Synthesis Grant: Mobility in Aging (Archived)
(Research Syntheses in Mobility in Aging)
Institute of Aging
In partnership with
Institute of Gender and Health
Knowledge Translation Branch
Mobility in Aging Initiative Partners
Request for Applications
| Important Dates | |
| Opportunity Launched | December 2005 |
| Content Last Updated | January 4, 2006 (Contact Information) |
| April 1, 2006 | Registration Deadline - Registration packages must be courier stamped by this date. |
| June 1, 2006 | Full applications must be courier stamped by this date. |
| January 2007 | Anticipated notification of decision. |
| February 2007 | Anticipated start date. |
| Summary | |
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As part of the Mobility in Aging Initiative, this funding opportunity is led by CIHR Institute of Aging and supported through the Knowledge Translation - Research Syntheses Funding Opportunity managed by the CIHR Knowledge Translation Branch. In line with the goal of the Mobility in Aging Initiative, the purpose of this Request for Applications - Research Syntheses in Mobility in Aging - is to identify research and knowledge translation gaps and further strengthen knowledge translation by supporting research synthesis in order to provide for evidence-informed decision-making. It is expected that this targeted investment will lead to more synthesis of knowledge as well as identify and address gaps in research and knowledge translation within the range of intrinsic and extrinsic challenges (from biological to environmental) associated with Mobility in Aging. Funds Available:
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Table of Contents
Background
Partners
Objectives and Relevant Research Areas
Eligibility
Allowable Costs
Peer Review Process and Evaluation Criteria
General CIHR Guidelines
Conditions of Funding
Communications Requirements
Monitoring, Performance Measurement and Evaluation
How to Apply
Contact Information
Description of Partners
Background
This Request for Applications (RFA) is announced under the Mobility in Aging Initiative of the CIHR Institute of Aging.
In the context of the Mobility in Aging Initiative, mobility encompasses not only participation in society (e.g., ability to drive and having accessible public transportation) and physical activity of older adults, but also the performance of specific maneuvers such as walking or climbing stairs and the carrying out of instrumental activities of daily living.
Mobility is a challenge for a significant proportion of the older population. In addition to extrinsic barriers of mobility, such as inappropriate transportation infrastructure, aids and physical environments, older adults also cope with intrinsic barriers, such as fear of falling and mobility impairments. Currently of those 60 years of age or over, 13% have mobility impairments; the proportion climbing to 30% by 80 years of age.1 As baby boomers move through their senior years over the next 4 decades, the number of Canadians living with mobility impairments will grow exponentially. In fact, 54% of older Canadians already believe that they are less mobile than they were 10 years ago: more than one third have difficulty climbing several flights of stairs and one quarter have difficulty bending or stooping (28%) or walking a kilometre or more (24%).2
Mobility in older adults can significantly affect social and economic independence along with physical and mental health. Research addressing the range of intrinsic and extrinsic challenges (i.e., from biological to environmental) associated with mobility in aging has the potential to optimize the well-being of a large number of Canadians as well as significantly reduce the nation's health care costs.
While ideally research underpins evidence-based practices, programs and policies, there are areas in Mobility in Aging where the research results are available, but are not in a format readily accessible to the relevant users. Gaps exist in synthesis of research evidence. Identifying and addressing these gaps requires research methods designed to systematically scope and synthesize evidence and methods of communication appropriate to the target audience(s).
Increasingly, systematic review methodologies have been applied to questions other than those about the effectiveness of interventions designed to improve health and health care. These questions may be about the appropriate application of effective interventions within the public health system or a health care organization, how to bring about change in an organization or about topics such as accessibility or continuity of care.
Syntheses are useful to inform decisions regarding the delivery and use of health care, as well as to the research community to inform their own decisions regarding future research undertakings, and to research funding organizations to focus their investments.
Through this Request for Applications on Research Syntheses in Mobility in Aging, the CIHR Institute of Aging aims to support initiatives designed to systematically scope or synthesize research evidence in the area of Mobility in Aging, and in so doing to support efforts to translate this accumulated knowledge into formats useful for informed decision-making by various users, including but not limited to: health care and public health practitioners, program administrators, policy-makers, research users, patient groups, citizens, researchers, and research funding organizations.
