CIHR Doctoral Research Awards – Canada Graduate Scholarships Overview

Guide to Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) PhD Funding

Are you a prospective PhD student with a passion for health research? If so, you may want to consider Canada as your destination for doctoral studies. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) offers generous funding opportunities to support exceptional doctoral students who are pursuing a doctoral degree in a health-related field.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the CIHR Doctoral Research Awards, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, funding details, and important deadlines.

Whether you’re a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or an international student, we’ll help you navigate the application process and maximise your chances of securing this funding.

What is the CIHR Doctoral Research Award?

The CIHR Doctoral Research Award is a research training award provided by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). As the Government of Canada’s health research investment agency, the CIHR aims to support the creation of new scientific knowledge and enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system.

The doctoral award is designed to provide recognition and support to students who are pursuing a doctoral degree in a health-related field at a Canadian institution.

Two Main Programs

The CIHR Doctoral Research Awards are offered through two distinct programs:

1. Frederick Banting and Charles Best Canada Graduate Scholarships Doctoral Awards (CGS-D): This program provides funding for students undertaking their doctoral program in Canada.
2. Doctoral Foreign Study Award (DFSA): This program supports students who wish to pursue their doctoral studies at an institution outside of Canada.

Both programs aim to develop research skills and assist in the training of highly qualified personnel by supporting students who are pursuing a doctoral degree in a health-related field.

Eligibility for CIHR PhD Funding

Before you submit an application, it’s crucial to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the CIHR Doctoral Research Awards.

Key eligibility requirements:

• Citizenship/Residency: You must be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada by the application deadline.
• Doctoral Program Enrolment: You must be applying to or currently enrolled in a full-time doctoral program at a Canadian institution. At the time of application, this must include a significant research component leading to the completion of a thesis and requiring a minimum of 30 hours a week dedicated to doctoral research activities.
• Academic Standing: You should have completed at least 12 months of graduate study at the Master’s or PhD level by the application deadline. If you’re a PhD candidate who has not previously been enrolled in a Master’s program, you cannot have completed more than 24 months of full-time study by December 31 of the calendar year of application.
• Previous Funding: If you have previously held federal doctoral funding (such as from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC) for three years, you are ineligible to apply.

Demonstrating Research Potential:

Beyond these basic requirements, the CIHR application places significant emphasis on your potential for future research achievement. This is assessed through various components of your application, including your academic record, research experience, publications, and sponsor assessment forms.

Funding Details: How Much Does CIHR Provide?

The CIHR offers substantial financial support through the Canada Graduate Scholarships Doctoral program (CGS-D).

Award Value:

• The CGS-D award is valued at $40,000 per year for up to three years, totaling $120,000 in funding. Some sources may still state $35,000 per year, totaling $105,000, as the increase to $40,000 per year was announced in Canada’s Budget 2024.
• In addition to the stipend, you’ll receive a research allowance of $5,000 per year for up to three years.

Eligible Expenses:

This doctoral research award is intended to cover both your living costs and research-related expenses. CIHR guidelines outline specific eligible and non-eligible expenses.

Examples of eligible expenses include:

• Salaries and benefits for research staff.
• Trainee stipends.
• Research travel expenses (economy fare, meals, accommodation, visas, travel insurance).
• Research equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Dissemination costs (e.g., website development, publication fees).

It’s essential to consult the CIHR guidelines to ensure your planned expenses align with the funding conditions.

Navigating the CIHR Application Process

The application process for CIHR Doctoral Research Awards involves several key steps and requires careful attention to detail. You’ll be using two main online platforms: ResearchNet and the Canadian Common CV (CCV).

Here is a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Register for Accounts: If you don’t already have them, create accounts on both ResearchNet and the CCV website.
2. Complete the CIHR Academic CCV: Fill out the CIHR-specific Academic CV on the CCV website. This includes information about your education, relevant experience, publications, and other academic achievements.
3. Link CCV to Application: In ResearchNet, link your completed CCV to your CIHR application.
4. Fill Out the Application Form: The application form on ResearchNet requires a range of information, including:
   • Lay Title and Abstract: A clear, non-technical description of your research project.
   • Training Expectations: Your plan for developing research skills during your doctoral program.
   • Research Summary: A detailed description of your proposed research project, including its significance, methodology, and expected outcomes.
   • Indigenous Form (if applicable): If your research involves Indigenous communities, you’ll need to complete a specific form addressing ethical considerations.
   • Area Confirmation: Confirmation that your research aligns with CIHR’s mandate.
   • Timeline: A proposed timeline for your research activities.
   • Official Transcripts: You’ll need to upload official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions you’ve attended. If you are registered in a graduate program, but the registration is not currently indicated on the transcript, you must provide proof of registration.
5. Additional Documents: Prepare and upload the following documents:
   • Two Reference Letters: These should be from individuals who can speak to your research abilities and potential.
   • Publications List: A list of your publications, if any.
   • Proof of Citizenship/Residence: Documentation confirming your status as a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
   • Relevance Form (if applicable): If your research area is on the periphery of CIHR’s mandate, you may need to submit a form justifying its relevance.
6. Routing Slip: Obtain the required signatures on the routing slip from your proposed supervisor and the institution where you plan to hold the award.
7. Submission: Submit your completed application through ResearchNet before the application deadline. Ensure all documents are formatted correctly and uploaded successfully.

