Update 3 - Renewed Canadian Common CV (CCV) for CIHR

Message from Jane E. Aubin, Chief Scientific Officer and Vice-President Research and Knowledge Translation

CIHR will be flexible in the application of its completeness policy to support applicants in transitioning to the new CCV.

Dear Colleagues,

I recognize that the introduction of the new CCV has posed many challenges for CIHR’s research community.  In light of these difficulties, CIHR is working to provide applicants with as much guidance and support as possible in completing their CVs and, in particular, to focus their efforts on completing only those elements of the CCV that are truly necessary for application to the upcoming competitions.

CIHR acknowledges that researchers are having difficulty converting their CCV or are experiencing other challenges with respect to the new system.  Since mid-June, we have been advising researchers to prepare to spend extra time on the CCV in advance of competition deadlines through various communications methods, for example via E-Alert updates, on the website, and within the “Notices” sections of its funding opportunities.  But given the extent of the challenges that applicants are encountering with the new system, we intend to be flexible in the application of our completeness policy (that all required components of an application are submitted by 8:00 pm Eastern Time (ET) on the application deadline).

Should you encounter situations beyond your control while completing your CV, I am advising you to actively contact CIHR staff in advance of the deadline to seek assistance or an extension.  Our Help Desk and programs staff will be on duty until 8:00 pm ET on the deadline date of major competitions (for example, the September 17 deadline for the Open Operating Grants competition).  It is important that applicants request assistance, by email, voice mail or through in-person conversations, so that CIHR is in a position to manage any necessary flexible arrangements.  Please contact CIHR at ccv-cvc@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or 1-888-603-4178 to request assistance.

I regret that the new CCV has caused you frustration, much of it unnecessary.  I assure you that CIHR is committed to working with the community and with CCV to shape significant improvements.

Sincerely,

Jane E. Aubin, Ph.D.
Chief Scientific Officer and Vice-President, Research and Knowledge Translation

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Additional CCV resources are now available

A Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document has now been posted to the CIHR website. This FAQ will be updated as new questions arise.

Additional on-line training (“More CCV Tips and Tricks for CIHR Applicants”) is expected to be available during the week of September 10, 2012.

A “CCV Help” button is now available from the CIHR homepage. Click on “CCV Help” to access all information on the CCV for CIHR, including updates, training links and additional resources.

We will continue to provide regular E-Alert updates as issues with the renewed CCV for CIHR users are addressed.