1. Stage 2 Application Foundation Grant: 2015 2 nd Live Pilot Competition Q&A Webinar Dale Dempsey, Manager, Foundation Scheme December 2015

2. Out of the 910 applications peer reviewed, approximately 30% of applicants (79 early career investigators and 186 established investigators) were invited to submit a Stage 2 application. Applicants were invited to apply to stage 2 if in their cohort: at least two reviewers ranked the application above the 80th percentile; or the application had a minimum consolidated ranking above 75%; or the application was reviewed by fewer than five reviewers and at least one reviewer ranked it above the 80th percentile in their cohort. In approving the outcomes of stage 1 of the Foundation Grant competition, CIHR took into account: the total budget available; our commitment to award a minimum of 15% of the grants to early career investigators; and that the established investigator cohort was a managed competition that restricted the number of individuals who could apply and, therefore, the number of applicants in this cohort is artificially lower than we would see in a normal competition. 2 Stage 1 Results

3. Lay Abstract: Similar to Stage 1, applicants must also include a lay abstract as part of the « Enter Proposal Information » task. Stage 2 Adjudication Criteria: The character limit for the Research Approach section was increased from 7,000 characters to 10,500 characters. New weighting was assigned to the Research Approach, Research Concept, and Quality of Support Environment sub-criteria. 3 PreviousCurrent Research Approach (20%) Research Concept (20%) Expertise (20%) Mentorship and Training (20%) Quality of Support Environment (20%) Research Approach (25%) Research Concept (25%) Expertise (20%) Mentorship and Training (20%) Quality of Support Environment (10%) Summary of Design Enhancements Stage 2 Application

4. Budget Assessment Process: Budget baseline amount is now provided at Stage 2 (no need for applicants to provide their funding history except in the case where no open funding history with CIHR has been established). Increased character limit for applicants to justify the appropriateness of funding to support their proposed program of research from 1,750 characters to 3,500 characters. Attachments: Figures may only be included in the “Attachments” section of the application, and are limited to a maximum of 2 pages. Tables are no longer allowed. 4 Summary of Design Enhancements Stage 2 Application

5. All Program Leaders will have access to the application on ResearchNet in order to allow each Leader to contribute equally to the application. The Administrative Coordinator is able to add Program Experts to the application in ResearchNet. Program Experts: Do not edit or contribute to the application; Are only required to provide their consent. Applications must be submitted by the Administrative Coordinator – Program Leader using ResearchNet. It is the responsibility of all applicants to ensure that their application is complete prior to its submission to CIHR. Overview 5 Stage 2 Application

6. Prior to filling out a Stage 2 application, the Administrative Coordinator must first ensure that: All Program Leaders have updated their CIHR Foundation Scheme CV in the Canadian Common CV (CCV) from Stage 1 to reflect the purpose of Stage 2, as appropriate; o At Stage 2, the CV content must focus on achievements that best demonstrate the applicant’s ability to conduct the research proposed in the application, with a particular focus on:  The research approach  The quality of the support environment  The mentoring/training history of the applicant. Named Program Experts provide them with a validated CIHR PIN in ResearchNet. Overview 6 Stage 2 Application

7. Overview 7 Stage 2 Application Stage 2 Foundation Scheme Application 1. Summary (1 page) 2. Quality of the Research Program (6 pages) 2.1 – Research Concept (3 pages) 2.2 – Approach (3 pages) 3. Quality of the Expertise, Experience and Resources (6 pages) 3.1 – Expertise (3 pages) 3.2 – Mentorship and Training (2 pages) 3.3 – Quality of the Support Environment (1 page) CIHR Foundation Scheme CV

8. Identify Participants As part of the “Identify Participants” task, each Program Leader must first specify their applicant type by identifying whether they are: Independent Researcher Knowledge User The Administrative Coordinator may also add Program Experts to the application, as appropriate, by entering their: First and last name; Validated CIHR PIN; Participant Type: Independent Researcher; Knowledge User; Trainee; Other. 8

9. Identify Participants The Administrative Coordinator will also identify if the Program Expert should be named on the application. Named Program Experts will be required to provide their consent in ResearchNet before the Administrative Coordinator can submit the application, for any deadline, as their name will be included in CIHR’s funding decisions documents. As Program Experts named on the application may change during the life span of the program, it will be possible to add or remove Program Experts to the grant at a later date to suit the evolving needs of your program. 9

10. 10 Identify Participants

11. Using language accessible to a lay audience, you must describe the proposed research, indicating how the proposed research can improve personal health, the health of populations and/or the health delivery system. You will do so using a maximum of 2,000 characters (including spaces). This information is used by CIHR to inform the public and Parliament about the valuable research supported through public funds. 11 Lay Abstract

