CIHR SIGNATURE INITIATIVES
Addressing Health and Health System Research Priorities
In 2009, CIHR laid out its vision for the next five years in Health Research Roadmap: Creating innovative
research for better health and health care. The second strategic direction in Roadmap is to address Health and
Health System Research Priorities.
Investment in health research requires careful consideration of where Canada can capitalize on areas of
strength and excellence, energize identified priority areas, and build research capacity in new fields of health
research to have the biggest impact. By concentrating resources on priority areas, the CIHR can help generate
discoveries that translate into better health products, health services and health policies.
Strategic investment planning ensures that Canadians get the most benefits from investments in health
research. As part of the implementation of Roadmap, CIHR launched a process to attain greater focus and
impact from its strategic investments. This process involved environmental scanning and evaluation to identify
needs and opportunities where additional research could make a difference and produce measurable results.
Strategic leads were then identified to develop business cases and plans which identify pan-CIHR Initiatives to
address these needs. 2010-11 was the first year of this new strategic investments process.
Contained in this document is information (including contact information) related to the following eight
Signature Initiatives that will help CIHR allocate its resources to make the strongest possible impact on
health and health care – today, tomorrow and well into the future.
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Patient-Oriented Research Networks and Support Units
Personalized Medicine
Evidence Informed Healthcare Renewal
Community-Based Primary Health Care
Pathways to Health Equity for Aboriginal Peoples
Canadian Epigenetics, Environment and Health Research Consortium
Inflammation in Chronic Disease
International Collaborative Research Strategy for Alzheimer's Disease
Detailed information is available at: http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/43567.html
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1.
PATIENT-ORIENTED RESEARCH NETWORKS AND SUPPORT UNITS
This initiative aims to accelerate the translation of research results into improved health outcomes by investing in
the creation of patient-oriented research networks to coordinate research along thematic lines and link researchers
across provinces and regions.
Contact Information
Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Email: spor-srap@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
2.
PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
This initiative aims to capitalize on Canadian health researchers' strengths in identifying disease-related genes and
biomarkers and in translational research in order to integrate evidenced-based medicine and precision diagnostics
into clinical practice. Fact sheet; Funding Opportunities; News
Introduction The CIHR Institute of Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics, and Institute of Health Services and Policy
Research, in partnership with several CIHR institutes, and in close consultation with provincial and federal funders,
are leading a new strategic initiative in Personalized Medicine. The goal of this initiative is to engage biomedical,
clinical, population health, health economics, ethics and policy researchers, as well as provincial health authorities,
in an undertaking to identify health care burdens in disease that are suitable for a personalized medicine approach.
This initiative will ultimately support translational research for the effective prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of
disease.
Scope of Personalized Medicine Personalized medicine promises to transform the delivery of healthcare to patients.
Healthcare will evolve from a reactive “one- size-fits-all” system towards a system of predictive, preventive, and
precision care. Personalized medicine will not only focus on the identification of biomarkers and genetic signatures
for prevention and prediction of therapeutic response, but will also enhance awareness about lifestyle and
preventive lifestyle changes. Areas in which personalized approaches are particularly promising include oncology,
cardiovascular diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, diabetes and obesity, arthritis, pain, and
Alzheimer’s disease. In all of these fields, and others, a personalized molecular medicine approach is expected to
lead to better health outcomes, improved treatments, and reduction in toxicity due to variable or adverse drug
responses.
Objectives: Specific objectives of the Personalized Medicine Initiative are:
 To develop an evidence base on how to assess and, where appropriate, integrate innovative diagnostics
(including laboratory diagnostics and medical imaging) into health policy and practice.
 To stimulate the discovery, validation, and translation of biomarkers, targets and genomic signatures for
risk prevention and for diseases, which have the potential to improve the outcomes of therapeutic
interventions by selecting tailoring of treatment choices to individual patient characteristics.
 To foster the development and validation of diagnostics based on such biomarkers, targets and genomic
signatures, and of innovative devices for the application to patient practice.
