) applications relevant to the HIV/AIDS and STBBI Population Health and Prevention Pool
    • HIV/AIDS and STBBI Co-infections and Co-morbidities Pool: up to $4,000,000 is available to fund up to two (2) applications relevant to the HIV/AIDS and STBBI Co-infections and Co-morbidities Pool
    • HIV/STBBI Indigenous Pool: up to $2,000,000 is available to fund up to one (1) application relevant to the HIV/AIDS and STBBI Indigenous Pool
• Up to $625,000 in total over 5 years is available to co-fund applications in any of the Pools listed above relevant to the Institute of Gender and Health (IGH)'s mandate and directly relevant to the examination of sex- and/or gender-related considerations on health. The total amount per grant remains at $2,000,000. See Institute Partners and Sponsor Description sections for further details. (Updated: 2024-01-25)
• Up to $1,500,000, from the competition partners below may support research projects (in any of the funding pools) on a particular theme or on issues that are a priority for them. Competition partner funds from Diabetes Canada and The Kidney Foundation of Canada may displace CIHR funds which may provide an opportunity for an additional application to be funded.
  • Diabetes Canada will provide up to $1,000,000 in total over 5 years to co-fund two (2) applications, for a maximum amount of up to $500,000 per application relevant to people living with, or at risk of, diabetes. See Contact Information and Sponsor Description sections for further details.
  • The Kidney Foundation of Canada will provide up to $500,000 in total over 5 years to co-fund one (1) application directly relevant to any aspect of kidney function and diseases of the kidney or kidney transplant. See Contact Information and Sponsor Description sections for further details.
• $750,000 is available to fund 1 Knowledge Mobilization (KM) Hub Supplement. The maximum amount is $150,000 per year for up to five (5) years.

• Supplementary Partner Funding:

  If requested and found relevant, this funding might bring the total grant over the $2,000,000 maximum identified at the full application stage above.

  • Genome BC will contribute up to $2,000,000 in total over 5 years to provide additional support to up to ten (10) team grants led by Principal Applicants in BC relevant to omics.
    • Genome BC would fund up to 10% of any relevant team grant for a BC led project. This is equivalent of up to a maximum of $200,000 over five years per project. See Guidelines, Contact Information and Sponsor Description sections for further details.
  • Génome Québec will provide additional support of up to $500,000 in total over five years to support the top team grant relevant to omics led by a Nominated Principal Applicant based in an eligible institution in Québec.
    • To receive the entire amount available by GQ ($500,000), a minimum of $1,000,000 of the funds (from CIHR or eligible competition level partners, if applicable) must be spent in Québec.
    • GQ can fund up to a maximum of 1/3 of eligible expenses incurred in Québec and GQ's financial guidelines apply. Should the above-mentioned Québec-spent amount be lower than $1,000,000, GQ's funding will be decreased proportionally to ensure GQ's contribution does not exceed 1/3.
    • GQ will not fund projects with a Québec-based CIHR budget (including eligible competition level partners' contribution) lower than $500,000.

    See Guidelines, Contact Information and Sponsor Description sections for further details.

Applicant Partners

The following applicant partners have expressed an interest in supporting research projects on a particular theme or on issues that are a priority for them.

Health Canada's Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion (ONPP) and Food Directorate
Applicant partner support from Health Canada's ONPP and Food Directorate is available for projects that aim to build evidence towards inclusive and equitable nutrition policies and programs under these funding pools: Nutrition and Metabolic Health and Precision Prevention in Nutrition and Metabolic Health; and nutrition-related applications in the Indigenous Pool.

The partnership or collaboration could include the following in-kind support:

• statistical advice and, where feasible, some aspects of analyses (e.g., combining national survey cycles);
• provide advice in dietary assessment and nutrition biomarkers and standards used in national surveillance (e.g., international standardization);
• collaboration on related laboratory activities;
• organization of webinars or roundtable expert discussions to discuss research project results;
• advice in designing of national nutrition studies that engage underrepresented groups (e.g., sample frame);
• facilitate networking and collaboration with other knowledge users (e.g., in other government departments); and
• knowledge of federal nutrition policies in the context of heterogeneity.

Health Canada would also welcome graduate students, post-doctoral trainees and visiting scientists, with special consideration to underrepresented groups. See Contact Information and Sponsor Description sections for further details.

Statistics Canada

Application partner cost-recovered support from Statistics Canada is available for projects on any subject that would benefit from Statistics Canada's data holdings and statistical and/or subject matter expertise, from its data integration, and custom tabulation capabilities, and/or from access to the agency's Data Analytics Services (DAS) platform. Through its Census, survey, and administrative data and biospecimen holdings, the agency is Canada's primary source of information on all aspects of population health, including health-related behaviours, access to care, and social determinants of health. Further, Statistics Canada's data linkage capacity, both within its own holdings and with external data, enables research on issues related to equity, diversity, and inclusion. The agency also has expert staff in statistical methodology and all areas of population health statistics, and offers various virtual and in-person microdata access options. See Contact Information and Sponsor Description sections for further details.

CIHR and partner funds are entirely separate and each organization will award their grants according to their requirements. See Guidelines, Contact Information and Sponsor Description sections for further details.

For more information on the appropriate use of CIHR funds, refer to Allowable Costs

Objectives

The objectives of this funding opportunity are to fund new research that will improve health and achieve more equitable outcomes in nutrition, metabolic health, and chronic high burden diseases, as well as STBBI, across the life course of diverse groups of people in Canada by:

1. Developing precision medicine approaches to characterize the variability that underlies mechanisms of disease, to prevent, detect, and intervene effectively in terms of disease susceptibility, progression, resilience and reversibility, and treatment
2. Increasing our understanding of interactions between structural, social, environmental, and biological determinants of health in Indigenous communities that underlie heterogeneity in health and disease
3. Increasing our understanding of interactions between structural, social, environmental, and biological determinants of health with particular emphasis on a diversity of populations who have historically experienced inequitable outcomes in Canada and at-risk groups that underlie heterogeneity in health and disease

Note that applicants will not be required to meet all the objectives in their respective application, but all objectives will be met through the funding opportunity.

Eligibility

Eligibility to Apply

For an application to be eligible at the LOI stage, all of the requirements stated below must be met:

1. The Nominated Principal Applicant (NPA) must be one of the following:
   • an independent researcher or a  knowledge user affiliated with a Canadian postsecondary institution and/or its affiliated institutions (including hospitals, research institutes and other non-profit organizations with a mandate for health research and/or knowledge translation);
     OR
   • an individual affiliated with an Indigenous non-governmental organization in Canada with a research and/or knowledge translation mandate.
     OR
   • an Indigenous non-governmental organization in Canada with a research and/or knowledge translation mandate.
2. The NPA must have their substantive role in Canada for the duration of the requested grant term.
3. The Institution Paid must be authorized to administer CIHR funds before the funding can be released (see Administration of Funds).
4. Research teams must be comprised of no more than 4 Principal Applicants (PAs) or Principal Knowledge Users (PKU) in addition to the NPA. Inclusion of other applicant roles (i.e., Co-Applicants, Knowledge Users (KUs), and collaborators) is optional.
5. The research team (including NPA, PKU, PAs, Co-Applicants and KUs) must be interdisciplinary and must include each of the following participant types. Note that an individual can fulfill multiple participant types.
   • an Early Career Researcher (ECR) in the role of NPA or one of the PAs or a Co-Applicant. ECR eligibility status must be met by the full application deadline date.
   • a Knowledge Mobilization (KM) Champion who will act as the liaison between research teams and the KM Hub in any role except collaborator.
   • at least one PWLLE representative of the population(s) being studied, in the role of PKU or KU, as appropriate for the proposed research.
6. For any research applications involving First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Indigenous populations, Research Teams must include at least one applicant who self-identifies as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) or provides evidence of having meaningful and culturally safe involvement with Indigenous Peoples (see How to Apply for more details).

