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Section II: Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Strategic Outcome #1: Advances in Health Knowledge

CIHR supports research that is likely to create knowledge to improve human health or the health system. For instance, this knowledge could be about the cause of a disease, a new preventive measure or better treatment procedures. CIHR uses a rigorous process called "peer review" to evaluate which research projects to fund. Depending on the program, projects are evaluated on the basis of their scientific excellence, their importance and potential impact, and their relevance to government priorities.

Strategic Outcome Program Activities Sub-Program Activities
1. Advances in Health Knowledge 1.1 Open Research 1.1.1 Open Operating Grants Program
1.1.2 Randomized Controlled Trials
1.1.3 Team Grants Program
1.2 Strategic Priority Research 1.2.1 Strategic Priority Operating Grants Program
1.2.2 Large Strategic Initiatives
1.2.3 HIV/AIDS Research Initiative
1.2.4 Pandemic Preparedness Initiative
1.2.5 Expensive Drugs for Rare Diseases
1.2.6 National Anti-Drug Strategy Treatment Initiative

Program Activity Summary

Open Research aims to advance health knowledge through an "open" competitive program designed to stimulate innovation and creativity. It is an investigator-driven program that funds a full spectrum of health research. Strategic Priority Research, on the other hand, funds targeted research into critical areas.

 

Program Activity: 1.1 Open Research
2008-09 Financial Resources
($ millions)
2008-09 Human Resources
(FTEs)
Planned
Spending
Total
Authorities
Actual
Spending
Planned Actual Difference
$ 462.6 $ 470.9 $ 493.9 228 205 23
Expected
Results
Performance
Indicators
Targets Performance
Status
Performance
Summary
Excellent health research conducted responding to best researcher ideas, through effective funding programs Success of CIHR research programs including results, awareness and satisfaction levels. Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results. Mostly Met Reports by researchers provide some evidence that the programs demonstrate effectiveness and results. For example:
In 1992 Dr. Samuel Weiss discovered neural stem cells in the brains of adult mammals. Dr. Weiss made this discovery quite unexpectedly, while looking at how to use growth factors to protect the brain. Since then his research has focused on understanding how neural stem cells work and how they can be used to heal neural tissue and help people recover from brain and spinal cord injuries or diseases. In recognition of this work, Dr. Weiss received a 2008 Gairdner International Award, one of the world’s most prestigious awards for medical research.

Dr. Peter St. George-Hyslop has done pioneering research into the causes and consequences of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. This research has paved the way for the development of new treatments for these diseases. For example, in 2006, he found a sugar-like substance which stops the build-up of toxic plaque in mice with Alzheimer's disease. Dr. St. George-Hyslop won a 2008 Killam Prize for this work.

The number of applications received for this Program Activity is an indication of awareness and research capacity levels. 3,813 applications were received in 2008-09, compared to 3,740 last year. The number of fundable applications is an indication of program effectiveness as well as overall quality of submitted proposals. 66% of the applications submitted were fundable, as compared to 67% last year.

Excellent health research conducted responding to best researcher ideas, through effective funding programs Success of CIHR research programs including results, awareness and satisfaction levels. Maintain or increase the number of applications submitted per $ of funding available. Met All 8.2 applications were submitted per $1M of funding available which was substantially the same as last year notwithstanding the increase in both the funding and the total number of applications received.
Excellent health research conducted responding to best researcher ideas, through effective funding programs Proportion of overall expenditures from CIHR grants budget 45% of overall grants budget Exceeded 51% of overall grants budget was spent compared to a target of 45%.

 

Program Activity: 1.2 Strategic Priority Research
2008-09 Financial Resources
($ millions)
2008-09 Human Resources
(FTEs)
Planned
Spending
Total
Authorities
Actual
Spending
Planned Actual Difference
$ 122.6 $ 147.2 $ 131.6 60 55 5
Expected
Results
Performance
Indicators
Targets Performance
Status
Performance
Summary
Excellent health research conducted responding to research priorities, through effective funding programs Success of CIHR research programs including results, awareness, satisfaction levels, and appropriateness of priorities Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results. Mostly Met Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results through the following examples:

A major evaluation of the HIV/AIDS Community-based Research Program was led by the Public Health Agency of Canada in 2008-09. Overall, the evaluation concluded that the program was helping communities and academia respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic, building research capacity at the community level and in academic circles.

