5.4 Research Priorities and Funding
Research Funding in Canada
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is Canada’s primary federal agency responsible for funding health research. Within it, there are 13 virtual institutes, each focusing on specific areas of health research, such as cancer, genetics, and indigenous health (CIHR, 2021; CIHR, 2022). These institutes bring together researchers, health professionals, and policymakers to collaborate on improving the health of Canadians through innovative research and knowledge translation (CIHR, 2022).
Another important source of research funding for genomics come from Genome Canada [PDF]. The organization supports genomics research impact areas of health, climate and environment, and food and agriculture.
Setting Research Priorities
Although there are many excellent research questions, funding research is competitive. How can a researcher know what topics have the best chance of being funded? Competitions for research grants are established through the various funding agencies and organizations, each with specific mandates and priorities. Major funding bodies like the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) regularly announce calls for proposals. These calls outline the eligibility criteria, application guidelines, and evaluation processes for different types of research projects.
The CIHR has an Institute of Genetics (CIHR-IG) which facilitates research on human and model genomes, encompassing all areas of genetics related to health and disease. This includes translating research findings into health policies and practices, as well as addressing the societal impacts of genetic discoveries. The Institute’s strategic plan titled Sequencing our Future (2022-2027) [PDF]. This document describes the Institute’s strategic priorities for genomic research. Funding for research is often prioritized based on these types of documents which outline key research priorities and goals to guide funding decisions to areas that promise the most significant impacts.
Priorities for nursing genomics research are determined through a combination of national health priorities, emerging scientific evidence, and the needs identified by healthcare professionals and patients. Additionally, professional organizations and academic institutions play a significant role in setting research agendas and securing funding to advance the field of nursing genomics.
Attribution & References
Except where otherwise noted, this section is written by Andrea Gretchev, licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0
References
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). (2021). CIHR Strategic Plan 2021-2031. https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/52331.html
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). (2022). Annual Report 2021-22. https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/53108.html