   In addition to meeting the requirements above, for an application to be eligible at the full application stage, all the requirements stated below must also be met:

7. The research team (including NPA, PKU, PAs, Co-Applicants and KUs) must include each of the following participant types. Note that an individual can fulfill multiple participant types:
   • a knowledge user in the role of KU or PKU.
   • an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champion with expertise in sound EDI practices and principles in the role of NPA, PA or Co-Applicant. See Additional Information for wise practices on including an EDI Champion and defining their potential roles in the research.
   • A minimum of two PWLLE representatives of the population(s) being studied, in the role of PKU or KU, as appropriate for the proposed research
8. The NPA, all PAs, and EDI champion must have successfully completed one of the sex- and gender-based analysis (SGBA) training modules available online through the CIHR Institute of Gender and Health and submit a Certificate of Completion by the full application deadline (see How to Apply for more details).

KM Hub Supplement

At the full application stage, in addition to the requirements listed above:

• Teams applying for the KM Hub supplement must include:
  • At least one KM Hub Champion with demonstrated knowledge mobilization expertise
  • At least one applicant who self-identifies as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) or provides evidence of having meaningful and culturally safe involvement with Indigenous Peoples. (see How to Apply for more details).
• Note that to be eligible for the KM Hub Supplement, the Research Team must successfully receive funding for the full application.

For supplemental partner funding eligibility see funds available.

Guidelines

General CIHR Policies

Before submitting an application to this funding opportunity, applicants should review the relevant policies and guidelines on the CIHR Funding Policies page to ensure understanding of their responsibilities and expectations.

Allowable Costs

Applicants are advised to consult the Use of Grant Funds section of the Tri-Agency (CIHR, NSERC and SSHRC) Guide on Financial Administration (TAGFA) to determine if an expenditure is an appropriate use of grant funds.

To further clarify, the following expenses are examples of appropriate uses of grant funds, provided they satisfy the principles and pertinent directives of the TAGFA:

• Costs related to the translation and preparation of information/material intended for public consumption for the purposes of informing and engaging stakeholders (e.g., website content, information pamphlets, guidelines, promotional and event-related material, etc.).
• Expenditures that respect the culture and traditions of Indigenous peoples, where needed for the meaningful conduct of research. See TCPS 2 - Chapter 9 Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Canada and TAGFA Directive on Gifts, Honoraria and Incentives. These include:
  • Costs related to community mobilization and engagement, including culturally relevant promotional items such as, tobacco, cloth, feasting, and gift giving for honoring ceremonies, and cash reimbursements (in a method acceptable to the individual or community being reimbursed) to compensate community participation.
  • Contracts and/or consultant fees for knowledge translation and communication activities for Indigenous Elders, community members, and Indigenous Knowledge Keepers involved in activities related to the Indigenous community.

The following are examples of expenses not eligible to be paid from grant funds, as per TAGFA requirements:

• Costs normally associated with the health care system, as well as the education, criminal justice systems, etc. As such, although funds can be used for the development, evaluation and context specific adaptation of interventions, they cannot be used for the implementation of existing interventions. This stipulation is designed not only to preserve dollars for research purposes, but also to encourage sustainability of these interventions once implemented.

For this funding opportunity only, the following statement(s) apply:

• Release Time Allowance can be paid from grant funds for knowledge users who meet TAGFA compensation requirements, up to a maximum of 50,000$ per individual /grant.

Use of Personal Information

• Personal information submitted during the application process, including but not limited to information provided through applicant CVs, the Self-identification Questionnaire and other application documents required by this FO, will be made available to CIHR personnel for the purposes of future program design and delivery, results measurement, and reporting. For further information about the self-identification questionnaire and the use of personal information, see the  Self-identification Questionnaire Frequently Asked Questions.
• All progress and final reports will be shared with partners supporting the grant (See Conditions of Funding for report details).
• Personal information will be used to administer the following aspect of this funding opportunity:
  • Contact information of successful Research Teams may be shared with the successful KM Hub.

CIHR Conditions of Funding

• The applicant must consent to the use and disclosure of full application and nominative information at the time of application, for purposes of relevance review and/or funding decisions by the relevant sponsors.
• For successful research teams at the LOI stage, the Nominated Principal Applicant (NPA) and the KM Champion (or one (1) additional team member, as appropriate, if the NPA and KM Champion are the same individual) will be required to attend a virtual Knowledge Mobilization Workshop organized by CIHR in June 2024 (TBC). For teams involving Indigenous communities, at least one individual who self-identifies as Indigenous and/or provides evidence of having meaningful and culturally safe involvement with Indigenous Peoples, will also be required to attend the Workshop.
• Research Teams must allocate funds in their full application budget to support the role and responsibilities of the designated KM Champion on the research team, to regularly collaborate and coordinate with the KM Hub.
• For successful research teams at the full application stage, a minimum of 3 team members must participate in an in-person mid-term and end-of-grant meeting involving all funded teams and the KM Hub, organized by the KM Hub and CIHR and held in a major city in Canada (TBC). Accordingly, funds must be allocated in the budget module for a minimum of 3 team members to attend this meeting, (i.e., travel, accommodation, and related expenses).
• The NPA is responsible for the following reporting requirements:
  • An annual report outlining their progress on research, and knowledge mobilization activities and collaborations with the KM Hub. The template for this report will be provided by CIHR.
  • A progress report in the third year of funding that includes status updates on research outcomes, knowledge mobilization considerations pertaining to the funded project, and on the interactions of the teams with each other and the KM Hub. The template for this report will be provided by CIHR.
  • An electronic Final Report. This online report will be made available to the NPA on ResearchNet at the beginning of the grant funding period and can be filled in as the research progresses.
• Data related to First Nations, Inuit and Métis Indigenous communities whose traditional and ancestral territories are in Canada must be managed in accordance with data management principles developed and approved by those communities, and on the basis of free, prior and informed consent. This includes, but is not limited to, considerations of Indigenous data sovereignty, as well as data collection, ownership, protection, use, and sharing.
• CIHR is a signatory to the World Health Organization's Joint Statement on Public Disclosure of Results from Clinical Trials ("WHO Joint Statement") requiring all clinical trials to be registered and the results disclosed publicly in a timely manner. For more information, please consult the CIHR Policy Guide - Requirements for Registration and Disclosure of Results from Clinical Trials.
• All information intended for public consumption, for the purposes of informing and engaging stakeholders (e.g., website content, information pamphlets, guidelines, promotional, and event-related material, etc.), must be provided in both official languages (English and French) and should be developed using plain language practices. See Allowable Costs for more details.
• The NPA will be required to contribute to the monitoring, review and evaluation of CIHR's programs, policies, and processes by participating in evaluation studies, surveys, workshops, audits, and by providing data or reports as required for the purpose of collecting information to assess progress and results.
• The Principal Applicants who are successful in this competition are strongly encouraged to actively participate in peer review, and as members of the CIHR College of Reviewers, when invited.