12. Complete a summary as part of the Stage 2 application. This summary should not be a re-submission or update of the Stage 1 summary, as you must now summarize the research program. This summary will be used for three main purposes: Assist in matching expert reviewers to the application; Allow reviewers to declare their conflicts and ability to review, and will be included in the reviewers’ application package; Will be published in the Funding Decisions Database, which will allow CIHR to communicate funding results. The summary should be written using scientific or technical terms. 12 Stage 2 Application Instructions are available on the CIHR website. They provide a detailed breakdown of what you should consider including when developing your application. Summary

13. Using a maximum of 3,500 characters (including spaces), you must provide the following information (if applicable): The broad goal(s) of the proposed research and clear linkage indicating how they fit the objectives of the funding opportunity. A brief overview of relevant background information and/or rationale for the proposed research. Specific research aims with a brief overview of the methodology that will be used to address each of the research aims. The nature of the core expertise being brought together to address the proposed research. Information may include important collaborations, within or outside of the research community that will be accessed to achieve the outlined research goals. Expected outcomes of the proposed research highlighting the significance of the proposed research and how it will advance knowledge and/or its application to health care, health systems and/or health outcomes. 13 Summary

14. Part of the Stage 2 application focuses on the Quality of the Program, which accounts for 50% of the reviewers’ overall assessment. The Quality of the Program is represented by two equally-weighted sub-criteria within the application: Research Concept (25%) Approach (25%) Reviewers will be selected based on their expertise in your field of research. Reviewers will assess the research concept and the approach (in terms of the scope of the program) in the context of your career stage, field of research, and in the context of other conceptual factors that are specific to your research field. 14 Stage 2 Criteria Stage 2 Application Instructions are available on the CIHR website. They provide a detailed breakdown of what you should consider including when developing your application. Quality of the Program

15. This sub-criterion is intended to assess: The research component of your program, as well as the significance of its anticipated outcomes. Within a maximum of 10,500 characters (including spaces): Articulate your proposed research program by outlining the goal, objective(s) and, at a high level, the components of the program of research and potential short-term and long-term impacts of the proposed program. To do so: Outline the goal and objectives of your proposed program. These should be well- defined and appropriate given the nature and scope of your research program; Illustrate a conceptual coherence within your research program; Describe the significance of the potential short-term and long-term program outputs; Illustrate how these outputs are likely to significantly advance health-related knowledge and/or its translation into improved health care, health systems, and/or health outcomes. Quality of the Program 15 Research Concept

16. This sub-criterion is intended to assess: The quality of the research approach of your proposed program of research. Within a maximum of 10,500 characters (including spaces): Articulate your research approach (i.e., how you will deliver on the objectives of your program of research). To do so: Illustrate a well-planned, appropriate approach, poised to deliver on the objectives of your research program; Demonstrate how the approach allows for flexibility in direction as the program evolves. Include a high-level description of how the progress and success of your program will be measured; Include a plan for identifying potential challenges to the approach, as well as the mitigation strategies that could ne employed to overcome these challenges. 16 Quality of the Program Research Approach

17. Part of the Stage 2 application also focuses on the Quality of the Expertise, Experience, and Resources, which accounts for 50% of the reviewers’ overall assessment. The Quality of the Expertise, Experience, and Resources is represented by three equally- weighted sub-criteria: Expertise (20%) Mentorship and Training (20%) Quality of the Support Environment (10%) Reviewers will be selected based on their expertise in your field of research and will assess: The expertise and experience; The mentorship and training of the applicants described in your grant application (Leaders and Experts); The quality of the support environment in the context of your career stage (in terms of the scope of the plan), your field of research, and in the context of other conceptual factors that are specific to your research field. 17 Stage 2 Criteria Quality of the Expertise, Experience and Resources

18. This sub-criterion is intended to assess: Both your and your proposed Program Experts’ expertise and experience, and whether it is collectively sufficient to deliver on the objectives of the proposed program. Within a maximum of 10,500 characters (including spaces): Outline at a high-level the collective expertise, experience and resources; Describe how they are being assembled, and how they are appropriate to ensure the delivery of the objective of the proposed research program. 18 Quality of the Expertise, Experience & Resources Stage 2 Application Instructions are available on the CIHR website. They provide a detailed breakdown of what you should consider including for this sub-criterion. Expertise

19. To do so: Demonstrate the expertise and experience (disciplinary, professional, or methodological) of the proposed Program Leader(s), as well as Program Expert(s) (e.g. researchers, technicians, knowledge-users, partners, patients and trainees, etc.). Demonstrate the level of engagement (e.g., time commitment and contribution) of Program Leader(s). As applicable, demonstrate the commitment (cash or in-kind) from interested or engaged knowledge user(s). Describe the coordinated roles of the Program Leader(s) and any Program Expert(s) in the oversight and management of the program of research. Include a plan to seek out expertise (new Program Expert(s)) based on the anticipated future needs of the program of research, as it is expected that the Program Experts may evolve over the duration of the grant, based on the needs of the proposed program. 19 Quality of the Expertise, Experience & Resources Expertise

