Institute of Nutrition Metabolism and Diabetes
Childhood obesity is a sub-focus of the strategic initiative in "Excellence, Innovation and Advancement in the Study of Obesity and Healthy Body Weight". Two opportunities for research funding are offered under the focus of childhood obesity:
Childhood obesity operating grants will provide up to three years of support for a research project conducted by an individual or small group of investigators.
Childhood obesity pilot project grants will provide one-year funding for innovative, high risk, pilot, and/or feasibility research in the area of childhood obesity. Grants will allow investigators with novel ideas and observations to conduct pilot studies and/or gather evidence necessary to determine the viability of new research directions.
The scope of research covered by this request for applications encompasses healthy body weight and obesity in childhood. This includes development, prevention, intervention, and outcomes associated with healthy body weight and obesity in children; spanning pre-conception and gestation through to maturity; across all four of CIHR's research themes: 1) biomedical, 2) clinical, 3) health systems and services, and 4) the health of populations, the societal and cultural dimensions of health and environmental influences on health.
| Timelines | |
|---|---|
| Oct. 1, 2004 | Registration. |
| Nov. 1, 2004 | Full proposals must be courier stamped by this date. |
| March 2005 | Notification of decision |
| End of March/Early April 2005 | Anticipated start date |
| Funding | Up to 3 years. Maximum $200,000 per annum; based on peer review committee recommendations |
| Timelines | ||
|---|---|---|
| Oct 1, 04 | April 1, 05 | Registration |
| Nov 1, 04 | May 1, 05 | Full proposals must be courier stamped by this date. |
| March 05 | Sept. 05 | Notification of decision |
| Late March/ Early April 05 | Oct. 05 | Anticipated start date |
| Funding | Up to one-year, non-renewable. The maximum amount per grant is $50,000. | |
Introduction
Partners
Objectives of the Request for Applications
Examples of Relevant Research
Eligibility Criteria
Mechanism of Support
Funds Available
Allowable Costs
How to Apply
Evaluation Process and Criteria for Peer Review
Conditions of Funding
RFA Performance Outcomes and Measure
Address for Submitting Application and Contact Information
Information on the following areas can be found in the strategic initiative announcement Excellence, Innovation and Advancement in the Study of Obesity and Healthy Body Weight: Introduction, Funds Available, Background, INMD Strategic Plan, Mandate and Vision, Objectives of the Strategic Initiative, Eligible Research Areas, Peer Review Process, Contacts for Further Information, References.
The prevalence of obesity and overweight among Canadian children has shown dramatic increases over the past two decades1. While a recent analysis suggests rates may be stabilizing2, the indication that more than 1/3 of children under the age of 11 in this country are either overweight or obese points to both a current and future public health crisis. The immediate and long-term physical and psychosocial health consequences of childhood obesity have been well-documented3-6.
While a predisposition to obesity may be established through a complex interaction of more than 250 different genes, the obese phenotype usually emerges from the gene- environment interaction7-9. The impact of energy-imbalance on the pre-conceptual and prenatal environments has been suggested as a critical factor in the development of energy stores and metabolic profiles in offspring. Recent research has indicated that, in the prenatal period, both over- and under-nutrition may predispose an individual to obesity in later years, apparently by different mechanisms10-14. Early post-natal influences such as infant-feeding practices have also been identified as likely determinants of obesity development in childhood or later life15-17. The specific processes by which breast-feeding offers at least some protection, have yet to be elucidated18.
Lack of surveillance data has made it impossible to pinpoint whether declines in physical activity or rises in energy intake, or a combination of the two is responsible for the rapid increase in pediatric obesity in this country2. Limited available data suggest that physical inactivity, encompassing sedentary recreation involving television and other electronic media, plays a large part in the development of pediatric overweight/obesity19-23. In children from three and five years of age, close to 80% of time is spent in sedentary behaviour and only 2-4% of time involves vigorous physical activity24. Calls for the return of school physical education programs have been heard across the country, however, evidence is needed to identify which types of school-based programs are effective means for enhancing over-all physical activity within both the current and future lifestyles of participants2,20,25. Questions also arise regarding best practices for schools relative to fiscal outlay and academic outcomes.
Specific dietary behaviours such as high density food intake, exposure to large portion sizes and intake of sugar-sweetened drinks have been implicated in childhood overweight26-28. Similarly, some dietary behaviours have been suggested to be protective: high intake of fruit and vegetables, milk consumption, and family dinners29-30. A better understanding of the dynamics of children's food intake ranging from the impact of parental knowledge, skill, motivation, and time constraint on foods made available to children, through to the cellular mechanisms by which certain foodstuffs may influence appetite and metabolic regulators, is warranted31.
Large geographic variations in the prevalence of overweight as well as the secular trends in prevalence among Canadian children have been noted by Willms et al, suggesting a 'cultural component' to overweight, which, in this study, was not solely attributable to socioeconomic status32. Identification of regional as well as ethnic and socioeconomic cultures that foster higher rates of obesity among children is critical to the development of effective interventions2,19.