Developing a National Research Agenda The proposed initiative will build on significant Canadian strengths in
discovery research, clinical trials, biomarkers, and nanotechnology. It will also build on Canada’s strong existing
infrastructure, including genome centers, large-scale cohort studies, and tissue/tumor/serum banks. This initiative
will engage provincial health authorities, multiple funding parties, clinicians and researchers to develop a
personalized medicine pipeline to enable effective policy leading to preventative interventions as well as molecular,
evidence-based medicine to the health care system.
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Partnerships This personalized medicine initiative will interface with CIHR’s Strategy on Patient-Oriented Research,
as well as with other existing and developing CIHR initiatives. We are working in close collaboration with provincial
and federal funders to develop a coordinated approach. Workshops scheduled for 2011 will engage provincial
health authorities, Health Canada, voluntary health organizations, researchers in biomedical, clinical, health services,
and policy research, provincial funders, and others, to foster a dialogue on a national health research agenda that
will address pressing priorities relevant to personalized medicine. The aim of these workshops is to identify gaps and
priorities in personalized medicine and to develop a national framework for personalized medicine. We also hope to
engage other potential partners and seek their expertise to further enhance this initiative.
Contact Information
Dr. Morag Park / Dr. Inga Murawski, CIHR Institute of Cancer Research
Dr. Paul Lasko / Ms. Stephanie Robertson, CIHR Institute Genetics
Dr. Robyn Tamblyn / Ms. Maude Ruest Archambault, CIHR Institute of Health Services and Policy Research
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
160 Elgin Street, 9th Floor, Address Locator 4809A
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0W9 Canada
Tel: 514-398-2981
Email: inga.murawski@mcgill.ca
3.
EVIDENCE INFORMED HEALTHCARE RENEWAL
The Evidence-Informed Healthcare Renewal (EIHR) initiative will support researchers and decision makers to work
together to advance the current state of knowledge, generate novel and creative solutions, and translate evidence
for uptake into policy and practice to strengthen Canada’s healthcare systems. This initiative aims to provide timely
and high-quality evidence - both in the short term and beyond for the perennial topics of how best to finance,
sustain and govern provincial, territorial and federal healthcare systems.
Objectives and priority areas The objectives of the EIHR initiative are to:
• fund timely and policy-relevant research on healthcare renewal in Canada
• advance the timely translation of research evidence to government officials in order to improve the
financing, sustainability and governance of the healthcare system
• increase the capacity of the research community to generate excellent research in the priority areas of
healthcare financing, sustainability and governance
The initiative will focus on three priority areas in order to achieve its objectives: healthcare financing and funding
models; health system sustainability; governance and accountability. Innovation in these areas will require
contributions from a wide range of disciplines and methodological approaches. Health services and health policy
research can benefit from contributions from economics, political science, sociology, philosophy, law, and other
relevant fields, as well as from the involvement of policy makers, decision makers and healthcare providers.
Contact Information
eihr-rssbdp@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
4.
COMMUNITY-BASED PRIMARY HEALTH CARE
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is launching an Initiative to fund research that supports the delivery of
high-quality, community-based primary healthcare across Canada. Its goals are to improve access to appropriate
community-based primary healthcare, enhance the patient experience, and contribute to better health outcomes.
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What is Community-Based Primary Healthcare? Primary healthcare has evolved beyond its origins in family
medicine to encompass a broad range of preventative and healthcare services, provided by a range of healthcare
providers in diverse community settings. The term community-based primary healthcare emphasizes this evolution.
Importance of Community-Based Primary Healthcare As the first and most frequent point of contact with the
healthcare system for most Canadians, community-based primary healthcare is at the heart of our country's health
system. Most diseases are first discovered in primary healthcare settings, where early diagnosis and effective
treatment can mitigate the effects of many health conditions. Community-based Primary Healthcare is also often
the hub of patient care, helping to coordinate referrals to specialized care and providing follow-up and
rehabilitation services after hospitalizations and major illness episodes.