20. This sub-criterion is intended to assess: The quality of your mentorship/training plan, which will demonstrate your commitment to shaping the future of your students, trainees, emerging scholars, and new/early career investigators, as well as other individuals in non-academic, health-related fields. Within a maximum of 7,000 characters (including spaces): Articulate a Mentorship and Training Plan. To do so: Outline the training goals, learning opportunities, and key activities. Describe appropriate mentoring/training approaches in relation to the proposed program of research and research field. Describe the rationale for the proposed training approach. Identify potential challenges of the training/mentorship plan and a strategy for identifying and mitigating these challenges. Describe how progress and success will be measured. 20 Quality of the Expertise, Experience & Resources Mentorship and Training

21. Your plan should: Include a combination of formal education, and informal mentoring, and training approaches; Be coherently presented with training goals, learning opportunities, and key activities clearly articulated; Be appropriate to the field and career stage of the Program Leader(s), as well as the nature and scope of the program of research, and the specific training level(s) (e.g., graduate students, trainees, emerging scholars, new/early career investigators, and/or health-related professionals); Clearly describe the benefits of the training and mentoring activities to the target audience should be clear. Program Leader(s) are expected to show direct involvement in all mentoring/training activities; Describe any potential challenges to recruiting, retaining, or mentoring/training graduate students, trainees, emerging scholars, new/early career investigators, and/or health-related professionals (where applicable); Address any potential challenges related to the mentoring/training component of the program. 21 Quality of the Expertise, Experience & Resources Mentorship and Training

22. This criterion is intended to assess: Whether you have the necessary resources to successfully deliver on the objectives of our research program in both the short- and long-term. Within a maximum of 3,500 characters (including spaces): Outline the resources that you currently have in place to ensure the successful delivery of your research program objectives, including access to environments in other organizations, if applicable. To do so: Demonstrate how the described environments are appropriate to enable the conduct of your proposed research program, and to manage and deliver on its objectives and key components (research, knowledge translation, or mentorship and training) through the provision of, or access to, the required infrastructure, such as: Physical infrastructure (and/or other types of infrastructure such as consortia, professional networks, etc.); Support personnel; Equipment; Specialized facilities; Supplies. 22 Quality of the Expertise, Experience & Resources Quality of the Support Environment

23. References are not included within the character limits dedicated to the application content. There is a dedicated section to include references. In this section, you are able to capture any references cited within your application, for example, your bibliographical information. This section is limited to a maximum of 7,000 characters (approx. 2 pages including spaces). 23 Stage 2 Application Instructions are available on the CIHR website. They provide a detailed breakdown of what you should consider including when developing your application. References

24. All required attachments pertaining to your research proposal must be included in the "Attachments Task" found under the Complete Application Task in ResearchNet. Figures is the only attachment allowed within the Stage 2 application. These must directly support your application and must not surpass a maximum of 2 pages. Be sure to label your figures and note that legends should be succinct and should not contain detailed information pertaining to methods. 24 Stage 2 Application Instructions are available on the CIHR website. They provide a detailed breakdown of what you should consider including when developing your application. Attachments

25. Within this section, you will be required to outline your budget request and justify that the requested resources are appropriate to financially support the proposed research program as described in your application. CIHR will provide you with your baseline funding amount based on the applicants’ funding history. This information will be considered as part of the evaluation of your request. If your budget request exceeds the baseline amount, a justification for the additional amount requested must be provided in the “Justification” section. For applicants with prior CIHR Open funding history this amount has automatically been generated for you based on your identified eligible Open funding history. For applicants with no prior CIHR Open funding history you will be contacted by CIHR and provided instructions on what to submit in order that your baseline can be calculated. 25 Research Funding History Budget Request

26. Using the budget baseline calculated by CIHR, outline your budget request and justify that the requested resources are appropriate to financially support the proposed research program as described in your application. To complete the Foundation budget request, complete the following three steps: Indicate the amount that is required in each budget category for the entire period of support (rounded to a multiple of $1,000), along with a concise, high-level description (maximum 900 characters including spaces) of what the funds will be used for, in order to support the amount requested. Budget categories include: Research Staff; Trainees; Consumables; Non-Consumables; Knowledge Translation; Other. Equipment is an allowable expense. List any funding from partners (cash and/or in-kind support) that has been secured, or is expected to be secured (optional); and Provide a justification (3,500 characters including spaces) for the appropriateness of the funds requested to support the proposed program of research, including specific justification for any request that is higher than the amount of funding currently held from CIHR and/or other funding sources. 26 Budget Request