Other important considerations to keep in mind are:

• CIHR Mandate: Your research must align with CIHR’s mandate to support health-related research.
• Tri-Agency Framework: You must comply with the Tri-Agency Framework on Responsible Conduct of Research.
• Peer Review: Your application will be evaluated by a specific Peer Review Committee. Consult the CIHR themes and discuss with your supervisor which committee best fits your research area.
• Post-Application: If you are awarded funding, you must sign the Response to Offer and Confirmation of Commencement within 15 business days.

Evaluation Criteria: What CIHR Looks For

The CIHR uses specific evaluation criteria to assess applications for doctoral research awards. Understanding these criteria will help you tailor your application for success.

The key assessment areas are:

1. Achievements and Activities of the Candidate (35%):
   • Publication Activity (10%): Quality and impact of your publications, if any.
   • Research Contributions & Activities: Your involvement in research projects, presentations at conferences, and other research-related activities.
   • Honors, Awards, Academic Distinction: Any academic awards, scholarships, or other recognitions you’ve received.
   • Other Relevant Achievements: Any other achievements that demonstrate your potential for research.
2. Characteristics and Abilities of the Applicant: This is based on sponsor assessment forms completed by your referees. They will assess your critical thinking, independence, perseverance, originality, organisational skills, and interest in discovery.
3. Training Expectations and Proposed Research Project: The feasibility, innovation, and potential impact of your proposed research project are evaluated. This includes the clarity of your research question, the appropriateness of your methodology, and the significance of your expected findings.
4. Research Environment: While the weight of this criterion is not explicitly specified for the doctoral awards, it is a standard component of CIHR grant proposals. It assesses the quality of the research environment at your chosen institution, including the availability of resources, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration.

Reviewer Scoring:

Reviewers use a rating scale ranging from “Outstanding” (4.5-4.9) to “Not Acceptable” (below 2.0). CIHR emphasises the importance of using the full rating scale to ensure accurate evaluations. Reviewers are also cautioned against unconscious bias based on gender, discipline, or geography.

To maximise your chances, ensure your application clearly demonstrates your strengths in each of these areas. Highlight your achievements, provide a compelling description of your research project, and showcase your potential for future research success.

Important Deadlines and Timing

Meeting deadlines is crucial when applying for CIHR funding. Here are the key dates to keep in mind for the upcoming competition:

• Application Submission Deadline: September 26, 2024
• Institutional Review & Ranking Deadline: Institutions must forward their selected applications to CIHR by November 21, 2024.
• Transcript Request Deadline: Ideally, you should request your official transcripts by September 11, 2024, to ensure they arrive in time.
• Application Finalisation: Aim to finalise and submit an application well before the September 26, 2024 deadline.
• Notification of Internal Selection: You can expect to be notified of your institution’s internal selection by December 15, 2024.
• CIHR Final Results Notification: CIHR will announce the final results of the national competition by the end of April 2025.

Reporting Requirements and Conditions

If you are successful in securing a CIHR Doctoral Research Award, you will need to adhere to specific reporting requirements and conditions throughout the duration of your funding.

Key Obligations:

• Tri-Agency Compliance: You must comply with the Tri-Agency Framework on Responsible Conduct of Research (RCR) and the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans (TCPS 2).
• REB Approval: If your research involves human participants, you must obtain approval from a Research Ethics Board (REB) and notify them of any changes to your research.
• Certification Requirements: You must meet the certification requirements for ethical conduct as outlined for funded applications.
• Reporting Changes: Immediately report any changes to your research that affect certifications or approvals.
• Financial Management: Follow the Tri-Agency Guide on Financial Administration (TAGFA) for managing your award funds.
• Acknowledgement: Acknowledge CIHR funding in all publications and presentations arising from your research. Include your CIHR File Reference Number (FRN).
• Time Commitment: Devote a minimum of 75% of your time to research training activities to maintain eligibility.

Breaches of policy can have serious consequences, including the withholding of funding, termination of the award, or ineligibility for future funding from CIHR or other Tri-Agency members.

Combining CIHR Funding with Other Sources

You may be wondering if you can combine your CIHR funding with other scholarships or funding sources. Here are the general rules to keep in mind:

• Multiple Sources for Same Research: CIHR generally allows funding from multiple sources for the same research project, provided there is no duplication of funding for identical activities.
• Tri-Council Rule: You cannot simultaneously hold a fellowship or scholarship from CIHR, NSERC, or SSHRC.
• University-Specific Awards: CIHR Doctoral Award recipients may be eligible for university-specific supplementary awards. Check with your institution for available opportunities.
• MSFSS: CGS-D holders can apply for the Michael Smith Foreign Study Supplements (MSFSS) to support research outside Canada.

It’s essential to be transparent with CIHR and your institution about all funding sources you are receiving or applying for.

By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, you can successfully navigate the CIHR Doctoral Research Awards application process and secure funding for your doctoral studies in Canada. Remember to start early, pay close attention to detail, and seek guidance from your supervisor and institution throughout the process. Good luck!