CIHR is committed to advancing research in the use of health knowledge. The purpose of this RFA is to increase understanding of the theory and practice of KT, to align KT research to CIHR institutes and their research priorities and to promote research on how best to integrate KT principles and practice into training and continuing education. This RFA is funded as a strategic initiative and is designed to solicit project grant applications.
Deadlines | |
| April 1, 2004 |
Registration Deadline - Registration packages must be courier stamped by this date. (Please refer to "How to Apply" section of this document.) |
| June 1, 2004 | Full proposals must be courier stamped by this date. (Please refer to "How to Apply" section of this document.) |
| January 2005 | Anticipated notification of decision |
| February 2005 | Anticipated start date |
| Duration of projects | Up to 3 years |
| Funds available | Up to $3.6 million over three years. The maximum amount per grant is $100,000 per annum. , including equipment (the total equipment request must be made in year 1). |
Background
Partners
Specific Objectives and Eligible Research Areas
Eligibility Criteria
Specific Eligibility Requirements
Mechanism of Support
Funds Available
Allowable Costs
How to Apply
Evaluation Process and Criteria For Peer Review
General CIHR Guidelines and Conditions of Funding
Performance Measurement and Evaluation
Address for Submitting Application and Contact Information
The objective of the CIHR is "to excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system" (CIHR Act). Knowledge translation is defined as follows:
Knowledge translation (KT) is the exchange, synthesis and ethically-sound application of knowledge within a complex system of relationships among researchers and users.
For ongoing information on knowledge translation, see CIHR's Website.
CIHR is now in its third year. The thirteen CIHR Institutes have identified health research priorities. This year's RFA, calling for proposals of up to three years duration, will provide $3.6 million over the next three years.
The partners supporting this initiative include all thirteen CIHR institutes (ICRH, IG, IPPH, IHSPR, IAPH, IAPH, ICR, IGH, IMII, IHDCYH, IMHA, INMD, INMHA). Please indicate in your application title to which institute (initials only) your application is aligned. If it is not aligned with a CIHR institute, please indicate KT-General.
The specific objectives of this request are:
Eligible Research Areas are:
| Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (IAPH) The goal of the CIHR Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health is to lead a national advanced research agenda in the area of aboriginal health, and to promote innovative research in this field. The longer-term outcome of this research will lead to improvements in the health of aboriginal people in Canada. The IAPH will play a lead role in building research capacity in the First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities, and will support partnerships and alliances between aboriginal communities and non-aboriginal health research organizations/institutes at the local, regional national and international levels. IAPH will support health research that respects aboriginal cultures, while generating new knowledge to improve the health and well-being of aboriginal people. |
| Institute of Aging (IA) The Institute of Aging has identified for this RFA the following key objective: to provide evidence to inform the design of programs, policies, and practices that enhance healthy and successful aging of older adults. Translation of new knowledge should be linked to synthesis of existing knowledge. Partnership with stakeholders in policy and programming is important for knowledge transfer of research on aging. The Institute's Strategic Plan "It's Time for Research on Aging" includes as one of its strategic orientations, to facilitate the dissemination, transfer and translation of knowledge from research findings into potential applications through policies, interventions, services and products. The five research priorities identified by IA in consultation with stakeholders demand a multidisciplinary and multistakeholder approach that identifies with CIHR's four pillars. |
| Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) |
| Institute of Circulatory and Respiratory Health (ICRH) |
| Institute of Gender and Health (IGH) The Institute of Gender and Health has identified the following key objective: "to provide evidence to inform design of programs, policies and practices that enhance health of women, men, girls and boys in Canada". Translation of new knowledge about gender, sex and health should be linked to syntheses of existing knowledge. Partnership with stakeholders in policy and program arenas is important for knowledge transfer of gender and health research. Five research priorities were identified in consultations by IGH with stakeholders across Canada: 1) access and equity for vulnerable populations; 2) promoting health in the context of chronic conditions and disabilities; 3) gender and health across the lifespan; 4) promoting positive health behaviors and preventing addictions; 5) gender and environment. Applications are also encouraged in the cross cutting themes of global health and health disparities and vulnerable populations. Knowledge translation and transfer, relevant to these research priorities, demands a transformative approach engaging diverse health and health-related disciplines, as well as policy, program, practice, and public domains. |
