Knowledge Translation e-Newsletter – June 2012

In this issue:

1. Knowledge to Action: Profiles from the Community
2. News from Jane Aubin, Vice-President, Research and Knowledge Translation
3. KT Funding News
4. KT Learning Resources and Opportunities
5. KT Events

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Knowledge to Action: Profiles from the Community

Health researchers make a double play: New Canadian research on the health and safety impacts of electromagnetic fields creates hope for less-invasive therapies for advanced Parkinson's disease.

Dr. Alexandre Legros, Principal Investigator, Lawson Health Research Institute and Assistant Professor, Department of Medical Biophysics-Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry and School of Kinesiology, Western University, London, Ontario.

Canadians wonder whether devices like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRIs) machines, cell phones or power lines are safe to use or will affect their work environment. New knowledge is emerging from Canadian research to answer these questions.

Studies have shown that the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) used in these technologies can generate changes in human motor (movement), cardiovascular (heart and breathing), cognitive (mental) responses and normal brain activity. However, much of the scientific research looking at systematic thresholds above which acute effects occur is from the 1980s. These data are needed to document the safety limits for general exposure to low-level and high-level EMFs and for their use in medical therapies.

Regulating bodies and electricity producers are keen to have independent research that can help inform more accurate and evidence-based guidelines for exposure to these sorts of magnetic fields. Power producers/distributors in Europe and North America will continue to update their networks in coming years.

Dr. Legros of the Lawson Health Research Institute in London, Ontario has led two major, multidisciplinary research investigations into the impact of low-level and high-level, time-varying EMFs on brain activity and physical behavior. His 2008 project received an Industry Partnered Collaborative Research (IPCR) grant from CIHR.

Each project has exposed real people (all volunteers) to a different level of time-varying EMFs, using both a Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) device and a custom, whole-body magnetic field exposure system in two different experiments. Each volunteer is run through a series of cognitive and physical tests – once with the EMF exposure from the MRI or the exposure system and once without any exposure. Several levels of exposure have been tested at the frequency that is used by the electrical grid in North America (60 Hz).

By using this stepped approach, Dr. Legros and his team are providing valuable information on changes in brain activity and physical behavior at gradually increasing levels of EMF exposure. This will enable the research to better meet the needs of regulators seeking to set various thresholds for safe exposure.

"What's also exciting is that we're seeing that even low-level EMF exposure seem to alter brain plasticity or the ability of the brain to 'learn,'" says Dr. Legros. Phase III of the project – funded in part by a 2011 IPCR grant from CIHR – will monitor volunteers' brain activity with an MRI and electroencephalography (recording brain electric activity) while they undergo the physical and perceptual tests with and without EMF exposure. This will give researchers greater insights into which areas of the brain can be modified by low-level and high-level, time-varying EMF exposures and open up avenues for possible methods of treatment using some form of this technology.

This groundbreaking research by Dr. Legros and his team is generating impact in two areas.

Enhancing public and worker safety by informing current updates to international guidelines regarding exposure to EMFs. The International Commission on Non Ionizing Radiations Protection (ICNIRP) and the Institute for Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) have both expressed formal interest in tracking and incorporating Dr. Legros' findings on low-level and high-level EMFs.

Improving health outcomes and quality of life by raising the possibility that low-level and high-level EMFs could be used to create non-invasive therapies for people suffering from advanced cases of Parkinson's disease and other conditions that interfere with the healthy operation of the brain.

Often as these diseases progress, medications sometimes lose their effect, leaving patients to suffer from body tremors and other debilitating symptoms. At present, treatment choices are limited. One option – Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) – requires highly invasive surgery and is only suitable for some patients.

By using EMF, Dr. Legros hopes researchers can come up with a safer, less invasive, and less costly alternative that could reach more patients.