The Research Team awarded the KM Hub Supplement must also meet the following criteria:

• KM Hub Roles and Responsibilities:
  • The KM Hub will be required to undertake the following activities on behalf of the Research Teams (to be covered within the KM Hub budget):
  • Appoint a dedicated KM Manager to organize and lead the activities of the KM Hub.
  • Organize annual KM-focused virtual meetings of the Research Teams that will involve sharing knowledge, lessons learned, and next steps about KM activities, outputs and outcomes. Agendas for these meetings will be co-created by the Research Teams and the KM Hub.
  • Organize mid-term and end-of grant in-person meetings to facilitate interactions between Research Teams, KUs, PWLLEs, translational experts, stakeholders, and partners. Agendas for these meetings will be co-created by the Research Teams, the KM Hub, and CIHR.
  • Participate in teleconferences/virtual meetings organized by CIHR and partners, as appropriate (e.g., explanation of reporting processes).
• KM Hub Reporting Requirements:
  • The NPA of the KM Hub, in consultation and engagement with the KM Manager and KM Champions of the Research Teams, will be responsible for submitting annual reports describing the KM activities undertaken by the KM Hub. The template for this report will be provided by CIHR.
  • The NPA of the KM Hub will be required to complete a Final Report Addendum. The template and instructions will be provided by CIHR a minimum of 6 months in advance of the due date.

Genome BC Conditions of Funding

The following conditions apply for Genome BC's support:

• Genome BC funds must be spent in BC. Genome BC will consider the amount provided by CIHR and its competition level partners as co-funding. (Updated: 2023-12-13)
• Please see Genome BC financial guidelines (available upon request to Genome BC) for their detailed conditions which may include requesting reporting on the funds provided by CIHR and its competition level partners. (Updated: 2023-12-13)

Génome Québec Conditions of Funding

The following conditions apply for Génome Québec support:

• GQ funds must be spent in Québec.
• GQ will consider the amount provided by CIHR and its competition level partners as co-funding. Please see GQ's financial guidelines for their detailed conditions which include requesting reporting on the funds provided by CIHR and its competition level partners.
• Eligible co-funding for GQ's funds excludes contributions from other ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie du Québec (MEIE) funded organizations.

Review Process and Evaluation

Relevance Review Process

CIHR and partners will perform a relevance review on the Summary of Research and Relevance Form at both the LOI and Research Team Full Application stages to identify applications that are in alignment with the objectives, research areas, and key elements of this funding opportunity.

CIHR will also perform a relevance review on the submitted KM Hub Supplements at the Full Application stage to confirm they are in alignment with the objectives, and KM Hub Supplement key elements of this funding opportunity.

Letters of Intent that are not deemed to be relevant will be withdrawn from the competition. Full Applications must continue to meet all relevance review criteria. Applications that are not deemed to be relevant will be withdrawn from the competition. KM Hub supplements that are not deemed relevant will not be considered for funding.

Review Process

Peer review will be conducted in accordance with the Review guidelines – Priority-driven initiatives.

For information on CIHR's peer review principles, see the Peer Review: Overview section of CIHR's website.

Evaluation Criteria

To support the strategic objectives of this funding opportunity,the following evaluation criteria will be used:

Research Teams LOI Stage:

1. Research Question and Approach
   • The extent to which the research question(s) are clear and responds to the objectives, key design elements, and research areas of the funding opportunity.
   • Appropriateness of the study design and research plan proposed.
   • Integration of intersecting EDI considerations such as biological variables (e.g. sex, age) and the impacts of inequalities and discrimination based on socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, racism, culture, age, language, Indigeneity and/or disability, as applicable, in the research plan
   • For applications including research with Indigenous communities, the following criteria will be considered:
     • Appropriate consideration of TCPS 2: Chapter 9 - Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Canada, including meaningful and culturally safe practices, plans, and activities throughout the research project.
2. Engagement and Knowledge Mobilization Plan
   • Quality and appropriateness of the plans for meaningful inclusion of PWLLE, knowledge users, and interested parties representative of the populations included in the study as it relates to how the applicants will address team composition and recruitment processes (if applicable); research environment; training activities; and/or knowledge mobilization activities. Refer to the Best practices in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Research for additional guidance.
   • Appropriateness of the preliminary knowledge mobilization plan including the identification of key stakeholders, and how it will support the path to translation and mobilization of research outcomes.
   • For applications including research with Indigenous communities, the following criteria will be considered:
     • Quality and appropriateness of the research team's commitment to engaging a diversity of members – including First Nations, Métis and Inuit where issues related to Indigenous health and/or communities are relevant, in particular related to how they will address team composition and recruitment processes; research environment; training activities; and/or knowledge mobilization activities.
3. Team Composition
   • Evidence that the applicants have the necessary qualifications and expertise.
   • Extent to which the research team crosses disciplinary and sectorial boundaries to advance existing and/or develop new analytical methods and approaches that integrate and incorporate multiple forms of data and determinants of health to understand heterogeneity.
   • For applications including research with Indigenous communities, the following criteria will also be considered:
     • The extent to which the overall research team has the necessary knowledge, expertise and experience in Indigenous health research, and complementarity of expertise and synergistic potential to conduct research that is community-driven and culturally safe.
4. Impact
   • Potential of the proposed research to advance precision health approaches, increase health equity, and improve health outcomes.
   • For applications including research with Indigenous communities, the following criteria will be considered:
     • Relevance of the proposed research to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis community priorities, and the potential of the research to build capacity for Indigenous health research, advance precision health approaches, increase health equity, and improve health outcomes
   • Extent of the role(s) and contribution(s) of all applicant partner(s) in advancing research objectives (if applicable).
   • Proactive and meaningful consideration of partnership risks, including the extent of real and/or perceived conflict of interest and appropriateness of its management and mitigation (if applicable).

Full Application Stage:

Research Teams:
To support the strategic objectives of this funding opportunity, the following evaluation criteria will be used:

1. Research Question and Approach
   • The extent to which the research question(s) are clear and responds to the objectives, key design elements, and research areas of the funding opportunity.
   • Evidence that research proposed is focused on study populations disproportionately affected by chronic disease(s) including, but not limited to, populations of non-European ancestry and/or populations impacted by intersecting inequalities and discrimination based on socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, racism, culture, age, language, Indigeneity and/or disability, and consideration of biological variables (e.g., sex, age).
   • Strength and feasibility of the research approach, design, and methods (including recruitment of subjects, project timeline, budget, preliminary data where appropriate, etc.).
   • Quality and appropriateness of the applicants' proposed plan for how Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Indigenous Rights (IR) (where applicable) will be incorporated into the research proposed. Refer to the Best practices in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Research and How to integrate sex and gender into research for additional guidance. This includes the equitable and inclusive recruitment of diverse participants, patients and/or samples into the research proposed, where applicable.
   • Appropriateness of the rationale for decisions regarding which stages of the life course are relevant.
   • Appropriateness of consideration of ethical, legal, social, privacy, and accessibility considerations, pharmacoeconomic factors, and socio-economic analyses, in research.
   • Quality and appropriateness of the Data Management Plan and biosample governance plan, including the extent to which the plans align with the FAIR principles and outline a robust strategy for how data will be stored, linked, and shared (must include the planned process for granting access to data and biological samples).
   • Appropriateness of the research team in leveraging existing resources and datasets where possible.
   • Originality of the proposed research.
   • The extent to which barriers and risks are anticipated, and risk management plan and mitigation strategies are established.
   • For applications including research with Indigenous communities, the following criteria will be considered:
     • The extent to which research is conducted by, grounded in, or engaged with First Nations, Inuit or Métis communities, societies or individuals and their wisdom, cultures, experiences or knowledge systems, as expressed in their dynamic forms, past and present.
     • Appropriate consideration of TCPS 2: Chapter 9 - Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Canada, including meaningful and culturally safe practices, plans and activities throughout the research project.
     • The extent to which the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the self-determination and self-governance of Indigenous Peoples, such as following the First Nations Principles of OCAP®⁶ (Ownership, Control, Access and Possession), and the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance, or other principles of Indigenous self-governance is respected and integrated. Indigenous research data management considerations should be included in the Data Management Plan.
2. Team Composition and Strength of Plan for Collaborative Teamwork
   • Evidence that NPA has demonstrated leadership and required expertise in the field.
   • Clarity of roles, contributions, and appropriateness of all team members, partners, knowledge users, and PWLLE to carry out the proposed research and knowledge mobilization activities, in terms of complementarity of expertise, experiences, and synergistic potential and the capacity to overcome challenges.
   • Extent to which the research team crosses disciplinary and sectorial boundaries to advance existing and/or develop new analytical methods and approaches that integrate and incorporate multiple forms of data and determinants of health to understand heterogeneity.
   • Strength of plans for collaborative teamwork, including strategies for communication and collaboration between interdisciplinary members, the KM Hub, partners and knowledge users, and geographical sites, and sharing of resources as required.
   • Strength of capacity building plan to manage recruitment and integration of a diversity of trainees and meaningful inclusion of ECRs including EDI considerations to benefit from the full pool of talent in the system.
   • For applications including research with Indigenous communities, the following criteria will also be considered:
     • The extent to which the overall research team has the necessary knowledge, expertise and experience in Indigenous health research, and complementarity of expertise and synergistic potential to conduct research that is community-driven and culturally safe.
3. Engagement and Knowledge Mobilization Plan
   • Appropriateness of the description of key stakeholders for knowledge mobilization.
   • Potential to successfully and appropriately mobilize research findings and accelerate uptake of evidence, as demonstrated by a clear translation path and planned KM activities through early, sustained, authentic and meaningful engagement and collaboration of knowledge users, PWLLE, partners and researchers across disciplines.
   • Clear roles and responsibilities for the Team's KM Champion and how this person will coordinate activities with the KM Hub.
   • Appropriateness of budget allocated for engagement with PWLLE and knowledge mobilization activities.
   • For applications including research with Indigenous communities, the following criteria will be considered
     • Quality and appropriateness of the research team's commitment to engaging a diversity of members – including First Nations, Métis and Inuit where issues related to Indigenous health and/or communities are relevant, in particular related to how they will address team composition and recruitment processes; research environment; training activities; and/or knowledge mobilization activities.
     • Quality and innovation of the proposed knowledge translation and knowledge mobilization plans to accelerate translation of research into policy, practice, and/or clinical guidelines to improve health and achieve more equitable outcomes in nutrition, metabolic health, and chronic high burden diseases, as well as STBBI, across the life course of Indigenous Peoples.
4. Impact
   • Potential of the proposed research to advance precision health approaches, increase health equity, and improve health outcomes.
   • Extent of the role(s) and contribution(s) of all applicant partner(s) in advancing research objectives (if applicable).
   • Proactive and meaningful consideration of partnership risks, including the extent of real and/or perceived conflict of interest and appropriateness of its management and mitigation (if applicable).
   • For applications including research with Indigenous communities, the following criteria will be considered:
     • Relevance of the proposed research to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis community priorities, and the potential of the research to build capacity for Indigenous health research, advance precision health approaches, increase health equity and improve health outcomes

KM Hub Supplement:

The following additional evaluation criteria will be used, at the Full Application Stage, to support the evaluation of the KM Hub Supplement Document submitted by interested Research Teams:

1. KM Plan / Approach
   • Comprehensive strength and quality of the KM Hub plan, including a clear KM goal/vision that will be inclusive of the work of all Research Teams.
   • Appropriateness of the plan to meaningfully engage and integrate all Teams and Team members (including the KM Champion) from the start and throughout KM activities.
   • Integration of intersecting EDI considerations such as biological variables (e.g. sex, age) and the impacts of inequalities and discrimination based on socio-economic status, sexual orientation, gender, racism, culture, age, language, Indigeneity and/or disability, as applicable, into the planned KM activities and how the plan is expected to support the path to knowledge translation.
   • Extent to which barriers and obstacles are anticipated and a risk management plan and mitigation strategies are elaborated.
   • Appropriate consideration of TCPS 2: Chapter 9 - Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Canada, including meaningful and culturally safe practices, plans and activities throughout all aspects/stages of the knowledge mobilization.
2. Applicant Expertise and Strength of Plan for Collaborative Work
   • Demonstrated evidence that the applicants have the leadership and the management abilities to operate under collaborative work principles, including strategies for communication and collaboration between other funded Research Teams and other relevant stakeholders and knowledge users.
   • Evidence of a record of accomplishment in organizing and executing KM activities that encourages uptake of results by a diversity of populations, experts and knowledge users, as demonstrated by prior KM experience.
   • The extent to which the KM Hub has the necessary knowledge, expertise and experience in Indigenous health research, and complementarity of expertise and synergistic potential to conduct knowledge mobilization activities that is community-driven and culturally safe.
3. Impact of KM
   • Potential of the proposed KM products and activities to synthesize knowledge from all Research Teams and to accelerate the mobilization of knowledge to increase health equity and improve health outcomes.
   • Potential of the proposed KM products and activities to build capacity and improve health outcomes from the perspective of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples in Canada.
   • Quality and innovation of the proposed knowledge mobilization plan to accelerate translation of research into policy, practice, and/or clinical guidelines to improve health and achieve more equitable outcomes in nutrition, metabolic health, and chronic high burden diseases, as well as STBBI, across the life course of Indigenous Peoples.

Funding Decision

Letter of Intent (LOI) Stage
Letters of Intent will be funded from the top down in order of ranking within each funding pool. Letters that receive a rating below 3.5 will not be funded. Successful letters of intent will be invited to apply to the full application stage. If a pool is undersubscribed or lacks fundable applications, funds may be rolled into another funding pool based on relevance and mandate.

Full Application Stage
Applications will be funded from the top down in order of ranking within each funding pool and according to partner relevance. Remaining applications in the competition will be pooled together and funded in rank order through the General Omics Pool if relevant. Applications that receive a rating below 3.5 will not be funded. If a pool is undersubscribed or lacks fundable applications, funds may be rolled into the General Omics Pool or another funding pool based on relevance and mandate.

Supplementary Partner funding
Genome BC
Relevant applications will be funded top down in order of ranking.

Génome Québec
The highest ranked project (determined by CIHR's review committee) which focuses on omics studies deemed relevant by Génome Québec, and which fulfills their budgetary conditions mentioned under Funds available will be selected for GQ partner funding. In exceptional circumstances, a second project may be funded, to allow GQ to spend funds reserved for this competition.

KM Hub Supplement
KM Hub Supplement funding will be provided to the successful Research Team that submitted the highest ranked fundable KM Hub Supplemental Document.

The names of successfully funded applicants will be published on the CIHR website.

Partner and Internal Collaborator Participation
The opportunity to add new partners and internal collaborators to this funding opportunity may arise after publication. These partners and internal collaborators may not be listed; however, the principles that govern relevance review, including consent to share information and funding decisions, will still apply.

How to Apply

The application process for this funding opportunity is comprised of two steps: Letter of Intent and Full Application. All requirements, unless otherwise specified, are for the Research Teams grants. Applicants interested in applying to the KM Hub Supplement in addition to their Research Team grant must self-identify their interest by completing the additional requirements at the Full Application stage.

The NPA must remain unchanged between the LOI and full application phases of the competition. Other participants can be added or removed between these stages.

To complete your Letter of Intent, follow the "Specific Instructions" listed below and where applicable, consult the General Letter of Intent Process. Note that a Letter of Intent must be submitted to be eligible to submit a full application.

Note: all applications submitted at the full application stage must have been successful at the LOI stage; all other applications will be withdrawn from the competition and not sent to peer review.