| Institute of Genetics (IG) The Institute of Genetics encourages proposals aimed at genetic knowledge translation studies targeting the general public (including patient groups) and/or health service providers (including clinicians). Specific projects are invited to: 1. Review and identify the best strategies and tools for genetic knowledge translation, applicable to the targeted audience(s), and/or 2. Identify the gaps and barriers associated with (i) the availability and access to genetic services, and (ii) the dissemination and implementation of genetic research information to the targeted audience(s); and/or 3. Develop and evaluate new strategies and tools for genetic knowledge translation to the targeted audience(s). The corresponding proposal must contain the following: a clear statement of the "product" to be developed, or expected results of the project, and a statement of the expected impact on the health of Canadians. The IG will target projects encompassing one or more categories of communication media with relevance to the field of genetics: a. Multimedia / video communication and information tools; b. Paper-based communication and information tools; c. Web-based communication and information tools; d. Innovative communication/information/education initiatives (e.g., school science projects). Investigators should identify the target population and review the current available education and outreach literature and materials in the chosen topic(s) in the field of genetics. If applicable, the project would be integrative across the country. The successful applicant(s) will incorporate involvement of multiple disciplines related to education and outreach such as communication specialists, artists, educators, social scientists, etc. Ideally, the project will also attract funding from other organizations, for example: voluntary agencies, government agencies, communication and media organizations. |
| Institute of Health Services and Policy Research (IHSPR) The Institute of Health Services and Policy Research is interested in supporting projects that align with its strategic research priorities. For detailed information on the research priorities, we invite you to consult the IHSPR Strategic Plan. |
| Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health (IHDCYH) The Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health has identified six strategic research priority themes for the next five years: healthy gametes and great embryos, reproductive aging, fetal growth and preterm birth, reducing the burden of congenital abnormalities, developmental trajectories of children and youth and causes, prevention and treatment of acute and chronic illness in children and youth. During June 2002, the Institute sponsored a knowledge translation workshop attended by researchers, clinicians and policy-makers which made recommendations regarding knowledge translation research in the field of child and youth health. Therefore, in keeping with these recommendations, IHDCYH is particularly interested in KT research within our six themes that further analyzes the flow of KT. How can we promote, support and ensure the multidirectional flow of information and knowledge among researchers, service providers, policy decision-makers, volunteer organizations, other consumers and the public? How do we give voice to the end user? How do we meaningfully involve the public, the community and the consumer in setting research priorities? What are the barriers, opportunities and strategies? What is "brokering"? In KT, who does the brokering, and what is it that's being brokered? How is brokering done? Are current strategies effective and efficient? |
| Institute of Infection and Immunity (III) |
| Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA) IMHA supports research in arthritis, oral health, bone, skin, muscle and MSK rehabilitation. IMHA's mission is to eradicate pain, suffering and disability in order to enhance quality of life for people affected by arthritis, musculoskeletal, oral and skin conditions. IMHA's three research themes are: Physical Activity, Mobility & Health, Tissue Injury Repair, & Replacement, and Pain, Disability & Chronic Diseases. Two events sponsored by IMHA and its partners have helped in identifying the IMHA strategic priorities in the area of knowledge translation: The Osteoarthritis Consensus Conference held in April 2002; and the Cochrane Collaboration Review Group led Knowledge Translation Workshop held in January 2002. IMHA will support research in knowledge exchange aimed at the patient-public and/or at health care providers in any of its three research themes. Based on our national arthritis research strategy developed in April 2002, and further refined in November 2002 we particularly encourage knowledge exchange and knowledge translation research in osteoarthritis; within the following research question: What are the best methods of Knowledge Translation and how effective are they? |
| Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (INMHA) The Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction strongly encourages research applications dealing with the best means to ensure knowledge translation in neurosciences, mental health and addiction. This is particularly critical for illnesses that necessitate lengthy intervention by health professionals and community workers, and for diseases associated with major stigma and discrimination, such as severe and persistent mental illnesses, neurological disorders, head trauma and spinal cord injuries, blindness and addictions. It is important for the INMHA that all new knowledge is rapidly translated into best practices as well as improved care and treatment of patients. Research on knowledge translation is a key means for ensuring success in this process. |
| Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes (INMD) The Institute encourages applications that respond to the strategic initiative Excellence, Innovation and Advancement in the Study of Obesity and Healthy Body Weight . More information on the mandate, vision, specific strategies, actions, outcomes and timelines for each goal of this strategic initiative are described in INMD's Strategic Plan [ PDF (207 KB ) | Help ]. The Institute also encourages applications that focus on one or more of the following knowledge translation research domains as outlined below. Understanding the enabling factors and/or barriers faced by decision-makers to appraise the methodological quality of research evidence and appropriately ascertain and apply different "levels" of evidence to inform program and policy decisions
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| Institute of Population and Public Health (IPPH) The mandate of the CIHR-Institute of Population and Public Health (IPPH) is to support research into the complex interactions (biological, social, cultural and environmental), which determine the health of individuals, communities and global populations; and, the application of that knowledge to improve the health of both populations and individuals, through strategic partnerships with population and public health (PPH) stakeholders, and innovative research funding programs. This RFA supports the Institute's commitment to understanding the translation of research through programs, policies and practice to improve the health of Canadians and the need to develop and evaluate the strategies and tools that facilitate effective KT processes. The Institute encourages applications that respond to one or more of its population and public health research priorities, as outlined in the Strategic Plan and focus on one or more of the following knowledge translation research domains as outlined below.
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| Cross-cutting research priority:
Folic Acid and the Prevention of Birth Defects The CIHR Institute of Genetics (IG), Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health (IAPH), the Institute of Gender and Health (IGH) and Health Canada invite applications in knowledge translation research on the use of folic acid supplementation in Canadian women. A daily vitamin supplement containing folic acid prior to conception and during the early weeks of pregnancy has been shown to reduce neural tube defects in newborns. There is inadequate awareness across Canada, however, of this intervention and of the optimal folic acid supplementation. This strategic initiative is aimed at (1) generating knowledge about current practices in relation to folic acid supplementation to reduce neural tube defects and (2) applying this knowledge to targeted populations, specifically, to increase awareness in the general public and among health care professionals. Applications are invited to address the following research areas:
Applicants are encouraged to explore innovative approaches and build on the strength and expertise of the successful national, regional and local programs/campaigns developed to promote folic acid awareness and uptake in Canada. Current programs include, but are not limited to, the Health Canada Folic Acid Awareness Campaign, the Algoma Best Start Folic Acid Campaign and the Folic Acid Alliance Ontario Campaign. |
3. Integrating KT into Training and Continuing Education
Proposals in this area should focus on innovation and improvement in the training and/or continuing education of knowledge users. Consideration should be given to planning, implementation and evaluation. Proposals will also be accepted in the area of promoting research on how best to communicate important research findings and information on benefits and risks of treatment options to patients.
Eligibility criteria for all CIHR research funding (grant) programs apply. The business office of the institution of an eligible Nominated Principal Applicant generally administers CIHR funds. Please refer to the General Guidelines for All CIHR Programs under CIHR's Grants and Awards Guides on the CIHR website, regarding the eligibility requirements for individuals and institutions.
Researchers from all fields or disciplines are encouraged to apply, including behavioural and social sciences, humanities, education and communications studies. Those eligible as Principal Applicants are:
This RFA is funded as a strategic initiative and is designed to solicit project grant applications with the duration of up to 3 years.
Applicants should review the "Eligibility of Expenses, Employment under Grants" section of the General Guidelines for all Research Funding Programs for a complete listing and description of allowable costs and activities.
The full application must provide a detailed justification of all costs.
Grants should NOT be used:
Funds should be aimed at methodological or intellectual content innovations as opposed to personnel or training innovations (the latter being supported by CIHR elsewhere).