"Eventually maybe there can be a device that Parkinson's patients could attach to their head for one hour each day and use specifically designed time-varying magnetic fields to modify their brain activity in ways that would calm some of their symptoms," explains Dr. Legros. "Such a device could really improve the quality of their day-to-day lives."

Dr. Legros leads a multidisciplinary team that includes training opportunities for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. He and other members of the team give lectures on their research methods at Western University.

"Our funding partners are excited about these findings and encouraging us to publish the results freely," says Dr. Legros. "Their primary interest is in enhancing the overall safety of the electrical industry. They are not looking at licenses or patents for the potential therapeutic uses. These are simply an added bonus for the benefit of Canadians and people around the world."

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News from Dr. Jane E. Aubin, Vice-President, Research and Knowledge Translation

CIHR has recently re-aligned its organizational structure, moving from four to three portfolios: Public, Government and Institute Affairs (PGIA); Resources Planning and Management (RPM); and Research and Knowledge Translation (RKT). In my new role as Chief Scientific Officer and Vice-President of the Research and Knowledge Translation Portfolio, I am delighted to have the opportunity to advance and champion the knowledge translation component of CIHR's mandate, for which Dr. Ian Graham, former VP of KT, has so successfully laid the groundwork. Knowledge translation is integral to CIHR's mandate and needs to be reflected in all aspects of our work. Over the past years, CIHR has developed an international reputation as a leader in the theory, practice and funding of knowledge translation through programs and partnerships that advance the science of KT, integrated knowledge translation, and the rapid dissemination and application of research findings for the benefit of Canadians. It is my intention to continue to enhance this reputation and CIHR's international leadership position in KT. I look forward to hearing your stories and to working with you to cultivate Canada's contributions to the science and practice of knowledge translation.

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KT Funding News

a) Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI) 2012-2013

Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI) is Canada's premier health services and policy research competition — and with its strong emphasis on partnerships and knowledge translation it is also a major resource for managers and policy makers who want relevant research to inform their decision-making.

The maximum amount awarded by CIHR for a single grant is $600,000 for up to three years. CIHR (including CIHR Institutes) provides the majority of funding, and teams are required to bring in 20% of the amount requested from CIHR, from external partners (partnership contributions are in addition to the CIHR amount).

Application deadline: November 1, 2012
Anticipated Notice of Decision: April 30, 2013
Funding Start Date: April 1, 2013

(Please note that deadlines to submit requests to competition partners are in advance of the CIHR application deadline)

Fostering Innovation in Healthcare – a new funding opportunity

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and the Rx&D Health Research Foundation (HRF) have partnered to better meet the needs of patients and improve the quality and efficiency of Canadian health care systems. This partnership will fund research projects that address health care delivery priorities, engage patients throughout the research process, and produce results that help strengthen health care systems across Canada.

Teams of health researchers along with health decision makers are invited to submit applications under CIHR's PHSI 2012-2013 funding opportunity.

For more information on the PHSI funding opportunity, please contact Andrea Smith, Manager- Knowledge Translation Initiatives at 613-941-4350 or PHSI-PASS@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

Please note that development funds are available to facilitate the formation and development of partnerships between researchers and decision makers interested in applying to the PHSI program. Please see (Planning Grants - Priority Announcements) for more information.

b) Operating Grant: Knowledge to Action (2012-2013)

The intent of this funding opportunity is to accelerate the translation of knowledge by linking researchers and knowledge-users to move knowledge into action, and in so doing, increase the understanding of knowledge application through the process.

Maximum amount per grant: $200,000 over a period of up to 2 years.

Application deadline: October 1, 2012
Funding start date: April 1, 2013

Contact: yumna.choudhry@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or 613-954-1944

c) Planning Grants (Fall 2012)

The KT Branch will provide support for planning activities, partnership development and/or increasing understanding of the health research landscape that will contribute to the advancement of research consistent with the mandate of CIHR.

Planning Grants - Priority Announcements offer additional sources of funding for highly rated applications that are relevant to specific CIHR research priority areas or mandates.