To complete your Full Application, follow the "Specific Instructions" listed below, and where applicable, consult the Grants - Application Phase Instruction Checklist.

All participants listed, with the exception of Collaborators, are required to:

• Have/obtain a CIHR PIN
• Complete the  Self-identification Questionnaire.

Specific instructions to complete your ResearchNet application

Step 1 — Letter of Intent

Task: Identify Participants

• List all known project participants in this task. Consult the Eligibility section and ensure that all requirements are met.
• All participants, including collaborators, must also be listed in the Participant Table under the task "Attach Other Application Materials" below.
• All participants are required to submit a CV (excluding collaborators).
  • All Canadian academic applicants are required to upload a CIHR Biosketch CV.
  • Knowledge users, non-academics, patients/caregivers/family members, Indigenous organizations and international applicants have the option to submit either a CIHR Biosketch CV or Applicant Profile CV (maximum three pages per applicant)
  • NPA categories involving an Indigenous non-governmental organization as an Eligibility must include in their Applicant Profile CV, a description of the organization, its mandate, and how it meets the eligibility requirement of being Indigenous non-governmental organization with a research or knowledge translation mandate.
  • Patients/caregivers/family members, community leaders, Indigenous Elders and/or Indigenous Knowledge Keepers must include in their Applicant Profile CV a description of their relevant lived/living experiences in the context of the application.
  • Submit Biosketch CVs using the Canadian Common CV (CCV) interface. Submit Applicant Profile CVs by uploading the completed document, in the "Attachment" tab.

Task: Enter Proposal Information

• The Research Proposal must outline each of the elements presented in the Letter of Intent Evaluation Criteria and describe how the applicants proposes to address the key elements, research areas, and objectives of this initiative. The research proposal should stand alone (i.e., it should contain all the information required to support your research plan and should contain a complete description of your project).
• Research proposals written in French will be allowed to submit additional pages, in support of evidence demonstrating that French documents require approximately 20% more space than similar English documents. Therefore, to ensure an equitable amount of space is provided, the following page limits will apply:
  • Five (5) pages for Research proposals written in English
  • Six (6) pages for Research proposals written in French
    Note: For research proposals submitted in English, any pages over the 5-page limit will be removed with no further notification to the Nominated Principal Applicant.
• A maximum of one (1) page of References and a maximum of one (1) page of additional charts, tables, figures and photographs can be uploaded under "Attachments – Research Proposal Appendix".

Task: Complete Summary of Research Proposal

• The summary must include a description of how your proposal aligns with the objectives of this funding opportunity. Please note that this document, along with your relevancy form (within task "Apply to Priority Announcement/Funding Pools" below), will be used for relevance review. Additionally, the summary may be used to find reviewers with the expertise required to assess the proposal. Note that your summary cannot exceed one (1) page.
• KM Hub: If you are interested in applying for the KM Hub at the full application stage, please indicate it clearly in this task. Note: A summary of the Hub is not required, and this declaration of interest does not obligate the applicant to submit a KM Hub supplement at the full application stage.

Task: Enter Budget Information

• Provide a detailed budget justification in relation to planned activities and clearly justify all budget items (including cash and cash equivalent contributions, if relevant).
  • Other Supporting Documents (as applicable): For release time allowance requests, you must include a letter from the recipient's organization certifying that the individual for whom the release time allowance is requested:
    • Is a knowledge user on the grant whose primary responsibilities do not include an expectation to engage in research (i.e., as part of their regular employment);
    • Has their organization's approval for the research time on the project that would justify the allowance; and
    • Is engaged in the activities for which funds are being disbursed.

Task: Attach Other Application Materials

• Other – upload the following documents under "Other":
  • Label as: "KM Champion's statement" (mandatory):
    • The team must include an KM Champion with demonstrated experience (see Eligibility). They must submit a one (1) page "Other" attachment describing how they meet this requirement.
  • Label as: "Research project and Indigenous Peoples" (mandatory if applicable):
    • A one (1) page description of how the research project will address the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the self-determination and self-governance of Indigenous Peoples, such as following the First Nations Principles of OCAP®⁶ (Ownership, Control, Access and Possession).
  • Label as: "Statement of Indigenous Experience" (mandatory if applicable):
    • For any research involving Indigenous Peoples, teams must include an applicant who self-identifies as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) and/or provides evidence of having meaningful and culturally safe involvement with Indigenous Peoples. The applicant must therefore submit a one (1) page attachment describing how they meet this requirement.
  • "Applicant Partner COI Document" (mandatory if applicable):
    • Describe the role of all applicant partners, how/if they will contribute to research and research related activities, and any consideration of risk and/or conflict of interest, as appropriate (maximum one [1] page).
• Participant Table (mandatory)
  • In table format, list all applicants (including Collaborators) with their affiliations/organization/network (as applicable) and their role(s) (i.e. researcher [clearly identify the ECR], knowledge user, patient/caregiver/family member, SGBA Champion, EDI Champion, applicant  who self-identifies as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) and/or provides evidence of the capacity and experience to work with Indigenous Peoples) within the team, and a short description of the expertise each brings to the proposal.

Task: Identify Application Partners (optional) – Upload Partner Information

For each applicant partner identified at this stage:

• A "Partnership Details" form must be submitted for each partner providing cash and/or cash equivalent contributions.
• Upload a signed "Partner Letter" describing their role, activities, authorities, accountabilities and contributions (including intellectual, financial [cash or cash equivalent] and other resources).

Task: Complete Peer Review Administration Information

• This task collects information used for the purpose of peer review administration and aids CIHR in recruiting appropriate expertise.
• Suggest Canadian and/or international reviewers that you think have the expertise to review your application. CIHR reserves the right to make the final selection of reviewers. You should not suggest reviewers in conflict of interest. Consult the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Agreement for Peer Reviewers and Peer Review Observers on the CIHR website for more information.

Task: Apply to Priority Announcements / Funding Pools

• Select the funding pool title from the list you see in ResearchNet that identifies the appropriate funding stream and Research Area addressed by your proposal. You must select only one funding pool for your application. If you select more than one, your application will only be considered for the first one identified.
• The information in your Relevance Form must clearly describe how the objectives of your proposed activity align with the selected funding pool and any competition partners (if applicable).

Task: Manage Access (optional)

• The Nominated Principal Applicant (NPA) can delegate access to a maximum of five individuals to support the completion of the application. Note: A delegate's access does not carry over from one stage of the competition to another (i.e., from the registration to the application stage). The NPA will need to delegate access at each stage of a competition. NPAs should revoke delegates' access prior to completing the Consent and Submit tasks if they do not want them to retain access to submitted applications via their Completed Activities tab. For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Task: Print/Upload Signature Pages

• Signature Requirements:
  • Signature of the Nominated Principal Applicant is not required for applications submitted through ResearchNet.
  • Signatures must be included for all applicants (except Collaborators), and individual(s) with signing authority from the Institution Paid.
  • Original signatures are not required. The scanned signed signature pages and the Routing Slip must be uploaded in the Print/Upload Signature Pages task in ResearchNet prior to submitting your application.

Step 2 — Full Application

Task: Identify Participants

• List all project participants in the "Identify Participants" task. Consult the Eligibility section and ensure that all requirements are met.
• All participants, including collaborators, must also be listed in the Participant Table under the task "Attach Other Application Materials" below.
• All participants are required to submit a CV (excluding collaborators).
  • All Canadian academic applicants are required to upload a CIHR Biosketch CV.
  • Knowledge users, non-academics, patients/caregivers/family members, Indigenous organizations and international applicants have the option to submit either a CIHR Biosketch CV or Applicant Profile CV (maximum three pages per applicant)
  • NPA categories involving an Indigenous non-governmental organization as an Eligibility must include in their Applicant Profile CV, a description of the organization, its mandate, and how it meets the eligibility requirement of being Indigenous non-governmental organization with a research or knowledge translation mandate.
  • Patients/caregivers/family members, community leaders, Indigenous Elders and/or Indigenous Knowledge Keepers must include in their Applicant Profile CV a description of their relevant lived/living experiences in the context of the application.
  • Submit Biosketch CVs using the Canadian Common CV (CCV) interface. Submit Applicant Profile CVs by uploading the completed document, in the "Attachment" tab.

