CIHR

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the federal agency that supports university-based research and training in the health sciences. The CIHR concept involves a multi-disciplinary approach, organized through a framework of 13 "virtual" institutes; each one dedicated to a specific area of focus, linking and supporting researchers pursuing common goals.

CIHR offers grant funding for faculty through the following programs:

• Project Grant Program
• Initiatives

*Please note that the Foundation Grant program has been discontinued.

Project Grant Program

Overview: The Project Grant Program is geared towards researchers in the health sciences. This program holds two competitions annually. 

Value: The Spring 2022 average grant size/duration is approximately $803,095 over 4.43 years. For more information see the Spring 2022 results page.

Duration: 1-5 years

Nearest deadlines:

*Only applications that have a corresponding, approved MRA will be eApproved by the University on ResearchNet. It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that all deadlines are met. 

Links:

• Read more about this funding opportunity on the CIHR website
• U of T-specific application instructions for Project Grants

Updates

Beginning with the Fall 2018 Project Grant competition, CIHR has made some minor yet important changes to the application process that differ from previous competitions.

1. Equity and Diversity Questionnaire. CIHR launched the Tri-Agency Self-identification Questionnaire for applicants in 2018 to better understand how historically excluded populations (i.e., the four designated groups identified in the Employment Equity Act) access CIHR funding. In 2022, the questionnaire was expanded to collect information from applicants and peer review committee members on eight identity dimensions, including new questions on sexual orientation and population group. This new information will help CIHR understand where systemic barriers exist, and how to design equitable and inclusive programs that support the full and fair participation of all members of the health research community.

2. CIHR Institutes Priority Announcements. Additional funds will be made available through CIHR Institutes Priority Announcements to support Project Grant applications in specific research areas.

Resources

• U of T CIHR Project Grant page
• Project Grant Program
• Funding Opportunity Details
• Registration Guidelines
• Application Instructions
• Spring 2023 Priority Announcement
• CIHR Applicant Profile CV
• CIHR Project Biosketch CV – Quick Reference Guide
• CIHR Project Co-Applicant CV – Quick Reference Guide
• Priority Announcements and the Project Grant – Frequently Asked Questions
• CIHR eApproval Process
• Peer Review Manual – Project
• Equity and Diversity Questionnaire – FAQ
• Equity and Diversity Questionnaire – How-to
• CIHR funding policies
• Register with CIHR

Webinars

CIHR Project Grant Webinar Sessions

English Sessions
Duration: 60 minutes
When: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 11:00 AM ET | Join
When: Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET | Join

French Sessions
Duration: 60 minutes
When: Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 1:00 PM ET | Join
When: Thursday, February 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM ET | Join

No registration for webinars is required, simply click on the Join link at date and time of your desired session.  Sessions will also be archived and available for viewing offline.

Initiatives

The Initiatives Program funds research in priority areas. Approximately one-quarter of CIHR's $1 billion budget is provided to support priority-driven research. Current priority areas are listed below. Additional initiatives, led by CIHR Institutes, can be found on their respective websites. Types of Initiatives grants include:

• catalyst grants
• operating grants
• project grants
• team grants
• other grants and programs

Current Initiatives