Maximum amount per grant: $25,000 for up to one year

Application deadline: October 15, 2012
Funding start date: March 1, 2013

Contact: yumna.choudhry@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or 613-954-1944

d) Dissemination Events (Fall 2012)

The KT Branch will provide support to dissemination events/activities (e.g. meetings, workshops, symposia, etc.) that focus on the communication of health research evidence to the appropriate research and knowledge user audience(s), tailoring the message and medium as appropriate.

Dissemination Events - Priority Announcements offer additional sources of funding for highly rated applications that are relevant to specific CIHR research priority areas or mandates.

Maximum amount per grant: $25,000 for up to one year

Application deadline: October 15, 2012
Funding start date: March 1, 2013

Contact: yumna.choudhry@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or 613-954-1944

e) Operating Grant: Industry-Partnered Collaborative Research (2012-2013)

The Industry-Partnered Collaborative Research Operating Grant program provides funding for collaborative research projects involving the academic community and Canadian industry partners sharing an interest in health R&D. The research planned should be beneficial to both parties, while improving the quality of health of Canadians. Projects may be initiated by either party; however, the academic researcher is responsible for applying for the grant.

The relationship between the investigators and the industry partner must be established and the required level of partner contribution secured from an eligible company at the time the application is submitted.

Registration deadline: August 15, 2012
Application deadline: September 17, 2012
Funding start date: April 1, 2013

Contact: yumna.choudhry@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or 613-954-1944

f) Knowledge Translation Supplement

Please note that CIHR does not anticipate launching future Knowledge Translation Supplement competitions at this time. As this competition was offered on a pilot-basis and we are in the process of determining next steps pending the results of a full evaluation of the program. We are continuing to fund end-of-grant knowledge translation events/activities through the Dissemination Events program. As well, costs associated with disseminating research results are eligible expenses as part of other CIHR grants as outlined in the Tri-Agency Financial Administration Guide.

Please feel free to contact Yumna Choudhry with any questions at 613-954-1944 or yumna.choudhry@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

g) CIHR-CMAJ Top Achievements in Health Research (2012): Call for Applications

CIHR welcomes applications from individuals or teams working in Canada in the health field, including: health researchers; health professionals; administrators and those involved in public health or public policy. Applications will also be accepted from Canadians working abroad. This competition will recognize Canadian health research achievements that have had a significant impact on health, health care, and health research by improving our understanding of health and human diseases, tackling health challenges, and improving our health system. CIHR has partnered with the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) to showcase significant Canadian achievements. The Top Health Research Achievements as selected by an independent review committee will be considered for publication in the CMAJ.

Application deadline: September 17, 2012

Please note that applications must be submitted using ResearchNet.

For more information on this funding opportunity, please contact Jasmine Lefebvre, Senior Knowledge Translation Specialist at 613-952-8965 or by e-mail at jasmine.lefebvre@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

h) Knowledge Synthesis: Fall 2012 Competition

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to support teams of researchers and knowledge users to produce knowledge syntheses and scoping reviews that will contribute to the use of synthesized evidence in decision-making and practice.

The maximum amount awarded for a synthesis grant is $100,000 for 1 year and the maximum amount awarded for a scoping review is $50,000 for 1 year.

Priority Announcements offer additional sources of funding for highly rated applications that are relevant to specific CIHR research priority areas or mandates:

Knowledge Synthesis Grant: Fall 2012 Priority Announcement (Specific Research Areas)

Application deadline: October 1, 2012
Funding start date: March 1, 2013

For more information, please contact Jasmine Lefebvre, Senior Knowledge Translation Specialist at 613-952-8965 or by e-mail at jasmine.lefebvre@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

Healthcare Renewal Policy Analysis Grants

CIHR has launched an exciting new funding opportunity called Healthcare Renewal Policy Analysis. This is a joint program developed by CIHR IHSPR and the Knowledge Translation Branch as part of CIHR's Roadmap Signature Initiative in Evidence-Informed Healthcare Renewal (EIHR).