Task: Enter Proposal Information

• The Research Proposal must outline each of the elements presented in the Full Application Evaluation Criteria and describe how the applicants proposes to address the key elements, research areas and objectives of this initiative. The research proposal should stand alone (i.e., it should contain all the information required to support your research plan and should contain a complete description of your project). Research proposals written in French will be allowed to submit additional pages, in support of evidence demonstrating that French documents require approximately 20% more space than similar English documents. Therefore, to ensure an equitable amount of space is provided, the following page limits will apply:
  • Fifteen (15) pages for Research Proposals written in English
  • Eighteen (18) pages for Research Proposals written in French

  Note: For Research proposal submitted in English, any pages over the 15-pages limit will be removed with no further notification to the Nominated Principal Applicant.

• A maximum of two (2) pages of References and a maximum of three (3) pages of additional charts, tables, figures and photographs can be uploaded under "Attachments – Research Proposal Appendix".
• Response to Previous Reviews (optional):
  • Applicants can submit a response to previous reviewers' comments from the letter of intent stage (maximum 2 pages). Applicants who upload a "response to previous reviews" must include all the reviews and SO Notes received in that round of submission (the reviews and SO Notes do not count toward the page limit). You do not have to respond to all of the comments in the reviews, only those that are relevant to your application. Any additional pages over the two-page limit may be removed with no further notification to the Nominated Principal Applicant.

Task: Complete Summary of Research Proposal

The summary must include a description of how your proposal aligns with the key elements, research areas and objectives of this funding opportunity. Please note that this document, along with your relevancy form (within task "Apply to Priority Announcement/Funding Pools" below), will be used for relevance review. Additionally, the summary may be used to find reviewers with the expertise required to assess the proposal. Note that your summary cannot exceed one (1) page.

Task: Enter Budget Information

• Provide a detailed budget justification in relation to planned activities and clearly justify all budget items (including cash and cash equivalent contributions, if relevant). If requesting funds from Genome BC or Génome Quebec, please specify where all funds are being spent geographically as this information will be used to determine the application's eligibility for supplementary partner funding. Research Teams must allocate funds in their grant budget to support the role and responsibilities of a team member to be the KM Champion that regularly collaborates and coordinates with the KM Hub. Research Teams must also allocate funds for 3 members to attend an in-person mid-term meeting involving all funded teams and the KM Hub organized by CIHR in a major city in Canada (TBD).
  • Other Supporting Documents (as applicable): For release time allowance requests, you must include a letter from the recipient's organization certifying that the individual for whom the release time allowance is requested:
    • Is a knowledge user on the grant whose primary responsibilities do not include an expectation to engage in research (i.e., as part of their regular employment);
    • Has their organization's approval for the research time on the project that would justify the allowance; and
    • Is engaged in the activities for which funds are being disbursed.
• Note that if requesting Supplementary Partner Funding (Genome BC or Génome Québec), it must be entered in the Financial Assistance Requested under Other Funding Cash ($) and also be clearly identified and justified in the Financial Assistance Requested Details document.

Task: Attach Other Application Materials

• Other – upload the following documents under "Other":
  • Label as "KM Hub Supplement" (mandatory when applying to KM Hub Supplement)
    • Teams interested in taking on the KM Hub must provide a KM Hub Supplement  (maximum 5 pages in English / 6 in French) which must outline each of the elements presented in the KM Hub Supplement Evaluation Criteria and describe how the Hub proposes to address the KM Hub Supplement key elements
    • The supplement must outline the strategies the KM Hub will be using to support the knowledge mobilization activities of all the Research Teams, including establishing an overarching structure to support the coordination and collaboration of the Teams to leverage interdisciplinary activities, optimize research impact through clearly defined knowledge mobilization and engagement efforts, and achieve the overall funding opportunity objectives.
    • Each KM Hub Proposal must stand alone and include a short budget request and justification in the page limit. The KM Hub must allocate funds to host a mid-term and end-of-grant in-person meeting involving all funded teams and the KM Hub organized in a major city in Canada (TBD). Note that Research Teams will budget for their own travel, accommodations and related expenses.
  • Label as "Data Management Plan" (mandatory):
    • The data management plan (DMP) should describe how the team will manage research data generated as part of its activities.
    • DMPs should describe what data are expected to be collected, created, linked to, acquired or recorded; how data will be documented, formatted, protected, and preserved; where data will be deposited, who will be responsible for managing the data, whether and how data will be shared within and outside of the funded team/project; and any ethical, legal and commercial constraints the data are subject to (if applicable).
    • Applicants are encouraged to use DMP Assistant to create their DMPs.
    • There is no prescribed length for DMPs – however, applicants are encouraged to keep them succinct and focused, ideally within two pages if possible. Important note: see Additional Information for more details on DMPs.
  • Label as: "EDI Champion's statement" (mandatory):
    • The team must include an EDI Champion with demonstrated experience (see Eligibility). They must submit a one (1) page "Other" attachment describing how they meet this requirement.
  • Label as: "SGBA Certificates" (mandatory):
    • Download the PDF Certificate and upload the PDF (or Print Screen jpg) here. This document is mandatory for the NPA, all PAs and the EDI Champion (see Eligibility).
  • Label as: "Research project and Indigenous Peoples" (mandatory if applicable):
    • A one (1) page description of how the research project will address the rights of Indigenous Peoples and the self-determination and self-governance of Indigenous Peoples, such as following the First Nations Principles of OCAP®⁶  (Ownership, Control, Access and Possession).
  • Label as: "Statement of Indigenous Experience" (mandatory if applicable):
    • For any research involving Indigenous Peoples, this funding opportunity seeks applicants who self-identify as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) and/or applicants who can demonstrate their experience working in an Indigenous Health Research environment, which may include Indigenous living experience, addressing power imbalances and cultural safety. The applicant must therefore submit a one (1) page "Other" attachment describing how they meet this requirement.
  • "Applicant Partner COI Document" (mandatory if applicable):
    • Describe the role of all applicant partners, how/if they will contribute to research and research related activities, and any consideration of risk and/or conflict of interest, as appropriate (maximum one [1] page).
• Participant Table (mandatory)
  • In table format, list all applicants (including Collaborators) with their affiliations/organization/network (as applicable) and their role(s) (i.e. researcher [clearly identify the ECR], knowledge user, patient/caregiver/family member, SGBA Champion, EDI Champion, applicant  who self-identifies as Indigenous (First Nations, Inuit or Métis) and/or provides evidence of the capacity and experience to work with Indigenous Peoples) within the team, and a short description of the expertise each brings to the proposal.
  • For teams requesting the KM Hub Supplement, clearly indicate which applicant(s) fulfill the additional Eligibility requirements.
• Publications (optional) – upload under "Publications":
  • Append a maximum of three (3) publications relevant to the proposal.

Task: Download Supplemental Application Information

• This task collects detailed information related to your project. All applicants must complete the fillable PDF form "Knowledge Mobilization Planning Toolkit" available on ResearchNet. Once you have completed the fillable PDF form, you must save it and upload it onto ResearchNet. Note: Reviewers will use this document to help them assess your KM plan.