The public policy environment is frequently cited as a critical location for solutions to the obesity epidemic33. There has been limited examination of how policy shifts can effectively enhance either individual or population capacity to obtain and maintain healthy body weight, nor is there an adequate understanding of the role of policy in creating the current obesogenic environment2,31. The natural history of policies aimed at reversing the epidemic, from their inception and design through to their impact, needs to be captured in order to inform and inspire those responsible for policy.
Effective treatment of obese children must be preceded by the recognition and acknowledgement of a treatable health concern by both the parent(s) and the health practitioner15. Little research has been done to illustrate the course of treatment-seeking behaviour in families, or best clinical practices in diagnosing and treating childhood obesity23,25. A recent report, developed by the Canadian Association of Pediatrics Health Centres in collaboration with INMD the Pediatric Chairs of Canada, indicates that there is insufficient evidence to support any specific approaches to prevention of childhood obesity. The report indicates many areas in which specific research is needed.
Support for families trying to help an overweight child may be unavailable due to lack of clinical expertise, current payment models, fear of inducing eating disorders, and a host of other factors23. The impact of clinicians and other health practitioners as promoters of healthy childhood lifestyles and advocates for policies favorable to healthy body weights in children has yet to be explored.
Pharmaceutical and surgical treatments appropriate for obese adults are discouraged for all but the most extreme cases of adolescent obesity19, 25. Better understanding of the genetic and molecular regulation of hunger, satiety, lipogenesis, and lipolysis in the context of human growth and development will enable the development of effective therapies for overweight and potentially children at-risk for developing obesity15.
In order to provide all Canadian children the opportunity of advancing to adulthood as healthy individuals, much more must be learned about an array of issues concerning childhood overweight and obesity. Along with its partners, the Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes is pleased to be offering new opportunities for Canadian researchers to drive the development of this critical knowledge.
Although this RFA represents a general call for applications for funding across the broad spectrum of research relevant to childhood obesity, key areas of investigation through Pilot Projects and Operating Grants will be supported through partnerships.
The Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF) (new window) [ Help ]
The mission of the Heart and Stroke Foundation (HSF) is to improve the health of Canadians by preventing and reducing disability and death from heart disease and stroke through research, health promotion and advocacy. The Foundation is a leading funder of heart disease and stroke research in Canada and is committed to supporting excellence in research. One of the current strategic areas of priority for the Foundation is research into the causes, prevention and treatment of obesity.
Of particular interest to HSF through this RFA is research into childhood obesity from a population health perspective. This may include, but is not limited to, the examination of eating behaviours and physical activity in young children; the identification of regional as well as ethnic and socioeconomic factors that foster higher rates of obesity among children; the implementation and evaluation of culturally-relevant intervention programs; and the analysis of preventive programs and policies.
The Foundation will therefore support highly rated operating grants in this initiative that relate to childhood obesity in the population health area. This support is made possible through the Heart and Stroke Foundation Research Fund (a strategic Fund comprising contributions from all 10 provincial Heart and Stroke Foundations and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada.)
La Fondation Lucie et Andrée Chagnon
The Centre de recherche en prévention de l'obésité (CRPO), an initiative of La Fondation Lucie et Andrée Chagnon, Laval University and Laval Hospital, is partnering with INMD specifically to support excellent Canadian researchers striving to prevent childhood obesity. The CRPO's mission is to develop knowledge for reducing and preventing obesity by concentrating efforts on the needs of frontline practioners. Special interest will be given to studies demonstrating a high degree of relevance and utility to the needs of frontline practitioners. CRPO's three priority research priorities are to:
The CRPO will finance either pilot projects and/or operating grants that meet the evaluation criteria.
The CIHR Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health 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. CIHR-IAPH supports health research that respects aboriginal cultures, while generating new knowledge to improve the health and well being of aboriginal people. The Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health is interested in supporting pilot projects that are relevant to the above goals.
The mandate of the CIHR Institute of Gender and Health (IGH) is to support research that addresses how sex (biological-genetic dimensions) and gender (social-cultural dimensions), interact with other socio-cultural, bio-physical, and political-economic factors to influence health, and create conditions that differ with respect to risk factors or effective interventions for males and females throughout the lifespan. Five research priorities were identified following extensive national consultations: (1) Access and equity for vulnerable populations (2) Promoting health in the context of chronic conditions (3) Gender and health across the lifespan (4) Promoting positive health behaviours and preventing addictions (5) Gender and the environment. Additional funding opportunities are available through the IGH-led RFA 'New Perspectives on Gender and Health'; the Institute of Gender and Health is interested in supporting Pilot Project Grants that are relevant to childhood obesity.
The CIHR Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health (IHDCYH) supports health research across Canada and promotes and facilitates research at the highest international standards in reproduction and developmental biology, pregnancy and birth, and the healthy development of newborns, children, youth and their families. Obesity relates closely to two of IHDCYH's primary strategic priorities, 'Developmental trajectories of children and youth,' and 'Causes, prevention and treatment of acute and chronic illness in children and youth.' The Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health is interested in supporting operating grants that are relevant to the above priorities.
The CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (INMHA) supports research to enhance mental health, neurological health, vision, hearing, and cognitive functioning and to reduce the burden of related disorders through prevention strategies, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation. In the context of childhood obesity, INMHA would be interested in supporting pilot projects relevant to depression and/or stigmatization.
The CIHR Institute of Population and Public Health (IPPH) is to address the complex interactions (biological, social, cultural, 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. This RFA is related to 3 of the Institute's strategic research priorities: 1) Analyzing and Reducing Health Disparities, 2) Environmental and Genetic Determinants of Disease in Human Populations, and 3) Understanding and Addressing the Impacts of Physical and Social Environments on Health. IPPH is interested in supporting research to further the understanding of the social, economic, cultural and environmental factors that determine childhood obesity and research on the community/population level interventions required to address this societal problem.
The objectives of these childhood obesity grants are to:
Examples of the types of research that could be conducted under this initiative include the following. This list is not intended to be exhaustive, nor is there any intention to imply that applications focusing on these examples would be more successful than others.
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 Grants and Awards Policies under CIHR's Grants and Awards Guides on the CIHR website, regarding the eligibility requirements for individuals and institutions.
This RFA is funded as a strategic initiative and is designed to solicit operating grant and pilot project applications. Operating Grant applications will be supported for a period of up to three years. Pilot project grants will be funded up to one year.
Applicants should review the "Eligibility of Expenses, Employment under Grants" section of the Research Grants Guidelines 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).
Applicants should review the application process and instructions in the "How to Apply" section on the CIHR website.
There are two steps to applying for the funding programs included in this RFA (Childhood Obesity Operating Grant and Pilot Project Grant). Applicants are encouraged to use the Webforms.
Special Instructions:
Operating Grant Applications
Pilot Project Grant Applications
Tips on preparing Pilot Project applications
This RFA is the third call for Pilot Project applications in the area of obesity/healthy body weight. Lessons learned through the comments of the peer review committee regarding successful applications are described below. These are in addition to the guidelines itemized above.
Background
In order to give sufficient emphasis to the research being planned, confine your Background discussion to issues that are directly pertinent to the topic of your application, rather than generalities of obesity. Limit this discussion and review of the literature to one to two pages.
Peer Review Criteria
Ensure that the Criteria for Peer Review evaluation are each addressed, if possible, highlighting the key words (relevance, responsiveness, innovation/advancement, approach, PI) in your discussion.
Research Description
Ensure that if hypotheses are proposed and/or theoretical models are to be employed, they are included in the project description, along with details of how the planned research will be conducted (such as instruments to be used, number of subjects, etc).
Pilot and feasibility studies are by definition, limited in time and scope. Ensure that the research plan represents a realistic scope of work for the funds being requested and the nature of the study itself.
A special ad hoc, multi-disciplinary, peer review committee with expertise in areas relevant to childhood obesity and obesity/healthy body weight will evaluate applications. Names of the peer review committee members will be posted on the CIHR website.
On completion of the review, INMD and partners will receive the ranking list, merit scores (ratings) and recommendations of the Peer review Committee. Based on the total funds available for the initiative, top-ranked applications will be funded. Applications receiving a score less than 3.5 will not be considered for funding.
The peer review committee will follow the CIHR Peer Review Process. 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
In addition to the general evaluation criteria outlined in the CIHR peer review process for grants, applications will be evaluated on:
All conditions, as specified in CIHR's General Grants and Awards Policies and the strategic initiative Excellence, Innovation and Advancement in the Study of Obesity and Healthy Body Weight, 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:
The CIHR Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes and partners have 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.
| Program Name | Objectives | Expected Outcomes | Outcome Measures |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating Grants | Promote excellent research contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the area of childhood obesity. | Knowledge gained and disseminated by Canadian researchers in the area of childhood obesity. | Amount of funding and number of researchers supported. Peer-reviewed publications. |
| Pilot Project Grants | Promote innovative, potentially high risk pilot, and/or feasibility studies, allowing researchers to develop the evidence necessary to determine the viability of new research directions in the area of childhood obesity. | Development of new and innovative approaches to the research area of childhood obesity. | Evaluation of the researcher's final report. Number of peer-reviewed publications. |
| Increased numbers of successful applications to other grant programs. | Numbers of projects that follow through to new applications for funding. |
Send Applications by Courier to:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Research Portfolio
Room 97, 160 Elgin Street
Address locator: 4809A
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0W9
Contacts for Further Information
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at one of the numbers below.
For questions regarding the review process, application forms and submission requirements, please contact:
Janet Lemoine
Program Delivery Coordinator
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Room 97, 160 Elgin Street
Address locator: 4809A
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0W9
Telephone: (613) 952-0916
Email: jlemoine@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
For general questions about the strategic initiative Excellence, Innovation and Advancement in the Study of Obesity and Healthy Body Weight, please do not hesitate to contact:
Paul Bélanger
Assistant Director-Ottawa
Institute of Nutrition Metabolism and Diabetes
Room 97, 160 Elgin Street
Address locator: 4809A
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0W9
Tel: (613) 941-6465
Email: pbelanger@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