Healthcare Renewal Policy Analysis grants depend on meaningful partnerships between researchers and senior-level policy makers who work directly within the health sector in federal, provincial or territorial government departments, regional health authorities, or LHINs as well as those who work in other sectors (e.g., education, social services, industry) that develop policy with population-level health impacts.

These grants will support the generation of high-quality policy analyses that identify evidence-informed policy options for healthcare renewal in Canada in the EIHR priority areas of healthcare financing and funding, health system sustainability, and governance and accountability. Innovation in these areas will require contributions from a wide range of disciplines and would greatly benefit from contributions from economics, political science, sociology, philosophy, law, and other relevant fields.

European Observatory Policy Analysis

CIHR- IHSPR in collaboration with the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies will support a project under CIHR's Healthcare Renewal Policy Analysis program. The policy analysis opportunity will support a partnership between a Canadian research team and the Observatory to carry out analysis as part of the Observatory's performance program.

For more information, interested teams should visit the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies and/or contact Laurel Taylor (ltaylor.ihspr@mcgill.ca) for specific requirements for obtaining a letter of support.

This funding opportunity is launched in partnership with:

• European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies
• CIHR – Institute of Aging
• CIHR – Institute of Health Services and Policy Research
• CIHR – Institute of Human Development, Child, and Youth Health
• CIHR – Institute of Infection and Immunity
• CIHR – Institute of Population and Public Health

CIHR is dedicated to working in collaboration with policy maker partners and researchers to enable opportunities for knowledge exchange and to improve health system performance.

Up to $150,000 over one year is available through this funding opportunity.

Webinar for applicants: June 28, 2012 (to be confirmed)
Application Deadline: September 19, 2012
Funding Start date: March 1, 2013

Please share this announcement with your colleagues and to learn more about this funding opportunity or the EIHR initiative please visit the Evidence Informed Healthcare Renewal page or email eihr-rssbdp@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

i) Operating Grant: Fall 2012 Priority Announcement (Knowledge Translation)

The purpose of this priority announcement is to advance KT (synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically sound application of knowledge). It is expected that this targeted investment will lead to a better understanding of concepts, theories and practices that underlie effective KT in order to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system.

The maximum amount awarded for a single grant is $100,000 per annum for up to one (1) year.

Application deadline: September 3, 2012
Funding start date: April 1, 2013

Contact: roberta.lloyd@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or 613-948-2776

j) New Investigator Salary Award: Fall 2012 Priority Announcement (Knowledge Translation)

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to advance KT (synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically sound application of knowledge). It is expected that this targeted investment will lead to a better understanding of concepts, theories and practices that underlie effective KT in order to improve the health of Canadian, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system.

The total amount available for this funding opportunity is $300,000.
The maximum amount awarded for a single award is $60,000 per annum for up to five years.

Application deadline: September 1, 2012
Funding start date: July 1, 2013

Contact: roberta.lloyd@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or 613-948-2776

Monique Bégin New Investigator Supplement

The Monique Bégin KT New Investigator Supplement is offered to the highest ranked and funded candidate from each New Investigator competition who has applied to, and been deemed relevant for, the Knowledge Translation Priority Announcement.

The maximum amount awarded for a single award is $5,000 per annum for up to one year.

Application deadline: September 1, 2012
Funding start date: July 1, 2013

Contact: roberta.lloyd@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or 613-948-2776

k) Doctoral Research Award: Fall 2012 Priority Announcement (Knowledge Translation)

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to advance KT (synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically sound application of knowledge). It is expected that this targeted investment will lead to a better understanding of concepts, theories and practices that underlie effective KT in order to improve the health of Canadian, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system.

Maximum amount awarded for a single grant is $105,000 per annum for up to one (1) year.