To ensure that your registration and application are forwarded to the appropriate CIHR staff, YOU MUST INDICATE 'Knowledge Translation Strategies for Health Research beside the checkbox labeled "Strategic Initiatives/RFA" in the in the General Information section of the Research Module (page 7 of the PDF form
There are two steps to applying for this RFA. Applicants are encouraged to use the Webforms.
Each proposal must describe how the grant will address one of the important health issues described under "Specific Objectives and Eligible Research Areas" above. The appropriate Institute and/or Partner representatives may first evaluate proposals for relevance/responsiveness to their priorities.
Applications will be evaluated by a CIHR peer-review committee. The committee may be drawn from one of CIHR's pre-existing committees or may be created specifically for this Initiative. Committee members are selected based on suggestions from many sources including the Institute(s) and partner(s). Names of committee members are published on the CIHR website. The committee will follow the CIHR Peer Review Process.
NOTE: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) will NOT be considered under this RFA. RCTs are defined as any study involving humans where at least two interventions are compared using random allocation, statistical methodologies and blinding techniques for the purpose of determining whether an innovative intervention leads to improved health. Please note that there are 4 RCT competitions per year; September 1, November 1, February 15 and April 1.
General criteria for assessing applications are listed below. It is understood that referees and committees will weigh questions such as these differently from one application to another.
The Research Proposed
The Applicant's Productivity, Experience and Training
Applications will also be evaluated on the following specific criteria:
On completion of the review, the KT Branch and its partners will receive the ranking lists, merit scores (ratings) and recommendation of the Committee, with regards to term and funding level, for the submitted applications. Based on the total funds available for the initiative, applications will be funded from the top-ranked down as far as budget will allow. Applications receiving a score less than 3.5 will not be considered for funding.
All conditions, as specified in CIHR's General Guidelines for All CIHR Programs shall apply to grants funded through this initiative. Conditions cover areas such as Applicant and Institutional Responsibilities, Ethics, Official Language Policy, Access to Information and Privacy Acts, and Acknowledgement of CIHR Support. Successful applicants will be informed of any special financial conditions prior to the release of funds or when they receive CIHR's Authorization for Funding (AFF) document.
In addition to CIHR standard guidelines and requirements, the following special conditions shall apply:
Communication Requirement
Recipients who receive funding are required to acknowledge the CIHR Institute(s)/partner(s) in any communication or publication related to the grant.
The CIHR Knowledge Translation Branch has made plans to assess performance of this initiative through ongoing monitoring and periodic evaluation. We are committed to informing Canadians about the performance of our initiatives and the results that they deliver.
The following table is intended to further clarify objectives by linking them to expected outcomes and measures. All funded applicants will be expected to participate in the evaluation strategy, contributing advice, data and reports as required for assessment purposes.
| RFA Objective | Expected Outcomes | Measure/Indicator |
| To increase understanding of the theory and practice of KT initiatives and to support the development of valid and reliable measures to evaluate the impact and effectiveness of knowledge translation strategies and tools |
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| To align KT research to CIHR Institutes and their research priorities |
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| To integrate KT into the training and continuing education |
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Send Application by Courier to:
RE: "Knowledge Translation Strategies for Health Research"
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Research Portfolio
410 Laurier Avenue W., 9th Floor
Address Locator 4209A
Ottawa, ON K1A 0W9
Contacts for Further Information:
For questions on CIHR funding guidelines or how to apply contact:
Alex Lamontagne
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
410 Laurier Avenue West, 9th floor, Address Locator 4209A,
Ottawa, ON K1A 0W9
Telephone: (613) 954-6054
Fax: (613) 954-1800
Email: alamontagne@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
For questions about this initiative and research objectives contact:
Danielle Arsenault
Knowledge Translation Coordinator
Partnership and Knowledge Translation
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Tel 613-941-4437 Fax 613-954-1800
E-mail darsenault@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Re: KT-RFA "Knowledge Translation Strategies for Health Research"
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Research Portfolio
410 Laurier Avenue West, 9th Floor
Address Locator 4209-A
Ottawa, ON K1A 0W9