Funding under this RFA is intended to support two types of review, targeted to issues deemed important over the next few years by research users:
- Scoping reviews that entail a systematic selection, collection and summarization of existing evidence in a broad thematic area for the purpose of identifying areas: (a) in which sufficient evidence exists to conduct a systematic review, and (b) where insufficient evidence exists and where further primary research is necessary.
And/or - Systematic reviews that entail a systematic effort to identify, assess, and interpret the global pool of knowledge available to answer a focused question.
Partners
The CIHR Institute of Aging is dedicated to identifying and developing collaborations with other CIHR institute(s), branch(es) or office(s), funding organizations and stakeholders to enhance the availability of funding for this strategic initiative, and to create, where appropriate, opportunities for knowledge exchange and translation related to the scope of this particular initiative. Applicants are invited to visit the Descriptions of Partners to find a list of partners and their respective mandates and/or strategic interests. The specific research foci and requirements for each partner are outlined in the section "Objectives and Relevant Research Areas."
Also linked to this RFA are partners to the Mobility in Aging Initiative. This list will continue to evolve as new partners join in this initiative.
Objectives and Relevant Research Areas
Objectives
The specific objectives of Research Syntheses in Mobility in Aging are to:
- Make scoping reviews available to the health research community, including CIHR, to inform them of specific areas of priority for primary research in Mobility in Aging;
- Increase the number of timely and relevant scoping reviews and systematic reviews in Mobility in Aging;
- Increase the degree to which explicit communications and knowledge translation activities are undertaken to make scoping and systematic reviews readily available to users: health care and public health practitioners, program administrators, policy-makers, research users, patient groups, citizens, researchers, and research funding organizations.
By identifying and proposing solutions to addressing the research and knowledge translation gaps in Mobility in Aging, the information generated by the proposals and their outcomes will serve to inform Mobility in Aging Initiative planners, partners, research community and users.
Eligible Research and Research-related Activities
Research and research-related activities should move forward on addressing research and knowledge translation needs and emerging opportunities within the range of intrinsic and extrinsic challenges associated with Mobility in Aging. Research on Aging is that which addresses issues of aging and/or the aged as essential elements of the research objectives, hypotheses and analyses (e.g., dynamics of aging, age-relevant models and/or aged subjects; uniqueness of aging or aged population). In this context of aging, eligible areas of inquiry under the Mobility in Aging Initiative encompass the following:
- biological and physiological factors;
- behavioral and psychosocial factors;
- biomedical, clinical and technological innovations;
- prevention, rehabilitation and management;
- environmental factors - social, economic, policy and physical;
Relevant areas of inquiry for IGH, are those specifically relevant to the mandate of IGH, with an emphasis on 'how sex and gender influence mobility, health and effective interventions for men and women' in the context of the Mobility in Aging Initiative.
Within or across any of the above areas, eligible activities also include addressing ethical issues/impact of the research, research translation and research outcomes. There is potential overlap between the above areas, and restriction to one area is not expected. Similarly, addressing multiple areas is not an absolute requirement, although multi-disciplinary approaches are encouraged.
The targeted areas of interest of Partners to the overarching Mobility in Aging Initiative, may also be a consideration in relevance review in cases of additional partnered funding opportunities.
Relevance to this RFA will be assessed according to the fit with the program objectives and the relevance to the Mobility in Aging Initiative eligible areas of inquiry.
Relevance to the Mobility in Aging Initiative will be assessed on the extent to which the proposed research and/or knowledge translation activity:
- addresses any of the strategic objectives outlined in IA's Strategic Plan;
- responds to the Mobility in Aging Initiative and its eligible areas of inquiry: and
- addresses issues of aging and/or the aged as essential elements of the research objectives, hypotheses and analyses (e.g., dynamics of aging, age-relevant models and/or aged subjects; uniqueness of aging or aged population).