Objectives and Funding Tools This CIHR Roadmap Signature Initiative in Community-Based Primary Healthcare
(CBPHC) will support researchers to conduct original research on innovative models of care delivery, build capacity
for research excellence, and translate evidence for uptake into practice and policy. It will achieve this through two
major funding tools:
• CBPHC Team Grants will support inter-disciplinary, cross-jurisdictional teams of researchers and decisionmakers to conduct excellent research and provide superior research training and mentorship across two
key research priorities: (1) Better Systems - Chronic Disease Prevention and Management; (2) Access to
CBPHC for Vulnerable Populations
• CBPHC Scientist Awards will provide support to a range of clinicians to conduct, translate, and use practicerelevant research.
Partnerships We recognize the tremendous support of our partners that will help to make the initiative a success:
• Government Agencies and Departments
• International Funding Agencies
• National Alliance of Provincial Health Research Organizations (NAPHRO)
• Not-for-Profit / Voluntary Sector
• Professional Organizations
Engagement with the various partners has helped to: broaden the reach and relevance of the initiative to a range of
stakeholders; ensure the initiative is addressing key priorities; facilitate access to new networks and data sources;
increase the likelihood of successful dissemination and utilization of research; leverage valuable financial and inkind resources; and help to ensure the initiative contributes to meaningful improvements in primary healthcare
delivery. Please contact us to learn more about partnership opportunities.
Stay Informed Visit us on the web to learn more about the CIHR Roadmap Signature Initiative in Community-Based
Primary Healthcare and to stay up-to-date about funding launches, information sessions, and other important news.
Contact Information
Meghan McMahon, Assistant Director, Institute of Health Services and Policy Research
Tel: 416-726-4313; Email: mmcmahon.ihspr@mcgill.ca
Dr. Nancy Edwards, Scientific Director, CIHR Institute of Population and Public Health.
Email: e.diruggiero@utoronto.ca
5.
PATHWAYS TO HEALTH EQUITY FOR ABORIGINAL PEOPLES
This initiative aims to increase the capacity of Aboriginal communities to act as partners in the conception, oversight
and application of high quality research to reduce the health disparities among Aboriginal Peoples.
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Contact Information
Paul Belanger, Assistant Director, Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health.
Tel: 613-941-6465; Email: paul.belanger@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
6.
CANADIAN EPIGENETICS, ENVIRONMENT AND HEALTH RESEARCH CONSORTIUM
Epigenetics is the study of changes in the regulation of gene activity and expression that are not dependent on
alterations in gene sequence. There is a rapidly growing realization that complex diseases ranging from asthma,
diabetes, addiction, schizophrenia, inflammatory bowel disease to the majority of cancers, may involve an interplay
between specific environmental factors related to epigenetic regulation of the genetic blueprint. Epigenetics
provides a compelling model for how environmental influences throughout development can have life-long (and
potentially multi-generational) effects on human health.
Canada has internationally competitive research and technical expertise in epigenetics, within specific nodes of
excellence across the country. This CIHR Roadmap Signature Initiative has been established to link that research
capacity together, to ensure that Canada plays a leading role in an area of research referred to as the second
revolution in genetics. Epigenetics promises profound new insights into the nature of human health and disease.
Key Research Needs One of the key health research gaps identified by CEEHRC is the lack of sufficient epigenomic
research capacity. Fortunately, Canada has made major infrastructure investments in genomics over the past ten
years, through the efforts of Genome Canada and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation. CEEHRC will leverage
already existing genomic sequencing infrastructure by developing dedicated epigenetic research capacity focused
on human health and disease. CEEHRC can therefore rapidly position Canadian epigenetics research at the forefront
of the International Human Epigenome Consortium (IHEC). IHEC seeks to coordinate human epigenome maps for
key cellular states relevant to health and diseases.
Also key is the support of innovative research linking epigenetic marks to human health and disease. This requires
collaborative multi-disciplinary approaches that integrate all levels of research and understanding of human health.
It also requires filling fundamental knowledge gaps by developing new and highly selective molecular tools and
diagnostics in a targeted fashion.
