Partnerships often provide additional financial resources for research, but their importance goes far beyond money. By working with partners, CIHR can more effectively:
Partners also ensure more opportunities to communicate the benefits of research to Canadians by providing access to different audiences. This greatly increases the chance of successful knowledge translation - the exchange, synthesis and ethically sound use of knowledge, which results in improved health, more effective services and products, and a strengthened health-care system.
While working in partnership has many benefits, there also are responsibilities to bear in mind. Partnerships must be:
Successful partnerships are based on people working well together, which require flexibility, trust and understanding.
CIHR's core values (as stated in the Blueprint), may be useful to review when developing new partnerships. Potential partners must share these values, although they may express them differently.
| Public Interest | The public interest is of paramount importance in the creation and use of health knowledge through all research and related activities supported by CIHR. |
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| Excellence | In all aspects of the work undertaken by CIHR, including research, knowledge translation and organizational services, CIHR strives to meet the highest international standards of excellence. |
| Ethics | CIHR believes that excellent research and good governance require the development and application of sound ethical principles. |
| Integrity | CIHR upholds and promotes adherence to relevant research and organizational policies with utmost honesty, probity and professionalism. |
| Freedom of Inquiry | CIHR recognizes that the primary purpose of all research in the public domain is the creation of new knowledge in an environment that embodies the principles of freedom of inquiry and unrestricted dissemination of research results. |
| Transparency and Accountability | Decision-making processes should ensure that all decisions are fair, open, reputable and able to bear close public scrutiny. Honest and cost-effective accountability mechanisms will be in place for all aspects of the work undertaken by CIHR. |
| Collaboration | CIHR values positive and mutually respectful relationships with partners and stakeholders who are committed to openness, responsibility and fairness and are mutually respectful of each other's priorities and objectives. |
| Evidence | Funding priorities and policy making at CIHR must be based on the best available evidence. |
| Innovation | CIHR values new ideas and creative approaches to addressing health and health system challenges in Canada and worldwide. |
CIHR's commitment to innovative research means we build partnerships with a variety of stakeholders including the public, health charities, governments, universities, health organizations, other research agencies, industry and international organizations. CIHR has collaborations with all 3 sectors: Public, Private and Voluntary and participates in International Cooperation.
