CIHR commits to Project Grant changes based on research community recommendations

September 23, 2016

CIHR is implementing changes to the Project Grant peer review process. The changes will reflect the recommendations of the Peer Review Working Group and discussions from the July 13 Working Meeting participants. CIHR is also implementing a new and distinct iterative peer review process for Indigenous health research applications, which is being designed with members of the Indigenous health research community.

CIHR wants to thank all the members of the research community who provided feedback and suggestions, including the July 13 meeting participants. CIHR is especially grateful for the thoughtful and practical advice received from the Working Group, the leadership of Dr. Paul Kubes, and the dedication of the Reference Group on Appropriate Review Practices of Indigenous Health Research. The changes being implemented for the Project Grant competition will reflect the collective efforts and shared commitment of the health research community to implement a trusted and fair peer review process.

It is important to note that changes related to the Project Grant application requirements have already been completed. CIHR is now focusing its efforts on implementing changes to the peer review process and supporting materials. The revised Project Grant Peer Review manual, integrating all the changes, will be available in October.

We also made the commitment to members of the Peer Review Working Group that CIHR and its Science Council will work with College Chairs, relevant Institute Advisory Boards, and the Project Grant Competition Chairs to carefully monitor and evaluate the changes throughout the course of the competition. In the spirit of transparency, CIHR will share those progress updates, as well as data from the Project Grant and Foundation Grant competitions. (Note: The data from each competition will only be shared after the results are released.)

*The Foundation Grant competition is proceeding without significant changes at this time. Changes to align the review processes of the two programs may be considered for future competitions.

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