| 1. CIHR should better position the CLSA to achieve its intended outcomes by aligning future funding with remaining data collection waves; ensuring the ongoing relevance of the data to be collected; and facilitating the full utilization of the platform following data collection. |
Agree |
- Coordinate funding for Phase 3 with the timing of the CLSA data collection waves (follow-ups).
- Continued relevance of CLSA data will be reviewed by the Peer Review Committee for Phase 3
- The 2020 CLSA Phase 3 funding opportunity will incorporate a requirement for CLSA to outline plans to facilitate the utilization of the platform data nationally and internationally, and consistent with CIHR’s new Strategic Plan, will require CLSA address any systemic barriers or inequities impacting continued participation in the study, particularly by individuals from under-represented and disadvantaged groups. In addition, CIHR–IA and IPPH will continue to support funding opportunities that promote use and analysis of CLSA data.
- Through the IMIS Oversight function and annual CLSA reporting, potential delays in data collection waves will be monitored.
|
Director General, Initiative Management and Institute Support (IMIS) |
2020-21 |
| 2. CIHR should consider modifying its governance structures for the CLSA to: better support the platform’s knowledge mobilization and scientific productivity outcomes; clarify the roles of the CIHR co-leads with respect to initiative leadership and oversight; and develop an independent mechanism to obtain scientific advice. |
Agree |
- Incorporate a requirement within the CLSA Phase 3 funding opportunity for CLSA to continue evolving their governance and leadership appropriate to the lifecycle stage of the CLSA.
- Draw on the CIHR Governance Renewal work, the organizational discussions around CIHR’s role in oversight of funded research and the experience with the 2003-2013 International Oversight committee to evolve the oversight function and mechanism for CIHR to obtain independent scientific advice related to the CLSA. This could include leveraging the peer review committee, as appropriate.
- Where appropriate, CIHR to observe meeting(s) of CLSA’s governance committees.
|
Director General, IMIS |
2020-22 |
| 3. CIHR should increase the promotion and access of CLSA data to international researchers, and stakeholders in the public and private sectors. |
Agree |
- CIHR to engage with partners early when creating funding opportunities for use and analysis of CLSA data.
- Explore other mechanism(s)/ strategies through which CIHR could more easily promote research/data analysis that is of interest to federal and/or provincial counterparts.
- Through the CLSA Phase 3 funding opportunity require that the CLSA develop a communications and outreach strategy, engaging diverse groups, to increase the promotion and access of CLSA data to international researchers, and to stakeholders in the public and private sectors.
- Incorporate a stronger focus on FAIR Guiding Principles for data management and consistent with CIHR’s new Strategic Plan, require plans to manage Indigenous data (as appropriate), in the CLSA Phase 3 funding opportunity.
- Support trainees in understanding and using CLSA data.
- Through the CLSA Phase 3 funding opportunity require a plan for knowledge dissemination and exchange, and advance the value of CLSA data sets by linking with other data sources.
|
Director General, IMIS, in collaboration with Scientific Directors of IA and IPPH |
2021-22 |
| 4. To better ensure the continuity of the CLSA’s scientific leadership, within the limits of existing policies, CIHR should examine strategies for sustainability and succession planning, which could include incorporating incentives as part of succession planning. |
Agree, however CIHR does not support the idea of providing financial incentives as part of succession planning. |
- CIHR will require that the CLSA develop a viable succession plan for the CLSA leadership in order to ensure the ongoing sustainability/legacy of the CLSA and its data and biosamples. The plan must be deemed acceptable to CIHR for continuous eligibility of CIHR funding and will be reviewed as part of ongoing CIHR oversight.
- CIHR is not in agreement with the use of financial incentives for PIs as this would not be in accordance with the Tri-Agency Guide on Financial Administration (TAGFA).
|
Director General, IMIS |
2020-22 |