NOTE: This program is accepting applications at the present time. However, the program officially ended in March 2004, and is being reviewed for renewal. Consequently, there is uncertainty about future funding. In the case that renewal is not considered, applications to this program will automatically revert back into their regular CIHR program and will be considered for funding in the usual way. If you have any questions, please contact Jennifer Gunning, Team Lead, HIV/AIDS and HCV Initaitives at (613) 941-4483, jgunning@cihr-irsc.gc.ca .
The Research Initiative is aimed at building knowledge about and helping Canadians living with Hepatitis C. The Initiative was developed in the wake of a January 1999 national workshop convened to identify a research agenda covering the entire spectrum of health research and health issues relevant to Hepatitis C.
Hepatitis C is a global health problem with an estimated 170 million people infected around the world. While there is no direct and representative measurement of its prevalence in Canada, a plausible estimate is 2l0,000 to 275,000 infected persons. Eighty-five percent of persons infected with the Hepatitis C virus (HCV), first described in 1989 and transmitted predominantly by percutaneous exposure to contaminated blood, continue to be chronically infected. Following a long latency period of one to three decades, up to one-third are expected to develop cirrhosis followed by end stage liver disease or, in 1 % to 5%, by hepatocellular carcinoma.
The burden of HCV in terms of disability, dysfunction, morbidity and mortality is considerable. It is predicted to increase markedly over the next decade.
The aim of the Health Canada - CIHR Research Initiative on Hepatitis C is the reduction of the burden of Hepatitis C through the generation, application and use of new knowledge.
A broad-based research agenda is considered essential to achieve the following objectives:
1) To increase disease awareness, and public education;
2) To improve screening and diagnostic services;
3) To enhance the quality of care, patient support and prevention;
4) To accelerate the development of new strategies of intervention and of a vaccine, through a better understanding of the biology of the virus and of the pathogenesis of HCV.
A - Investigator-Initiated Research Program
The Initiative will fund scientifically meritorious proposals in the following six broad categories:
1) Quality of life Applicants are particularly encouraged to submit research proposals related to Quality of Life Issues in the following areas (but need not be limited by them):
2) Clinical research and treatment
3) Biology of the virus and pathogenesis of HCV
4) Laboratory testing for screening, diagnosis and follow-up
5) Epidemiology
6) Primary and secondary prevention
B - Training and Salary Support Program
An inventory of HCV research and of sources of funding reveals that Canada's contribution to the world literature on HCV is small (at 0.6%), when compared to the 4.9% for Canadian publications in all biomedical and health sciences. It is clear that Canada's research capacity to deal with this important health issue needs to be increased. Attracting gifted investigators and training talented students, physicians and other health care professionals will be an important component of the Initiative.
The Initiative will fund doctoral studentships and fellowships.
Peer review
All applications will be directed to the CIHR for peer review by the regular peer review Committees. This will ensure an efficient and fair evaluation by those experts in the field best qualified to judge the scientific merit and the potential of the application to generate new knowledge and/or to transfer and use it efficiently. In cases where the private sector is involved, the university-industry peer review committee will be responsible for the assessment of proposals.
Administration
The day-to-day administration of the program will be the responsibility of the Programs Branch of CIHR. The two partners, CIHR and Health Canada, advised by the Joint Advisory Committee, will review regularly the management of the program, establish policies and priorities and launch special initiatives.
Funding
For each of the four remaining years, the funding available will be $4,125,000. The total number of grants and awards funded will depend on the size of the approved awards and grants. The general guidelines for funding CIHR research grants will be followed. To be eligible for funding, the content of the proposal must be over fifty percent related to Hepatitis C and the goals of the research initiative.
Who can apply
Any investigator eligible for CIHR funding and any corporation eligible for participation in the CIHR University-Industry and in the CIHR-Rx&D Health Programs.
How do I apply
Follow the application procedures for regular CIHR competitions. Ensure to include 'Hepatitis C' or 'HCV' in either the title or the keywords, and choose the peer review committee which is most related to the research area of the application. For the Grants and Awards Guides, application forms and guidelines, please consult the CIHR web-site at www.cihr.gc.ca Please make sure to review the 'Registration Procedures' before applying to any CIHR program or competition.
Deadline for Applications
Registration and application deadlines are the same as for regular CIHR operating grants and personnel and training awards.
Applications directed to the University-Industry and to the CIHR/Rx&D Health Program, are indicated through a letter of intent (LOI). Please refer to the guidelines governing these programs on the MRC web-site.
ReviewProposals will be evaluated on their scientific excellence and relevance to the goals of the research initiative. Scientific excellence includes the appropriateness and adequacy of the experimental approach and methodology proposed to carry out the study; the qualifications and research experience of the investigators and the availability of resources and facilities necessary to perform the research.
Jennifer Gunning
Team Lead
HIV/AIDS and HCV Initiatives
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Tel: (613) 941-4483
jgunning@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