A midterm evaluation of the Pandemic Preparedness Strategic Research Initiative (PPSRI) led by the Public Health Agency of Canada found that the program has been especially successful in developing solid and productive partnerships, developing consensus on research priorities, implementing tools to address these priorities and providing a solid foundation for future success. The overall conclusion of the evaluation is that the program’s design, delivery and initial outputs are ensuring that its goals of improving Canada’s pandemic preparedness and increasing research capacity in the area can be met.

The number of applications received for this Program Activity is an indication of awareness and research capacity levels. 1,359 applications were received in 2008-09, compared to 989 last year.  The number of fundable applications is an indication of program effectiveness as well as of quality of application received.   72.7% of all evaluated applications received were fundable compared to 69.3% last year. 

Excellent health research conducted responding to research priorities, through effective funding programs Success of CIHR research programs including results, awareness, satisfaction levels, and appropriateness of priorities Maintain or increase the number of applications submitted per $ of funding available. Met All 10.9 applications were submitted per $1M of funding available which was substantially the same as last year notwithstanding the increase in both the funding and the total number of applications received.
Excellent health research conducted responding to research priorities, through effective funding programs Proportion of overall expenditures from CIHR grants budget 9% of overall grants budget Exceeded 13.6% of overall grants budget was spent compared to a target of 9%

Benefits for Canadians
CIHR invests heavily in research which leads to advances in health knowledge. This research accounts for approximately 65% of CIHR’s overall Grants and Awards expenditures. Initiatives such as the Pandemic Preparedness Strategic Research Initiative or the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging are examples of research that will help protect Canadians from disease and provide comprehensive data for better health outcomes and resulting improved techniques will enhance quality of life and lower health costs. These programs also build research capacity across Canada, providing high-quality jobs for Canadians and stimulating the economy.

Performance Analysis
In 2008-09, both the Open Research and the Strategic Priority Research program activities successfully supported advances in health research knowledge in Canada, positively affecting the health of Canadians and their health system. The research community was aware of and satisfied with CIHR's services and programs. Strategic priorities were identified and addressed though appropriate funding opportunities. Targets in relation to expenditures and numbers of applications were met or exceeded. Actual spending for the Open Operating Grants Program at $411.8M was $29.8M more than had been originally planned as a result of funds reallocated from other grants and awards programs across all strategic outcomes to enable CIHR to fund more of the outstanding fundable proposals received for this program.

Lessons Learned
Peer review is essential to ensure excellence. However, the steady growth in CIHR programming and applications from researchers is straining the peer review system. CIHR is taking measures to increase the efficiency of peer review and to streamline and standardize its programming.


Strategic Outcome #2: People and Research Capacity

CIHR's second strategic outcome is a strong and talented health research community in Canada that is among the best and most innovative and productive in the world. CIHR's funding does this in part by helping Canadian institutions to attract and retain the "best and the brightest".

Strategic Outcome Program Activities Sub-Program Activities
2. A strong and talented health research community with the capacity to undertake health research 2.1 Researchers and Trainees 2.1.1 Salary Support Programs
2.1.2 Training Support Programs
2.1.3 Canada Research Chairs Grants
2.1.4 Canada Graduate Scholarships
2.1.5 Strategic Salary Support Programs
2.1.6 Strategic Training Support Programs
2.2 Research Resources and Collaboration  
2.3 National and International Partnerships 2.3.1 Institute Support Grants
2.3.2 Partnerships Programs
2.4 Ethical, Legal and Social Issues  

Program Activity Summary

The main instruments used by CIHR to develop a community of outstanding health researchers include salary and training awards for researchers and trainees, Canada Graduate Scholarships for students, and the Canada Research Chair grants for proven investigators. Other programming is designed to foster collaborations and partnerships and research into ethical, legal and social issues.