Task: Identify Application Partners (optional) – Upload Partner Information

• A "Partnership Details" form must be submitted for each partner providing cash and/or cash equivalent contributions.
• For each partner upload a signed "Partner Letter" describing their role, activities, authorities, accountabilities and contributions (including intellectual, financial [cash or cash equivalent] and other resources).

Task: Complete Peer Review Administration Information

• This task collects information used for the purpose of peer review administration and aids CIHR in recruiting appropriate expertise.
• Suggest Canadian and/or international reviewers that you think have the expertise to review your application. CIHR reserves the right to make the final selection of reviewers. You should not suggest reviewers in conflict of interest. Consult the Conflict of Interest and Confidentiality Agreement for Peer Reviewers and Peer Review Observers on the CIHR website for more information.

Task: Apply to Priority Announcements / Funding Pools

• Select the funding pool title from the list you see in ResearchNet that identifies the appropriate funding stream and Research Area addressed by your proposal. You must select only one funding pool for your application. If you select more than one, your application will only be considered for the first one identified.
• The information in your Relevance Form must clearly describe how the objectives of your proposed activity align with the selected funding pool and any competition partners (if applicable).

Task: Manage Access (optional)

• The Nominated Principal Applicant (NPA) can delegate access to a maximum of five individuals to support the completion of the application. Note: A delegate's access does not carry over from one stage of the competition to another (i.e., from the registration to the application stage). The NPA will need to delegate access at each stage of a competition. NPAs should revoke delegates' access prior to completing the Consent and Submit tasks if they do not want them to retain access to submitted applications via their Completed Activities tab. For more information, please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).

Task: Print/Upload Signature Pages

• Signature Requirements:
  • Signature of the Nominated Principal Applicant is not required for applications submitted through ResearchNet.
  • Signatures must be included for all applicants (except Collaborators), and individual(s) with signing authority from the Institution Paid.
  • Original signatures are not required. The scanned signed signature pages and the Routing Slip must be uploaded in the Print/Upload Signature Pages task in ResearchNet prior to submitting your application.

Contact Information

For all inquiries, please contact:

CIHR Contact Centre
Telephone: 613-954-1968
Toll Free: 1-888-603-4178
Email: support-soutien@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

For service hours, please consult our Contact us page.

For all inquires related to Diabetes Canada, please contact:
Kelly Lang
Manager, Research Programs
Email: research@diabetes.ca

For all inquires related to The Kidney Foundation of Canada, please contact:
Christine Marquis
Research Grants and Awards Manager
Telephone: 438-812-5098
E-mail: christine.marquis@kidney.ca

Leanne Stalker
National Director of Research
Telephone: 226-780-2255
Email:  Leanne.Stalker@kidney.ca

For all inquires related to Genome British Columbia, please contact:
Chen Wan
Senior Research and Innovation Manager, Health
Telephone: 604-675-1291
Email: cwan@genomebc.ca

For all inquires related to Génome Québec, please contact:
Annina Spilker
Program Manager and Strategic Initiatives, Scientific Affairs
Email: aspilker@genomequebec.com

For all inquires related to Health Canada's Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion (ONPP) and Food Directorate, please contact:
Email: nutrition@hc-sc.gc.ca (Subject Line: CIHR Funding Opportunity)

For all inquires related to Statistics Canada, please contact:
Client Services Email: Health Statistics Branch at hd-ds@statcan.gc.ca

Sponsor Description

Note: Additional partners/internal collaborators, including from industry and the private sector, may join this funding initiative over the coming year.

Competition Partners

Diabetes Canada
Since 1971, Diabetes Canada (formerly the Canadian Diabetes Association) has proudly supported excellent diabetes research that enhances our understanding of diabetes and its prevention, treatment, management, and cure. Diabetes Canada is dedicated to improving the quality of life of people living with diabetes.

The Kidney Foundation of Canada
The Kidney Foundation of Canada's mission is to eliminate the burden of kidney disease and optimize the kidney donation and transplant journey through funding and stimulating innovative research for better education, prevention, treatment and wellness, and a cure for kidney disease. The Kidney Foundation of Canada is committed to providing education and support to prevent kidney disease in those at risk, to empowering those with kidney disease to optimize their health status, to advocating for improved access to high quality care and to increasing public awareness to advance knowledge of kidney health and organ donation and transplant.

Genome British Columbia
Genome British Columbia (Genome BC) leads genomics innovation on Canada's West Coast and facilitates the adoption and integration of genomics into society. By supporting genomics research, Genome BC aims to apply the power of genomics to pressing societal and economic challenges.

Génome Québec
Génome Québec's mission is to catalyze the development and excellence of genomics research and promote its integration and democratization. It is a pillar of the Québec bioeconomy and contributes to Québec's influence and its social and sustainable development. The funds invested by Génome Québec for this call are provided by the ministère de l'Économie, de l'Innovation et de l'Énergie du Québec (MEIE).

Applicant Partners

Health Canada's Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion (ONPP) and Food Directorate

Health Canada is the Federal department responsible for helping Canadians maintain and improve their health, while respecting individual choices and circumstances. Health Canada's federal responsibility in nutrition is carried out by the Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion and the Food Directorate. The Office of Nutrition Policy and Promotion is the focal point for public health nutrition within the federal government and leads federal efforts to support healthy eating, including defining, promoting and implementing evidence informed nutrition policies, including dietary guidance. As part of the Food Directorate, the Bureau of Nutritional Sciences works to protect Canadians from health risks due to insufficient or excess intake of nutrients, and the Bureau of Food Surveillance and Science Integration provides data, analysis and expert advice related to biostatistics, bioinformatics.

Health Canada is interested in collaborating on research that support actions to reduce inequities in nutrition and health outcomes, including research that enhances understanding of the interactions of structural, environmental, socio-cultural, biological, and nutritional determinants of health in under-represented groups. Areas of research interest include:

• identifying the nature and magnitude of heterogeneity in nutrition and health outcomes, including chronic disease risk, in diverse Canadian populations (e.g., nutrition biomarkers that better capture heterogeneity);
• strengthening the ability to anticipate and mitigate unequitable outcomes of public health interventions;
• strengthening and applying population level approaches and methods to interpret heterogeneous nutrition and health data (e.g., across Canadian cohorts and/or among diverse populations).

Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada is a Government of Canada agency and Canada's National Statistical Organization. As mandated by the Statistics Act, Statistics Canada is responsible for the collection, integration, analysis, and publication on statistical information on all aspects of Canadian society and economy, including the Census of Population and Census of Agriculture. Consequently, the agency's staff have deep expertise across the full range of statistical activity, including in individual subject-matter areas, statistical methodology, data collection, analysis and modelling, and more.

In the area of health, the agency is Canada's primary source of information on all aspects of population health, covering a full range of areas of health as well as the subjects of health-related behaviours, access to care, and social determinants of health. Data sources include surveys, such as the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) and the Canadian Health Measures Survey (CHMS), administrative databases, such as the Canadian Vital Statistics Birth, Stillbirth, and Death Databases (CVSB, CVSS, CVSD) and the Canadian Cancer Registry (CCR), as well as integrated datasets, such as in the Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohorts (CanCHEC).

Also of interest may be the Statistics Canada Biobank, which stores whole blood, plasma, serum, buffy coat, urine, and DNA from consenting Canadians between the ages of 3 to 79 years, on an ongoing basis. These samples come from nationally representative cohorts and can be merged with CHMS content, which includes environmental chemical exposure, bone health, cardiovascular health, immunology, endocrinology, nutrition, and more.