Objectives The overall goal of this pan-Canadian initiative is to position Canada for the rapid translation of
epigenetic discoveries into diagnostic procedures and the eventual development of new therapeutics that can
improve human health. By supporting and applying epigenetics research on a national scale, CEEHRC will harness its
great potential for major breakthroughs in understanding the origins of health and also the etiology, treatment and
prevention of many of the chronic diseases currently affecting the Canadian population. Specific CEEHRC objectives
include:
• Establishment of a national epigenetics platform that will serve as an essential resource for the generation
of human reference epigenomes and that will coordinate national efforts in epigenomic research.
• Translation of epigenetic research discoveries into clinical and medical practice by supporting large-scale
epigenetics research. This includes the development of novel molecular tools for diagnostic and therapeutic
applications to a wide range of complex disorders.
• Positioning Canadian researchers, clinicians and policy-makers at the forefront of epigenetics science and
its translation into health-care deliverables by playing a leadership role in IHEC and other international
epigenetics initiatives.
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Partnerships CEEHRC is co-led by the CIHR Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction, the Institute of
Genetics and the Institute of Cancer Research, in partnership with most of the other CIHR Institutes. External
partners include Genome BC, Genome Quebec, and NeuroDevNet, among others.
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CEEHRC is currently identifying and developing collaborations with funding organizations and stakeholders to
enhance health research in this area. Please contact us to discuss opportunities for knowledge exchange and
translation related to epigenetics.
Contact Information
Dr. Anthony Phillips / Dr. Eric Marcotte CIHR-INMHA
Dr. Paul Lasko / Ms. Stephanie Robertson CIHR-IG
Dr. Morag Park / Dr. Stéphane Pion, CIHR-ICR,
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
160 Elgin Street, 9th Floor; Address Locator 4809A
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0W9
Tel: 613-957-8678; Tel: 905-467-1822; Email: eric.marcotte@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
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INFLAMMATION IN CHRONIC DISEASE
This initiative aims to develop a unified Canadian strategy on inflammation research that will support the discovery
and validation of common biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and inflammatory mechanisms amongst chronic
diseases, as well as develop prevention and treatment approaches.
• Consensus Conference; Fact Sheet
The Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (IMHA) of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, in
partnership with the Institute of Infection and Immunity (III), Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), Institute of
Circulatory and Respiratory Health (ICRH), and Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism and Diabetes (INMD), is leading a
new initiative in "Inflammation in Chronic Disease". This is a Signature Initiative of CIHR's Strategic Plan "Health
Research Roadmap: Creating innovative research for better health and health care", and is one of the critical
components that will ensure its implementation. The aim of this Roadmap Signature Initiative is to gain a broad and
unified picture of inflammation across several pathologies and chronic diseases. This will allow recognition of shared
pathways/biomarkers and potentially useful common interventions for inflammation prevention and management.
It is well-recognized that there is an increasing burden of chronic disease in aging societies, with escalating health
care costs and human suffering across the globe. Many chronic diseases develop based on the paradigm of a vicious
cycle of injury, inflammation, attempted regeneration, re-modeling, and immune activation further exacerbating
injury. Inflammation dysfunction contributes to a plethora of disorders such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., arthritis,
psoriasis, IBD), asthma, atherosclerosis, obesity, diabetes (insulin sensitivity), hypersensitivities, myopathies,
periodontal disease, transplant rejection, and pain. The possible link between inadequate physical activity and
major chronic diseases will also be carefully studied.
Objectives This Roadmap Signature Initiative will build on significant Canadian strengths in inflammation,
biomarkers, pain, imaging and physical activity, amongst other strengths, with the global objective of bridging the
silos between research groups working in particular chronic disease areas so as to recognize and advance on
common pathways and interventions, ultimately contributing to a unified Canadian chronic disease strategy. This
will be achieved through a variety of funding opportunities containing a multi-disciplinary, multi-disease and multisectoral focus. At this point in the process, preliminary research areas of the Initiative may include:
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To understand the mechanisms underlying tissue inflammation across chronic diseases, including following
organ transplantation;
To identify novel common markers, and potential therapeutic targets and treatments, including research on
microbiota;
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To develop novel imaging strategies to detect and monitor the progression of inflammation and pain, and
their responsiveness to interventions and therapeutic strategies;
To identify novel interventions and effective programs for prevention of chronic disease and the pain
associated with chronic disease.