 

Program Activity: 2.1 Researchers and Trainees
2008-09 Financial Resources
($ millions)
2008-09 Human Resources
(FTEs)
Planned
Spending
Total
Authorities
Actual
Spending
Planned Actual Difference
$196.1 $ 198.2 $ 188.9 97 78 19
Expected
Results
Performance
Indicators
Targets Performance
Status
Performance
Summary
A supply of highly qualified health researchers and trainees is available to conduct excellent research in areas of strength or need as a result of effective funding programs. Success of CIHR-funded salary and training programs including results, awareness, satisfaction levels and appropriateness of funding opportunities developed for capacity development Evaluations of programs demonstrate effectiveness and results. Mostly Met Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results through the following examples:

Reports on the recently completed Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) Program evaluation, as well as preliminary results from the Doctoral Research Award (DRA) evaluation, will soon be posted with management responses. Recommendations regarding improvements to these programs are expected to help refine the current delivery and design approach in all cases.

An evaluation completed in 2008 of the Strategic Training Initiatives in Health Research (STIHR) Program concluded that it had performed well in terms of trainees' disciplinary background, early scholarly productivity, and perceptions of the training environment and trainee experience. Additionally, the program appears to be increasing the number of research training opportunities for health systems and services and clinical trainees.

The fifth-year evaluation of the Canada Research Chairs Program concluded that it had helped to create a research environment that is conducive to the long-term retention and attraction of top researchers. Chairholders reported significant increases in research productivity and the number of highly-qualified personnel being trained at the graduate level since receiving their Chair awards compared to other researchers over the same time period. Also, they reported research impacts such as patents, inventions and potential health treatments which could be at least partly attributable to the program.  It also attracted between $218M and $342M in additional research funds.

The number of applications received for this Program Activity is an indication of awareness and satisfaction levels. 3,803 applications were received in 2008-09, compared to 3,013 last year.  The number of fundable applications is an indication of program effectiveness as well as the depth of the research field. 93.8% of the applications submitted were fundable, compared to 95.7% last year. 

A supply of highly qualified health researchers and trainees is available to conduct excellent research in areas of strength or need as a result of effective funding programs Success of CIHR-funded salary and training programs including results, awareness, satisfaction levels and appropriateness of funding opportunities developed for capacity development Maintain or increase the number of applications submitted per $ of funding available. Exceeded 21.4 applications were submitted per $1M of funding available which was an increase of 5.1 applications per $1M from last year.
A supply of highly qualified health researchers and trainees is available to conduct excellent research in areas of strength or need as a result of effective funding programs Proportion of overall expenditures from CIHR grants budget Funding equal to 19% of overall grants budget) Met All 19.4% of overall grants budget was spent compared to a target of 19%

 

Program Activity: 2.2 Research Resources and Collaboration
2008-09 Financial Resources
($ millions)
2008-09 Human Resources
(FTEs)
Planned
Spending
Total
Authorities
Actual
Spending
Planned Actual Difference
$ 50.9 $ 52.0 $ 58.9 25 24 1
Expected
Results
Performance
Indicators
Targets Performance
Status
Performance
Summary
High quality research resources are available for excellent health research as a result of effective funding programs Success of CIHR-funded research resources and collaboration programs including results, awareness, satisfaction levels and appropriateness of funding opportunities for research resources. Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results. Mostly Met There has not been a comprehensive evaluation of this program as many of the activities are of recent origin.  Reports from program managers, researchers and partners for projects such as the Canadian Light Source and the Structural Genomics Consortium are positive.

The number of applications received is a recognized indication of awareness and satisfaction levels. In 2008-09, 558 applications were received, compared to 122 last year.  In addition, the number of fundable applications is an indication of program effectiveness as well as the depth of the research field. 83.2% of the applications submitted were fundable, a significant increase of 11.1% from last year.