Applicants should note that, unless otherwise stated, the focus of the Institute of Aging is primarily on the functional limitations as the consequences of diseases rather than on the diseases themselves, as these are addressed by other CIHR Institutes.
The CIHR Institute of Aging and the partners will provide funding only to those applications that are relevant to (in alignment with) the objectives and eligible areas of inquiry described above. The eligibility of proposals will be assessed through the established CIHR Relevance Review Process.
Prior to peer review, the CIHR Institute of Aging and the partners will have access to anonymized project titles and summaries to conduct relevance review.
Upon completion of peer review, the CIHR Institute of Aging and the partners will receive the ranking list, merit scores (ratings) and recommendations of the peer review committee with regards to funding level and award term, for the submitted applications that fall in the fundable range and have been determined to be relevant to the specific research areas and objectives of the initiative. The list will be used for funding decision-making purposes and will remain anonymous.
The review of applications for relevance to the strategic initiative will have no impact on the peer review process.
Eligibility
Eligibility criteria for all CIHR research funding programs apply. The business office of the institution of an eligible Nominated Principal Applicant generally administers CIHR funds. Please refer to the Eligibility Requirements for CIHR Grants and Awards regarding the eligibility requirements for individuals and institutions.
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) will NOT be considered under this RFA.
Specific Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements specific to this Request for Applications include the following:
- To be eligible for support, an application must include a clear, explicit, and manageable knowledge translation plan, which specifies the intended audience (s), the mean of involvement and communication, and the intended post-grant follow-up (see below under "Evaluation Criteria" for more detail)
- Health technology assessment is NOT an eligible area under this RFA.
- Infrastructure and activities of Canadian Cochrane entities funded through other CIHR awards will NOT be supported through this RFA.(Updated: 2005-12-22)
Allowable Costs
Applicants should review -A9">Use of Grant Funds and -A10">Eligibility of Expenses, Employment under Grants within the General Guidelines for All Research Grants for a complete listing and description of allowable costs and activities.
The full application must provide a detailed justification of all costs.
Grants should NOT be used:
- As bridging or emergency funding
- To support ongoing studies
In addition, the following expenditures will be considered eligible for funding received through this Request for Applications.
- Equipment, Maintenance and Service costs:
- Purchase and maintenance of research equipment and other research tools
- Salary Costs:
- The salary (ies) of research assistants
- Knowledge Translation Related Costs:
- Regional, national and international networking and exchange activities during the planning and dissemination of the research synthesis (e.g. networking, conferences, workshops, meetings, communication and dissemination methods). Eligible activities must involve substantive and meaningful interaction between researchers and intended users and relevant stakeholders
- Costs associated with the creation and distribution of communication tools (e.g. plain language summaries or other mechanisms)
Peer Review Process and Evaluation Criteria
A CIHR peer review committee will evaluate the full applications. The committee may be drawn from one of CIHR's pre-existing committees or may be created specifically for this Request for Applications. Committee members are selected based on suggestions from many sources including the institute(s) / portfolio(s) and partner(s), following CIHR's Policy on Confidentiality, Conflict of Interest and Privacy Issues in Peer and Relevance Review (CCIP). For information on CIHR's peer review process in general, see Peer Review.
Peer review will be conducted in accordance with The CIHR Peer Review Process: Policies and Responsibilities of Grants Committee Members, including the standard evaluation criteria described under "Factors for Assessment" (section 6.2).
In addition, the following evaluation criteria specific to this Request for Applications will apply. CIHR recognizes that applications will emphasize different approaches to research and to knowledge translation, therefore reviewers and committees are expected to weight criteria such as these differently from one application to another.
The full application will be evaluated against the following:
- Applicants must include end users in defining the scope of the knowledge synthesis or domain of investigation to ensure timeliness and relevance of the topic and uptake of the product. End users may include health care and public health practitioners, program administrators, and/or policy-makers, research users, patients, family members of patients, etc.
- Appropriate sources and levels of evidence to be included (or excluded) in the scoping or systematic review must be clearly identified.