To learn more and explore opportunities to collaborate with Statistics Canada, please contact its Health Statistics Branch at hd-ds@statcan.gc.ca.

Internal Collaborators

Canadian Institutes of Health Research
At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada's health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system.

CIHR – HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative
The CIHR HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative, managed by the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity (III) and responsible for the management and oversight of the research components of the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS in Canada, will provide funding for applications that have a primary focus on HIV/AIDS and/or any other STBBI (as identified in the Public Health Agency of Canada's pan-Canadian STBBI framework for action) across all CIHR Research Themes (i.e., biomedical research, clinical research, health services research and social, cultural, environmental and population health research).

CIHR – Institute of Aging (IA)
The CIHR Institute of Aging mission is to support research, capacity building and knowledge mobilization to maintain and improve the health, resiliency and quality of life of older Canadians. This includes addressing the complex health challenges that can be more prevalent in older individuals. The CIHR Institute of Aging promotes the use of a lifecycle approach to support advances in prevention, diagnosis, treatment, care delivery, and social determinants of health.

The CIHR Institute of Aging is a national leader in addressing health research priorities for older adults. Institute initiatives not only link and support researchers located in universities and hospitals across the country, but also bring together different levels of government, practitioners, voluntary health organizations and older adults themselves.

CIHR – Institute of Cancer Research (ICR)
The CIHR Institute of Cancer Research funds cancer research in Canada based on internationally accepted standards of excellence, which bear on preventing and treating cancer, and improving the health and quality of life of cancer patients. ICR has a mandate to support research that reduces the burden of cancer on individuals and families through prevention strategies, screening, diagnosis, effective treatments, psycho-social support systems, and palliation.

CIHR – Institute of Genetics (IG)
The Institute of Genetics (IG) 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.

CIHR – Institute of Gender and Health (IGH)
The CIHR Institute of Gender and Health (IGH) invests in research that examines the influence of sex and gender on health. IGH also works to ensure this research evidence supports the development of policies and programs that address pressing health challenges facing men, women, boys, girls, and gender-diverse people. (Updated: 2024-01-17)

CIHR – Institute of Infection and Immunity (III)
The Institute of Infection and Immunity (III) supports research and helps to build research capacity in the areas of infectious disease and the body's immune system. Through the Institute's programs, researchers address a wide range of health concerns related to infection and immunity including disease mechanisms, disease prevention and treatment, and health promotion through public policy.

CIHR – Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes (INMD)
The Institute of Nutrition Metabolism and Diabetes (INMD) supports research to enhance health in relation to diet, digestion, excretion, and metabolism; and to address causes, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation of conditions and problems associated with hormone, digestive system, kidney, and liver function.

CIHR – Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health (IIPH)
The Institute of Indigenous Peoples' Health (IIPH) invests in research to improve and promote the health of First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada. The Institute's pursuit of research excellence is enhanced by respect for community research priorities and Indigenous knowledges, values and cultures.

Additional Information

Administration of Funds

Funds will only be released to the institution or organization identified as the Institution Paid. If the Institution Paid is not already authorized to administer CIHR funds, for the duration of the grant term, it may be required to undergo a financial and eligibility review and sign a funding agreement, or the successful applicant may choose to have their funds administered by a CIHR eligible institution. Please contact the Contact Centre to enquire about the process.

Wise Practices for including an Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Champion

The EDI champion is responsible for promoting and integrating EDI considerations throughout the research. The list below provides examples of the types of activities champions may engage in. This list is not exhaustive or prescriptive; rather, it is intended to provide guidance for the inclusion of champions.

• Promote the value of EDI, especially as it relates to foster and strengthen training environments.
• Provide advice and guidance to the team on how best to take EDI into account in planning and procedures.
• Help develop, evaluate and reflect on advancement of EDI in training, mentorship and funding of current and future scientists.
• Facilitate discussion of EDI, including providing resources on historical EDI issues and sharing new findings and innovations.
• Ensure there is education and outreach to promote and sustain an inclusive and diverse research environment within the team.
• Provide EDI resources (such as a toolbox of strategies for advancing EDI and for responding to resistance to EDI considerations).
• Identify resources and EDI training opportunities for the team to better understand the needs and realities of members of historically excluded populations or groups.
• Lead/support the development of an approach for considerations of EDI in training activities.

EDI References

• Best Practices in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in Research
• Resources – Accessibility and eliminating systemic ableism

Data Management Plans

A data management plan (DMP) is a formal document that details the strategies and tools you will implement to effectively manage your data both during your research project and after its completion. DMPs contribute to:

• Efficiency - identify strategies and potential challenges in advance; develop sound data practices for your research team; prepare data for effective use during your project.
• Research Quality - ensure reliability and accuracy of data through careful documentation of your data collection, handling and stewardship practices.
• Reusability and Impact - improve discoverability, accessibility, and reusability of your data by planning for sharing in a repository; and increase the potential impact of your research.

For more information on research data management and DMPs, visit the Frequently Asked Questions of the Tri-Agency Research Data Management Policy, and the Training Resources page of the Digital Research Alliance of Canada.

DMP Assistant is a national, online, bilingual data management planning tool developed by the Digital Research Alliance of Canada in collaboration with host institution University of Alberta to assist researchers in preparing DMPs. This tool is freely available to all researchers and develops a DMP through a series of key data management questions, supported by best-practice guidance and examples.

If using DMP Assistant to create their DMPs, when asked to choose a template applicants should select "Portage Template" or, if applicable, their institution's customized version of the Portage Template. There is no prescribed length for DMPs – however, applicants are encouraged to keep them succinct and focused, ideally within two pages if possible. Questions about using DMP Assistant should be directed to the DMP Assistant support (support@portagenetwork.ca).

Should you have any questions or concerns about this pilot activity, please contact our Research Data Management team (ResearchData-Donneesderecherche@cihr-irsc.gc.ca).

Definitions

• Key populations: Key populations disproportionately affected by STBBI in Canada, include: gay, bisexual men and other MSM; people who use drugs; First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples; racialized people (including African, Caribbean and Black communities) and migrants, particularly from regions with high STBBI prevalence; sex workers and their clients; people living in or recently released from correctional facilities; transgender and non-binary people; people living with STBBI; young women (16-25 years old); youth.
• Interdisciplinary: Consisting of members across disciplines and sectors appropriate to the proposed research which may include but not limited to:
  • Biomedical (e.g., pre-clinical)
  • Clinical
  • health system services
  • environmental and population health
  • social sciences
  • humanities
  • natural sciences
  • engineering
• Omics: Designates studies that use high-throughput technologies to gather genetic information of a cell or an organism. This includes the function of specific genes/gene clusters, their interactions with each other or the surrounding environment, and the activation and suppression of genes. The definition encompasses disciplines, such as genomics, epigenomics, lipidomics, metabolomics, metagenomics, nutrigenomics, pharmacogenomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and bioinformatics. Studies that integrate data from medical imaging, electronic health records or portable devices are welcome if they are integrated with omics data.

References

1. Ginsburg GS, Phillips KA. Precision Medicine: From Science To Value. Health Aff (Millwood). 2018 May;37(5):694-701.
2. Public Health Agency of Canada. Prevalence of Chronic Diseases Among Canadian Adults. 2019. Accessed 19 May 2023.
3. Public Health Agency of Canada. Prevalence of Chronic Diseases and Risk Factors among Canadians aged 65 years and older. 2020. Accessed 19 May 2023.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About Global NCDs. 2021. Accessed 19 May 2023.
5. Popejoy, A., Fullerton, S. Genomics is failing on diversity. Nature 538, 161–164 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/538161a
6. OCAP® is a registered trademark of the First Nations Information Governance Centre (FNIGC).