Partnerships We recognize that partners will bring unique perspectives and different forms of partnership, e.g.,
research funding support, expertise with knowledge translation, access to particular platforms, and this will greatly
enhance the Initiative. Our goal is also to bring potential partners together for a Consensus Conference in May 2011
to identify gaps, opportunities and priorities going forward. In the meantime, staff of IMHA and its partner Institutes
will be in contact with you to engage in preliminary discussions of interest and support.
Contact Information
Dr. Phillip Gardiner / Ms. Liz Stirling, CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis
Dr. Marc Ouellette / Dr. Serge Desnoyers, CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
160 Elgin Street, 9th Floor, Address Locator 4809A
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0W9 Canada
Tel: 613-957-8678
liz.stirling@cihr-irsc.gc.ca; serge.desnoyers@crchul.ulaval.ca
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INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH STRATEGY FOR ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE
This initiative will help Canadian researchers engage in large scale international Alzheimer's research and provide
Canadians with rapid access to the latest preventive, diagnostic and treatment approaches to Alzheimer's disease
and related dementias. With the aging of the population, more people will develop Alzheimer’s Disease or a related
dementia (ARD). The number of Canadians afflicted is expected to rise from 500,000 to 1,125,000 in 30 years, with
the economic burden rising from $15B to $152B a year, unless action is taken now.
The International Collaborative Research Strategy for Alzheimer’s Disease (ICRSAD) is CIHR’s response to this
growing Canadian and international health care crisis, with the objective of strengthening Canadian research
capacities to facilitate the integration of our unique strengths with other nations that have launched national
strategies. There is growing consensus that large-scale international collaboration is the most effective way to
respond to this global problem, and ICRSAD is ideally placed to broker such an international research agenda.
ICRSAD will stimulate and lead innovative international research approaches, while improving Canadian research
capacity (people and platforms) to build greater involvement and leadership in international research consortia and
initiatives.
Despite many promising leads, the causes of ARD remain unknown. However, research has led us to understand
that therapeutic interventions following the diagnosis of ARD occur too late in the course of the underlying disease,
after permanent damage to brain cells has already occurred. ICRSAD’s research agenda will therefore focus on the
early events in ARD: Risk Factor Identification; Early Diagnosis; Early Therapeutic Intervention; Prevention
Goals The overall goal of ICRSAD is to reduce the personal, social and economic impact of ARD by:
 reducing individual risk
 preventing or delaying the onset, and arresting or retarding the progression of disease through early
intervention and diagnosis
 improving the quality of life for those afflicted and their caregivers
 improving access to quality care
 enabling the healthcare system to deal more efficiently with the rising number of afflicted individuals.
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Objectives Identification of common international priorities for research on ARD
 Development of methods, technologies and research platforms to provide the greatest added value to
research in this field for Canada
 Support of scientific collaborations between researchers in Canada, and internationally, to accelerate
research efforts and the application of innovative interventions, health system strategies, and models of
care
Partnerships & Initiatives CIHR’s key external partner in ICRSAD is the Alzheimer Society of Canada. Its support
ensures two-way communication between families affected by ARD and the research community. The following
initiatives have been established to date or are in development:
 France-Quebec-Canada Team Grant Program: funding announced in 2010
 Centres of Excellence in Neurodegeneration Research Initiative (UK-Germany-Belgium-Ireland-ItalyCanada): funding announcement - September 2011
 China-Canada Team Grant Initiative: funding announcement - November 2011
 Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI-2):
o Partnership with US National Institutes of Health announced in October 2010
o Grant program to fund Canadian ADNI-linked projects (in development)
 Canadian Consortium of Expert Cores (in development)
Contact Information
Dr. Yves Joanette, Scientific Director, Institute of Aging, CIHR, Executive Director, ICRSAD
Dr. Michelle Peel, Assistant Director Institute of Aging, CIHR
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
160 Elgin Street, 9th Floor, Address Locator 4809A
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0W9 Canada
Tel: 613-952-4537; Email: michelle.peel@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
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