- Proposed methods for conducting the review must be appropriate, rigorous and feasible; potential problems must be identified and contingencies offered.
- Collaboration. Are key stakeholders identified and appropriately engaged in the proposed approach in defining the scope of the knowledge synthesis and methods?
- Applicants are encouraged to submit letter(s) of reference/support from the end-user(s) indicating the importance of the systematic/scoping review in relation to their mandate and how they will be utilizing the research synthesis.
In context to the above, the application should include a research plan and a knowledge translation plan which addresses the following criteria:
1. The Research Plan
Research Proposed:
- How important and/or original are the contributions expected from the research proposed? What is the potential for important new observations or knowledge?
- To what extent have the applicants identified the relevance of the research to be synthesized/reviewed: e.g. provided evidence of an environmental scan of existing or ongoing scoping reviews and systematic reviews to ensure that their proposed work is unique?
- How appropriate and rigorous is the proposed methodology? How well have the applicants anticipated difficulties in their approach and considered alternatives? How clearly have the applicants outlined their proposed methods for the review of evidence, including methods for identifying, selecting and appraising peer reviewed literature and grey literature, as well as methods for consulting with relevant stakeholders where relevant.
"Fit" (responsiveness):
- Applicants should describe the alignment of the proposed project with at least one of the identified thematic areas identified by one/more of the CIHR Institutes.
- Collaboration. Identify and appropriately engage key stakeholders in the proposed methodology.
The Applicant(s)' Productivity, Experience and Training:
- How appropriate to the research proposed is the training or track record of the applicant(s) in terms of research, research synthesis and knowledge translation? How relevant is the recent research of the applicant(s)?
- What experience does the research team have in scoping reviews and/or research syntheses?
2. Knowledge Translation Plan:
The Knowledge Translation Plan will be evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Appropriateness of intended user audiences (for example, specific research communities and/or research funding organizations for scoping reviews, and/or specific policy-maker, practitioner and /or managerial audiences for research syntheses),
- Potential for uptake and use of synthesized knowledge by users as a result of the knowledge translation strategies, including the intention of the researcher to involve intended users early in the research process,
- Experience of the researcher with relevant or intended user audiences,
- Appropriateness of evidence-based approaches or innovative strategies with sound justification for potential effectiveness,
- Quality of the strategy for addressing key contextual challenges to the uptake and use of synthesized knowledge,
- Feasibility of the Knowledge Translation Plan with respect to the critical pathway and resources available.
- Level of commitment of the end-user: demonstrated through the letter(s) of reference/support from the end-user(s) which indicates the importance of the syntheses/review in relation to their mandate and how they will be utilizing the review.
General CIHR Guidelines
This Request for Applications will follow the -A">General Guidelines for All Research Funding Grants.
Conditions of Funding
All conditions specified in CIHR General Grants and Awards Policies shall apply to applications funded through this Request for Applications. Conditions cover areas such as Applicant and Institutional Responsibilities, Ethics, Official language policy, Access to Information and Privacy Acts, and Acknowledgement of CIHR Support. Successful applicants will be informed of any special financial conditions prior to the release of funds or when they receive CIHR's Authorization for Funding (AFF) document.
In addition to CIHR standard guidelines and requirements, the following special conditions shall apply:
- Within six months after the end of the grant's term, the Nominated Principal Applicant is required to submit a final performance report, summarizing the results and describing how the grant funds were used. A standard form will be provided by CIHR.
- Within six months after the end of the grant's term, the Nominated Principal Applicant is required to submit a one-page report outlining the Knowledge Translation Activities undertaken and a summary of the researcher's (or research team's) knowledge translation experience and impressions (e.g., what worked well, what did not work well and why)
- Within six months after the end of the grant's term, the Nominated Principal Applicant is required to submit a copy of the final synthesis/review.