27. Signed letters of support from every partners must be uploaded in ResearchNet at the time of application for all cash and/or in-kind contributions. The letter should include specific incremental cash or in-kind contributions being provided in support of the proposed program of research. A dollar value will need to be estimated for a partners in-kind contribution. For example, typically Knowledge Translation would be considered in-kind funding as there is a value associated with the task. Details of the contribution will also need to be entered into the budget subtask in the partner information section in the budget details subtask. Add partner information prior to completing the budget task. 27 Stage 2 Application Instructions are available on the CIHR website. They provide a detailed breakdown of what you should consider including when developing your application. Budget Request

28. The budget request Is intended to assist peer reviewers in determining the appropriate funding levels for individual research programs. The budget requested will not be factored into the overall assessment of the application. The period of support requested for the Foundation Scheme is 5 years for new or early career investigators, and 7 years for all other applicants. Indicate and justify the required amounts to support your proposed research program by: Entering the requested amount for each budget category for the entire period of support (not yearly amounts). 28 Budget Request

29. 29 Expectations CIHR expects that the budget request for the program of research be consistent with the Program Leader's established baseline, as calculated by CIHR: 1.Applicants with an existing CIHR Open Funding History 2.Applicants with no CIHR Open Funding History 3.New/Early Career investigators 4.Applicants who are Applying Jointly (Multiple Program Leaders) Budget Request

30. 30 Budget Request Your budget request should be consistent with the budget baseline established by CIHR based on funding (from Open Grant Programs) that the applicant has held in the past. The average amount of CIHR Open funding, held as Nominated Principle Applicant, will be used to establish the baseline amount for the Foundation Scheme Stage 2 application. Any request that exceeds the baseline amount will require additional justification. Stage 2 Application Instructions are available on the CIHR website. They provide a detailed breakdown of what you should consider including when developing your application. 1. Applicants with an existing CIHR Open Funding History

31. 31 Budget Request Your budget request should be justified in the context of the budget baseline established by CIHR. Your past funding history (e.g., NIH) will be used to establish the baseline amount for the Foundation Scheme Stage 2 application. Any request that exceeds the baseline amount will require additional justification. 2. Applicants with no CIHR Open Funding History

32. 32 Budget Request Budget baselines will be calculated for new/early career investigators in the same manner as above. However, it is recognized that new/early career investigators may not have enough of a funding history to establish a meaningful baseline. Therefore the budget request may exceed the established baseline amount. Applicants will still be required to provide additional justification for the increased request. Stage 2 Application Instructions are available on the CIHR website. They provide a detailed breakdown of what you should consider including when developing your application. 3. New/Early career investigators

33. 33 Budget Request In addition to the requirements noted above, in the case of joint applicants, only funding that has been held jointly will be considered in establishing the baseline amount for the joint application. The joint funding history will be used to establish the baseline amount for the Foundation Scheme Stage 2 application. Any request that exceeds the baseline amount will require additional justification. 4. Applicants who are Applying Jointly

34. Using your budget baseline calculated by CIHR, justify the appropriateness of your request. This justification is in addition to that provided for each individual budget category. This section is limited to a maximum of 3,500 characters (including spaces). Remember that applicants must provide a robust justification for any requests that are higher than their funding baseline as established by CIHR. 34 Budget Request

35. Participants on the application must consent and submit before the Administrative Coordinator can submit the application to CIHR via the institution. Every Program Leader and named Program Experts must provide their consent. Once every task is complete, the Administrative Coordinator must review the terms listed and respond to the questions regarding consent in order to submit the application. The Administrative Coordinator will then click "Submit to Research Institution" and the application will be sent to the Institution Paid as part of the e-Approval process and later submitted to CIHR via the institution. Once CIHR receives your application, you will receive an email confirmation. 35 Stage 2 Application Instructions are available on the CIHR website. They provide a detailed breakdown of what you should consider including when developing your application. Decision Process

36. Stage 2 is the final application stage in the Foundation Scheme competition. Here, the Foundation Grant review process is supported by two review stages: Stage 2 – Remote Review Stage 3 – Final Assessment Stage After your Stage 2 application has been received by CIHR, it will first undergo a remote review process by expert reviewers. Only the most competitive Stage 2 applications will move on to Stage 3, the Final Assessment Stage and be subject to a face-to-face discussion by interdisciplinary committee members covering the full spectrum of health research. 36 Decision Process Stage 2 Application Instructions are available on the CIHR website. They provide a detailed breakdown of what you should consider including when developing your application.

37. At Stage 3, the Committee will be responsible for integrating the results of the Stage 2 reviewers, with a focus on assessing ‘grey zone’ applications. All applicants will receive their Notice of Decisions following the Final Assessment Stage. 37 Decision Process

38. Questions regarding the Foundation Scheme Competition can be directed to: Support@cihr.gc.ca