High quality research resources are available for excellent health research as a result of effective funding programs Success of CIHR-funded research resources and collaboration programs including results, awareness, satisfaction levels and appropriateness of funding opportunities for research resources. Maintain or increase the number of applications submitted per $ of funding available. Exceeded 10.0 applications were submitted per $1M of funding available in 2008-09; a large increase from 2.5 applications submitted per $1M in funding in 2007-08.
High quality research resources are available for excellent health research as a result of effective funding programs Types of support by area of health research (by theme and Institute) Maintain diversity of health research support (proportions by theme and Institute) Met All All themes and all Institutes were funded.
Appropriate resources available that enable adequate research resources Proportion of fundable  applications received by CIHR that are funded 90% of fundable applications are funded Mostly Met 84.9% of fundable applications were funded which is slightly lower than the target of 90%
Appropriate resources available that enable adequate research resources Proportion of overall expenditures from CIHR grants budget 5% of overall grants budget Met All 6.1% of overall grants budget was spent compared to a target of 5%

 

Program Activity: 2.3 National and International Partnerships
2008-09 Financial Resources
($ millions)
2008-09 Human Resources
(FTEs)
Planned
Spending
Total
Authorities
Actual
Spending
Planned Actual Difference
$ 25.2 $ 25.4 $ 23.7 12 10 2
Expected
Results
Performance
Indicators
Targets Performance
Status
Performance
Summary
National and international health research agendas are formulated and implemented, and increased relevance and quantity of research is achieved as a result of strong alliances and partnerships. Success of CIHR-funded partnership research programs including results, awareness and satisfaction levels. Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results. Somewhat Met There has not been a recent evaluation of the program.   However, reports from program managers, researchers and partners for the Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP), the Regional Partnership Program and the Small Health Organizations Partnership Program are positive.

The Institute Support Grant program was extensively reviewed by CIHR and Treasury Board over the last three years, with the conclusion that it was the most appropriate and efficient mechanism for the operation of the Institutes.

The number of applications received for this Program Activity is an indication of awareness and satisfaction levels. 103 applications were received in 2008-09, compared to 94 last year.  The number of fundable applications is an indication of program effectiveness as well as the depth of the research field. 56.3% of the applications submitted were fundable, compared to 87.2% last year.

National and international health research agendas are formulated and implemented, and increased relevance and quantity of research is achieved as a result of strong alliances and partnerships. Success of CIHR-funded partnership research programs including results, awareness and satisfaction levels. Maintain or increase the number of applications submitted per $ of funding available. Met All 6.0 applications were submitted per $1M of funding available which was substantially the same as last year.
National and international health research agendas are formulated and implemented, and increased relevance and quantity of research is achieved as a result of strong alliances and partnerships Proportion of overall expenditures from CIHR grants budget 2% of overall grants budget Met All 2.4% of overall grants budget was spent compared to a target of 2%

 

Program Activity: 2.4 Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (ELSI)
2008-09 Financial Resources
($ millions)
2008-09 Human Resources
(FTEs)
Planned
Spending
Total
Authorities
Actual
Spending
Planned Actual Difference
$ 2.9 $ 3.0 $ 2.4 2 2 -
Expected
Results
Performance
Indicators
Targets Performance
Status
Performance
Summary
Health research conducted more ethically as a result of effective funding programs Outputs and impacts of funded research Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results. Somewhat Met There has not been a recent evaluation of the program.   However, reports from program managers, researchers and partners are positive. 

The number of applications received for this Program Activity is an indication of awareness and research capacity levels. In 2008-09, 38 applications were received compared to 25 last year.  The number of fundable applications is an indication of program effectiveness as well as of quality of the proposals submitted. In 2008-09, 68.4% of the applications submitted were fundable as compared with 88% last year.

Health research conducted more ethically as a result of effective funding programs Outputs and impacts of funded research Maintain or increase the number of applications submitted per $ of funding available. Met All 17.3 applications were submitted per $1M of funding available which was approximately the same as last year.
Health research conducted more ethically as a result of effective funding programs Proportion of overall expenditures for research targeted to strategic areas pertaining to ethical, legal and social issues in the context of health and health research. 0.2% of overall grants budget Met All 0.2% of overall grants budget was spent which is the same as the target.