CIHR assumes responsibility for disseminating the information contained within these reports via the CIHR website. However, CIHR affirms that the results are the intellectual property of the grant recipients and recognizes the need for teams to pursue publication in peer-reviewed publications or other appropriate formats. It is expected, however, that grant recipients will provide the CIHR with copies of all publications arising from work supported with this grant to assist the CIHR in its evaluation of this program. CIHR staff will work with grant recipients to ensure that its own dissemination efforts do not conflict with the teams' publication plans.
Access to Information Act and Privacy Act, and the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA)
All personal information collected by CIHR about applicants is used to review applications, to administer and monitor grants and awards, to compile statistics, and to promote and support health research in Canada. Consistent with these purposes, applicants should also expect that information collected by CIHR may be shared as described in Use and Disclosure of Personal Information Provided to CIHR for Peer Review.
CIHR as a federal entity is subject to the Access to Information Act and the Privacy Act, therefore the requirements of these two statutes will apply to all information located in CIHR's premises including, without limitation, cost-sharing agreements related to this Request for Applications and all matters pertaining thereto.
While respecting the application of the Privacy Act to federal entities, all signing parties involved in a collaborative agreement will also be bound by the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA). All personal information (as identified by the PIPEDA) collected, used or disclosed in the course of any commercial activity under collaborative agreements related to the Request for Applications will be collected, used and disclosed in compliance with the PIPEDA.
Communications Requirements
Grant recipients are required to acknowledge CIHR, its institutes and partners in any communication or publication related to the project. See CIHR General Grants and Awards Policies, Acknowledgement of CIHR's Support for details on CIHR's communication requirements. The contributing institutes / partners will be identified on the Authorization for Funding and decision letter.
Monitoring, Performance Measurement and Evaluation
CIHR is committed to demonstrating results to Canadians for the money invested in health research. Therefore, processes for monitoring progress and appropriate use of funds, as well as for performance measurement and program evaluation are in place. As a result, funding recipients must:
- contribute to the monitoring, review and evaluation of CIHR's programs, policies and processes by participating in evaluation studies, surveys, workshops, audits and providing data or reports as required for the purpose of collecting information to assess progress and results;
- encourage their associates, trainees and administration to participate in the monitoring, review and evaluation of CIHR's programs, policies and processes as required.
How to Apply
The application process is comprised of two steps: Registration and Full Application.
Review the application instructions provided in How to Apply for Funding.
Select "Operating Grants" (Registration and Application) from the Application Packages.
Additional instructions must be followed for this RFA:
- Research Module: In the Research Funding Program section of the Research Module (page 7 of the web form printed report), select "Strategic Initiative/RFA" and enter the title of this RFA (Research Syntheses in Mobility in Aging RFA). The research proposal section of the Research Module for this initiative is limited to a maximum of 6 pages, including figures and tables and the Summary of Research Proposal (p. 9). References may be listed in additional pages. The summary of progress (pg.10) and the response to previous reviews (pages 11a & 11b) should not be submitted.
- Common CV Module: You must submit full common CV modules for the Nominated Principal Applicant, Principal Applicants and one Co-Applicant of the team. Only abbreviated CVs (maximum 3 pages) are required for any additional Co-Applicants. Full CVs will not be considered for these applicants. The first page of the CV should only include the contact information of the applicant (mailing address, telephone number, fax number and e-mail address, and CIHR PIN number). This information must be kept separate from the rest of the CV because it will not be forwarded to reviewers. All applicants must have a CV and a CIHR PIN number. The second and third page of the CV should include information on current grants held including % budgetary overlap with any current grant, relevant publications from the last five years, and expertise keywords.
- Budget Module: Clearly justify all budget items (including the costs of travel, workshops, etc.). Courier the original and 6 copies of the full application by the application deadline
- Letter(s) of support/reference from the end-user(s) indicating commitment to utilize the final review/syntheses.