Application deadline: October 1, 2012
Funding start date: May 1, 2013

Contact: roberta.lloyd@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or 613-948-2776

Jonathan Lomas KT Doctoral Research Award Supplement

The Jonathan Lomas KT Doctoral Research Award Supplement is offered to the highest ranked and funded candidate from each Doctoral Research Award competition who has applied to, and been deemed relevant for, the Knowledge Translation Priority Announcement.

The maximum amount awarded for a single prize is $ 5,000 per annum for up to 1 year.

Application deadline: October 1, 2012
Funding start date: May 1, 2013

Contact: roberta.lloyd@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or 613-948-2776

l) Fellowship: Fall 2012 Priority Announcement (Knowledge Translation)

The purpose of this funding opportunity is to advance KT (synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically sound application of knowledge). It is expected that this targeted investment will lead to a better understanding of concepts, theories and practices that underlie effective KT in order to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system.

The total amount of funds available for this funding opportunity is $180,000. The maximum amount awarded is $60,000 per year for up to three (3) years.

Application deadline: October 1, 2012
Funding start date: April 1, 2013

For more information, please write to Knowledge Translation at kt-ac@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

The Elizabeth Dickson KT Fellowship Supplement

The Elizabeth Dickson KT Fellowship Supplement is offered to the highest ranked and funded candidate from the Fall 2012 Fellowship Award competition who has applied to, and been deemed relevant for, the Knowledge Translation Priority Announcement.

The maximum amount awarded is $5,000 per year for up to one (1) year.

Application deadline: October 1, 2012
Funding start date: April 2, 2013

For more information, please write to Knowledge Translation at kt-ac@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

m) Journalism Award (2012-2013)

The purpose of these awards is to support Canadian journalists so they can report in depth on health research issues of interest to the Canadian public.

The maximum amount is $20,000 for up to 1 year.

Application deadline: October 4, 2012
Funding start date: March 1, 2013

For more information, please contact Michael Dwyer at 613-941-0688 or by e-mail at michael.dwyer@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

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KT Learning Resources and Opportunities

New! Guide to Knowledge Translation Planning at CIHR: Integrated and End-of-Grant Approaches
CIHR has developed a new KT Guide to assist with the writing and reviewing of grants. Integrated and end-of-grant approaches are described in detail with case studies that bring the concepts to life and worksheets that will help guide your thinking and planning. The KT Guide is available on the CIHR website in hard copy by writing to kt-ac@cihr.gc.ca.

New! Guide to Writing Letters of Support
This document was developed to provide guidelines for writing effective letters of support. CIHR's integrated knowledge translation (iKT) programs require that knowledge users be included as partners on the following grants: Knowledge to Action, Knowledge Synthesis, Partnerships for Health Systems Improvement, and other programs that use an iKT model. Each knowledge-user partner is strongly encouraged to submit a signed letter of support indicating that they will provide monetary and/or in-kind support. This guide is geared for this type of letter, but also provides helpful tips for writing letters of support in general.

New! Guide to Evaluation in Health Research
The Guide to Evaluation in Health Research by Dr. Sarah Bowen, University of Alberta, was developed for researchers and reviewers who want to build their knowledge and skill in the area of evaluation of health and health research initiatives. The specific objectives of this CIHR online learning module are to: demonstrate the potential for evaluation to support evidence-informed action; support development of appropriate evaluation plans for research funding proposals, and; facilitate assessment of evaluation plans by peer and merit reviewers.

Please note that links to external websites in the CIHR-KT Newsletter do not imply an endorsement by CIHR of the views, information or products provided or held by such websites.

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KT Events

CIHR Webinars coming soon!

• Healthcare Renewal Policy Analysis Grants
• Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI)

For more information, please write to Knowledge Translation at kt-ac@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

If you would like to advertise your event or activity in this e-newsletter, please contact kt-ac@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.