Benefits for Canadians
Under the S&T Strategy, the government is committed to creating a "People Advantage" by measures including the attraction, retention and development of a highly-skilled workforce. As the Strategy notes, "talented, skilled, creative people are the most critical element of a successful national economy." These programs help to stimulate innovation in health science and services, high-value economic activity and employment, and international recognition for Canadian institutions and researchers. CIHR supports over 13,000 researchers and trainees. These programs also ensure that researchers acquire up-to-date equipment, databases and facilities, and thus increase the scope and impact of their research. Finally, CIHR's work in ethics fosters research safety and integrity and increases public trust in health research.

Performance Analysis
The results of the four Program Activities successfully supported a strong and talented health research community in Canada. In 2008-09, the numbers of applications suggest that researchers are well aware of CIHR's programs and that they are relevant to them. CIHR's funding was well distributed by type of research (both by theme and by Institute), helping to ensure a broad and diverse research base capable of responding to the changing health research needs and priorities of Canadians. CIHR provided resources and support to thousands of researchers, trainees, and students so that Canadian institutions could retain the "best and the brightest". Targets in relation to expenditures and numbers of applications were met or exceeded. The outputs and the impacts of the programs (as evidenced by evaluations or reports from program managers, researchers or partners) either met, or somewhat met the targets. These programs will be reviewed in the coming year to either enhance their systems and services or to redirect the funding more effectively.

Lessons Learned
CIHR recognizes that it must strengthen its support of postdoctoral trainees and early career researchers. Our challenge is to provide young investigators with the mentoring and operational support that they require to successfully pursue careers in academia as well as the private and not-for-profit sectors.

Strategic Outcome Program Activities Sub-Program Activities
3. KT & Commercialization 3.1 Knowledge Translation of Health Research 3.1.1 Knowledge Translation Programs
3.1.2 Networks of Centres of Excellence Grants Program
3.2 Commercialization of Health Research  

Strategic Outcome # 3: Knowledge Translation and Commercialization

Knowledge translation, a main component of CIHR's mandate, is a dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically-sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system. CIHR supports and facilitates knowledge translation by funding knowledge translation research, knowledge synthesis and dissemination of findings, exchange and application activities and by building knowledge translation networks. Through its commercialization programs, CIHR supports research and knowledge translation activities that can lead to commercial applications to improve health and the Canadian economy.

Program Activity Summary

Knowledge Translation and Health Research funds knowledge translation research and activities, and supports partnerships that can accelerate knowledge translation. CIHR also develops measurement, analysis and evaluation policies, frameworks and tools to assess the outcomes and impacts of CIHR-funded research aimed at knowledge translation. Commercialization of Health Research funds a number of programs that work closely with industry to facilitate the commercialization of research.

 

Program Activity: 3.1 Knowledge Translation and Health Research
2008-09 Financial Resources
($ millions)
2008-09 Human Resources
(FTEs)
Planned
Spending
Total
Authorities
Actual
Spending
Planned Actual Difference
$ 40.8 $ 43.6 $ 41.5 20 17 3
Expected
Results
Performance
Indicators
Targets Performance
Status
Performance
Summary
Health research is translated more effectively as result of funding programs Success of CIHR research programs including results, awareness and satisfaction levels. Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results. Met All Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results through the following examples:

In 2007-08 the Networks for Centres of Excellence (NCE) Program was evaluated both from a program effectiveness/efficiency standpoint, as well as from a relevance and “niche” standpoint. Both evaluations were positive, and identified the program’s direct contributions to the government’s S&T priorities.  A recent analysis found that 10% of all university spin-off companies, including Xenon Genetics, one of the most successful biomedical companies, could be attributed to the NCE Program.

CIHR concluded a case study of one of its KT funded projects in which researchers worked closely with a local health authority. They identified best practices and developed guidelines for local use. The result was an increase in healing rates from 23% to 56% and a reduction in the number of nursing visits from 3.1 to 2.1 per week.

The number of applications received for this Program Activity is an indication of awareness and satisfaction levels. In 2008-09, 409 applications were received compared to 283 last year.  The number of fundable applications is an indication of program effectiveness as well as the depth of the research field. In 2008-09, 74.8% of the applications submitted were fundable, compared to 69.6% last year. 

