Funding, News and Announcements

Hi everyone,

Following are highlights from the March CIHR University Delegates teleconference:

Project Scheme 2016 Pilot Update

Due to the timing of the teleconference, final numbers on applications received were not yet available. CIHR is still working through reviewer assignments but currently has a pool of 1,800 reviewers to draw and will be conducting a gap analysis with respect to reviewer expertise in the coming days; there is no expectation at this stage that requirements will be relaxed regarding reviewers not being able to have applications in the current competition.

Concerns regarding the content of the 2-page attachment – and in particular the inability to use tables – cropped up yet again. CIHR acknowledged that a review of this component of the application will be at the “top of the list” for discussion as any changes to the Project Scheme are considered. The budget issue was raised again as well, specifically the impact on the number of Project grants likely to be funded given the seemingly high number of applications. CIHR reiterated that there remains currently $500M available for the two “Open” programs (with a 45/55 Foundation/Project split still envisioned). The federal budget will not be tabled until March 22, so it is still too early to tell if there will be any increase in current funding levels.

University Delegates also pressed CIHR for information on the next round this Fall; CIHR would only say that deadlines for the next Project Scheme applications would be posted in June.  

College of Reviewers                                                                                                            

CIHR issued a call in February for Expressions of Interest to fill up to 14 College Chair positions; these are viewed as “leadership” positions, providing strategic guidance and overseeing College recruitment strategies and implementation plans. More information regarding selection criteria for Academic candidates can be found here. Note that applications are due by March 7.

CHRP

I’m happy to report that CIHR and NSERC have reached an agreement to renew the Collaborative Health Research Projects (CHRP) program for another 5 years. There will be no substantive changes to the program or program deadlines; expect LOIs to be due in May, with full applications required in October 2016 for the next round.

Principles on Digital Data Management

The Tri-Agencies have issued a draft Statement that outlines expectations regarding research data management and the responsibilities of researchers, communities, institutions and funders. The full text can be found here. At this time, this serves as a guide only and there are no Agency-wide requirements. However, the Agencies do plan to pilot data management plan requirements in select programs, likely this Fall. CIHR along with the NSERC and SSHRC will be looking to engage the research community in discussions to how best realize the principles expressed in the Statement.

Update on the “Active and Assisted Living Programme”

Susan Rogers from the Institute of Aging provided an update on this program, which became available with Canada (led by CIHR) having come on board as a partner in this European research consortium this past Fall; detailed information regarding this program can be found here, or you can review the presentation (pdf). The 2016 call focused on “Living Well with Dementia” has gone out, with a deadline of May 26, 2016. Information will be webcast live on March 8; this session will be recorded as well and made available after this date. Not that $706,000, enough to fund the Canadian component of approximately two grants, will be available for this call.

As always, please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns.

Regards,

Mark Filiaggi
CIHR University Delegate
Associate Vice-President Research
filiaggi@dal.ca
(902) 494-7102