The aim is to establish a policy that will both help researchers gain access to the products of research and support CIHR's efforts in facilitating the translation and use of knowledge, while taking into account ethical and legal considerations. Furthermore, as a recipient of public funds there is an obligation to Canadians to ensure that the results and products of research supported by CIHR are disseminated as widely as possible so that all parties benefit from these research outcomes.
The policy governing access to the products of research has been separated into three broad categories:
CIHR has invited a number of Canadian health researchers to serve on an Advisory Committee, which will guide the development and implementation of this policy. In the near future, CIHR will be launching an initial online survey, with a series of prompts and questions regarding the general scope and content of a proposed policy. Feedback from the broad health research community will be carefully considered by the Advisory Committee during policy development. We welcome comments from the full range of stakeholders including other government departments and research agencies, health research societies, health charities, and industry partners. Once a detailed draft policy has been prepared, it will be posted on our web site for a second round of public consultations. Please visit CIHR's web site in the coming weeks to see more information about this initiative.
If you have any questions related to CIHR's plans to develop a policy concerning Access to the Products of Research, please contact Geoff Hynes, Research Officer, ghynes@cihr-irsc.gc.ca, (613) 952-8965.