Health research is translated more effectively as result of funding programs Success of CIHR research programs including results, awareness and satisfaction levels. Maintain or increase the number of applications submitted per $ of funding available Met All 10.5 applications were submitted per $1M of funding available which was substantially the same as in 2007-08.
Health research is translated more effectively as result of funding programs Number, scope and diversity of knowledge translation activities supported by CIHR (and its partners, where relevant) or resulting from CIHR activities.  Maintain or increase the number, scope and diversity of KT activities. Mostly Met Diversity of research supportedKT program research is supported across the mandates of all 13 institutes, but was concentrated in one main area in 2008-09.
Health research is translated more effectively as result of funding programs Number and types of stakeholders as well as types of knowledge translation activities during the research process. Maintain or increase number and types of stakeholders involved in KT. Mostly Met Reports from program managers, researchers and partners indicate that the number and diversity of stakeholders involved in KT have been maintained.  As an example, in 2008-09, the NCE Program involved a total of 697 companies, 32 provincial and federal government departments and agencies, 100 hospitals, 694 universities, and 650 other organizations from Canada and abroad.
Health research is translated more effectively as result of funding programs Proportion of overall expenditures from CIHR grants budget. 4% of overall grants budget Met All 4.3% of overall grants budget was spent in 2008-09 which was marginally higher than the target of 4.0%.

 

Program Activity: 3.2 Commercialization of Health Research
2008-09 Financial Resources
($ millions)
2008-09 Human Resources
(FTEs)
Planned
Spending
Total
Authorities
Actual
Spending
Planned Actual Difference
$ 27.5 $ 33.7 $ 28.5 14 12 2
Expected
Results
Performance
Indicators
Targets Performance
Status
Performance
Summary
Health research is commercialized more effectively as a result of funding programs Outputs and impacts of funded research. Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results. Somewhat Met There has not been a recent comprehensive evaluation of these programs however:

An analysis of the Proof-of-Principle (PoP) Program, which supports researchers in demonstrating the commercial potential of their intellectual property (IP), found that 76% of funded grants resulted in new patents; 26% resulted in the licensing of IP; and 14% resulted in the creation of new companies.

The number of applications received for this Program Activity is an indication of awareness and satisfaction levels. In 2008-09, 210 applications were received compared to 386 last year.  The number of fundable applications is an indication of program effectiveness as well as the depth of the research field. In 2008-09, 75.7% of the applications submitted were fundable, compared to 57.2% last year. 

Health research is commercialized more effectively as a result of funding programs Outputs and impacts of funded research. Maintain or increase the number of applications per $ of funding available. Exceeded 7.8 applications were submitted per $1M of funding available which was double the number of applications submitted per $1M in funding in 2007-08. This suggests increasing awareness for this program.
Appropriate resources available that enable commercialization of health research. Proportion of fundable applications received by CIHR that are funded. 55% of fundable applications are funded Exceeded 95.6% of fundable applications were funded, which is significantly higher than the target of 55%.
Appropriate resources available that enable commercialization of health research. Proportion of overall expenditures from CIHR grants budget. 3% of overall grants budget Met All 3% of overall grants budget was spent which was the same as the target.

Benefits for Canadians
Programs under the Knowledge Translation and Commercialization Strategic Outcome mobilize some of Canada's best research talent in the Canadian academic community to engage Canadian and international partners to support the use of research evidence to improve health and the health system and to contribute to economic growth in Canada.

Performance Analysis
Evaluations and reports from program managers, researchers and partners provide some evidence that the Knowledge Translation of Health Research Program and the Commercialization Program are effective. The number of applications per dollar of funding available and percentage of fundable applications indicate that the research community is aware of these programs and interest in them is growing. With respect to diversity of research supported, KT program research was supported across the mandates of all 13 institutes with a concentration in the domain of health services and policy research. Number and types of stakeholders as well as types of knowledge translation activities during the research process were maintained in the period. Both programs met its proportion of overall grant expenditures targets.

Lessons Learned
CIHR will aim to continuously improve its programming and policies in this area and focus on partnerships between researchers and knowledge users in the private and public sectors to support knowledge translation activities. CIHR has established Knowledge Translation and Commercialization Advisory Committees to provide the President and the Vice President of Knowledge Translation with recommendations on how to improve this aspect of CIHR's programming.