Send Application by Courier to:
RE: "Research Syntheses in Mobility in Aging RFA"
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Room 97, 160 Elgin Street
Address locator: 4809A
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0W9
Contact Information
For questions on CIHR funding guidelines, how to apply, and the peer review process, contact:
(Updated: 2006-01-04)
Rob Cornforth
Program Coordinator
Knowledge Creation Programs
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Telephone: (613) 941-0989
Fax: (613) 954-1800
Email: rcornforth@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
For questions about this initiative and research objectives of the CIHR Institute of Aging, contact:
Susan Crawford
Assistant Director-Vancouver
CIHR Institute of Aging
The University of British Columbia
2080 West Mall, Room 038
Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z2
Telephone: (604) 822-9075
Fax: (604) 822-9304
Email: susanmc@interchange.ubc.ca
For questions about this initiative and research objectives in Knowledge Translation, contact:
Loretta Wong
Knowledge Exchange Specialist
Canadian Institutes of Health Reasearch
Telephone: (613) 941-4437
Fax: (613) 954-1800
Email: lwong@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Description of Partners: CIHR Institutes
Current partners and their targeted areas of interest specifically related to this RFA are listed below. Also visit the current list of partners to the Mobility in Aging Initiative. Many of these will consider funding applications in Mobility in Aging that are also relevant to their priority areas.
Note: Additional partners, including partners from industry and the private sector are expected to join this funding initiative over the coming year.
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
CIHR is Canada's major federal funding agency for health research. Its objective is to excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system.
CIHR - Institute of Aging (IA)
The Institute of Aging (IA) supports research to promote healthy aging and to address causes, prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation for a wide range of conditions associated with aging. IA has identified five priority areas for research on aging and health (in no particular order): healthy and successful aging, biological mechanisms of aging, cognitive impairment in aging, aging and maintenance of functional autonomy, and health services and policy relating to older people.
The Institute of Aging is committing up to $200,000 to successful applications relevant to its Mobility in Aging Initiative. (Updated 2005-12-22)
CIHR - Institute of Gender and Health (IGH)
The mandate of the CIHR Institute of Gender and Health (IGH) supports research that addresses how sex (biological-genetic factors) and gender (social-cultural experiences) interact with other socio-cultural, bio-physical, and political-economic factors to influence health, and create conditions that differ with respect to risk factors or effective interventions for males and females throughout the lifespan. Five research priorities were identified following extensive national consultations: (1) access and equity for vulnerable populations; (2) promoting health in the context of chronic and infectious conditions and disabilities; (3) gender and health across the lifespan; (4) promoting positive health behaviours and preventing addictions; and (5) gender and physical and social environments.
The Institute of Gender and Health strongly encourages applicants to demonstrate the use of sex/gender-based or sex/gender-sensitive analysis (SGBA) in applications. SGBA is an approach to research and evaluation which systematically inquires about biological (sex-based) and sociocultural (gender-based) differences between women and men, boys and girls, without presuming that any such differences exist. The purpose of SGBA is to promote rigorous sex/gender-sensitive health research which expands understanding of health determination in both sexes, in order to provide knowledge which can result in improvements in health and health care.
IGH is specifically interested in partnering on the funding of Research Synthesis Grants and will review applications that are relevant to the mandate of IGH, with an emphasis on 'how sex and gender influence mobility, health and effective interventions for men and women' in the context of the Mobility in Aging Initiative.
The Institute of Gender and Health is committing up to $50,000 to successful applications relevant to the Mobility in Aging Initiative, with an emphasis on 'how sex and gender influence mobility, health and effective interventions for men and women'. (Updated 2005-12-22)
CIHR - Knowledge Translation Branch (KT)
The role of the CIHR Knowledge Translation (KT) Branch is to create, support, monitor and sustain an environment that allows CIHR to deliver on its KT mandate. Fulfilling its corporate KT function, the KT Branch provides a focal point for KT as CIHR leads broad KT strategic initiatives and provides support to multi or pan-Institute KT initiatives.
The total amount available for the Knowledge Translation - Research Syntheses Funding Opportunity is $1.14M from ALL its partners. (Updated 2005-12-22)
1 Hébert et al. American J Epidemiology, 1997; 145: 935-944.
2 Canadian Physiotherapy Association/Ipsos-Reid poll (April 2002).
