Introduction

Since the implementation of the electronic submission of applications with ResearchNet, candidates must determine if the funding opportunity they have selected requires the use the online forms with CIHR Web forms, or the use of the electronic form with ResearchNet when applying to CIHR.  Inputted PDF fillable forms will only be accepted where a corresponding online CIHR Web form does not exist. Under no circumstances will hand-written applications be accepted. PDF forms that have an equivalent online Web form are posted on CIHR's Web site to serve only as visual examples of the application requirements.

Only the latest version of the online CIHR  Web forms and the Common CV  (validated for  CIHR ) will be accepted. Version dates can be found at the bottom left corner of each page of the CIHR Web forms and the Common CV (for CIHR) printed reports. Note that enhancements are made to the CIHR Web forms and the Common CV (for CIHR) in June of each year. Please visit the CIHR Web forms website and the Common CV website for the most up-to-date version of the online forms.

Online Forms

The online forms save information in a secure and private database that can be accessed from any computer using an Internet browser and the applicant's Personal Identification Number (PIN) and password for the CIHR Web forms, or their e-mail address and Common CV password (for the Common CV). The organization of the online forms is such that information is not displayed on a single screen. Rather, data entry is broken into distinct sections to provide applicants with the flexibility to complete and save different sections at different points in time.

The use of online forms increases CIHR's efficiency in processing applications. They also reduce researcher workload given that their saved data can be reused and modified for future submissions. Other advantageous features of the online forms include drop-down menus, pre-populated lists, and links to pertinent information that can assist researchers in completing their submissions (e.g., guidelines for completion, priority announcements, FAQs and important notices).

The font and font size of the data entry in the online forms is predetermined and cannot be changed. Also, the information required at the top and bottom of each page of the module will be automatically filled in after you have entered the information in the appropriate sections (e.g., your name).

Application modules that must be completed using online forms include:

• Common CV (validated for CIHR) - external site 
• Industrial Partnership Module
• Operating Budget Module
• Registration Module
• Research Module
• Training Module

Failure to follow guidelines when completing forms and attachments may result in the administrative withdrawal of the following:

• Letter of Intent
• Registration
• Application

PDF Fillable Forms

Application modules which have no online form equivalent must be inputted directly into a fillable PDF form. In order to save a fillable PDF form with filled-in text, you will need "Adobe Writer". [ Help ] Hand-written applications will not be accepted under any circumstances. These guidelines apply to the following fillable PDF forms:

• China-Canada Joint Health Research Initiative Proposal Application Form
• Community CV
• Health Research Communications Awards Form
• Partnership Module (for "Partnerships for Health System Improvement")
• Proof of Principle Questionnaire
• Randomized Controlled Trials Mentoring Program - Nomination Form
• Randomized Controlled Trials Mentoring Program - Registration Form
• Relevance Form
• Scientific Exchange Module
• Sponsor's Assessment of a Candidate for a Doctoral Research Award
• Sponsor's Assessment of a Candidate for a Fellowship or a Clinician Scientist (Phase 1) Award
• Sponsor's Report on a Candidate for a Master's Award
• Studentship Form

There are no plans at this time to provide online forms for the above fillable PDF forms.

Attachments

For ResearchNet - electronic submission

File attachments may be prepared with the word processing software package of your choice, but they must be uploaded in PDF format. Documents must be in one of the official languages (English or French), and must be typed and formatted following the guidelines for formatting attachments listed below. The reason for these formatting requirements is to ensure that all applicants have exactly the same amount of space to write their proposals. CIHR indicates, under each section, the total number of pages permitted. This also facilitates the work of peer reviewers who must review multiple applications.

Instructions for the preparation and the formatting of documentation:

• Indicate your name, the project title, the total grant amount requested from CIHR (1st year) and the section title (e.g., Summary of Research Proposal) at the top of each page.
• Indicate clearly at the bottom of each page, the page number.
• Insert a margin of 2 cm (3/4 inch) - minimum - around the page.
• Observe page limitations, additional pages may NOT be added unless specified.
• Use only letter size (21.25 X 27.5 cm / 8.5" X 11") white paper/background for all attachments.
• Photo-reduce the supporting documents if the originals are larger than (21.25 X 27.5 cm / 8.5" X 11").
• Do not add supplementary audio or video material as it will not be accepted.
• Use a font size of 12 point, black ink. Six lines per inch. No condensed type or spacing.
• Print must be of letter quality and easy to read.
• Attachments must be uploaded in PDF format.
• The size of the attached document(s) cannot exceed 30 MB per document.
• Paper copies are not required except for signature pages.
• For more information about converting documents to PDF, please refer to Help with Accessibility page.

For all documents that need to be attached, please follow the instructions provided within ResearchNet on how to upload your document.

For further information, please direct your inquiries to info@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or telephone 1-888-603-4178.

For CIHR Web forms and Common CV - online forms

File attachments may be prepared with the word processing software package of your choice or with a typewriter, printed and included in the application form. Documents must be in one of the official languages (English or French), and must be typed and formatted following the guidelines for formatting attachments located within the online forms. The reason for these formatting requirements is to ensure that all applicants have exactly the same amount of space to write their proposals. CIHR indicates, under each section, the page number the section must have and the total number of pages permitted. This also facilitates the work of peer reviewers who must review multiple applications.

Instructions for the preparation and the formatting of documentation:

• Indicate your name, the project title, the total grant amount requested from CIHR (1st year) and the section title (e.g., Summary of Research Proposal) at the top of each page.
• Indicate clearly at the bottom of each page, the page number (e.g., 9, 10, 11a, 11b etc.).
• Type on one side of the paper only.
• Insert a margin of 2 cm (3/4 inch) - minimum - around the page.
• Observe page limitations, additional pages may NOT be added unless specified.
• Use only letter size (21.25 X 27.5 cm / 8.5" X 11") white paper for all attachments.
• Photo-reduce the supporting documents if the originals are larger than (21.25 X 27.5 cm / 8.5" X 11").
• Do not add supplementary audio or video material as it will not be accepted.
• Use a font size of 12 point, black ink. Six lines per inch. No condensed type or spacing.
• Print must be of letter quality and easy to read.

Online forms cannot be submitted electronically. The completed forms must be printed, signed by the appropriate officials, and the copies sent to CIHR.

For further information, please direct your inquiries to info@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or telephone 1-888-603-4178.

Access List of Forms and Guidelines for Completion.