1. Access the current funding opportunity you wish to apply for.
2. Review the Funding Opportunity Details.
3. Ensure that you are fully eligible for the opportunity (see "Eligibility").
4. Follow the "How to Apply" instructions provided.
   • Recommendation: print the "How to Apply" instructions or run them in a second window for reference as you complete the process(es).
   • The "How to Apply" instructions indicate:
     • The system to use (CIHR Web Forms or ResearchNet)
     • Documents to review (requirements and guidelines)
     • Forms to complete
     • Checklists to use to ensure that your application is complete
     • Submission instructions
     • Some opportunities list "Additional instructions that must be followed for this funding opportunity"; be sure to read and follow these instructions.

Funding opportunities have one or more application-related phases:

• Registration
  • Some opportunities require the submission of portions of the Research Module and Common CV as a Registration Phase.
  • CIHR provides an application number when the Registration Phase for an opportunity is complete; you need the application number to complete the Application Phase for the opportunity.
• Letter of Intent (LOI)
  • Some opportunities require an LOI.
  • In some cases this may:
    • include Registration Phase information.
    • be the only initial requirement; upon review, only selected applicants are invited to complete the Application Phase.
  • Content requirements are listed.
• Application
  • All opportunities have an Application Phase.
  • The application format varies; required links are provided to:
    • CIHR Web Forms
    • ResearchNet
    • Provided form(s)
    • Free-form formats answering specific questions and/or requirements listed in the opportunity - prepare/provide each piece of information as instructed
    • Other websites - in some cases you will be directed to other websites for the application process
• Signatures
  • Ensure that the signatures pages of the application have been signed by all required parties.
  • For information on required signatures and the meaning of signatures on application forms, consult the subsections titled "Required Signatures on Application Forms" and "Meaning of Signatures on Application Forms" in the CIHR Grants and Awards Guide.

The submitted application must be complete in itself (reviewers do not have access to previously submitted material). The assessment of your application is based on:

• Track record
  • Academic background
  • Research training and achievements
  • Awards
  • Acknowledgements
  • Publications
  • Previous funding
  • Leadership in your field
• Present proposal
  • Innovative/original idea(s)
  • Well written and focused
  • Potential to improve understanding
  • Potential impact within and beyond the academic community
  • Feasibility of project
  • Viability of proposed experiments and methods
  • Plan for dissemination of research findings
• Environment and support
  • Your position within your associated institution
  • Access to space
  • Funds and infrastructure
  • Your time and availability for research
  • Collaborative arrangements with other researchers/institutions
  • Letters of support

The most common reasons for incomplete applications are:

• Not completing and signing the Web Forms "Research Funding Program" - "Applicant Consent Form for Use and Disclosure of Personal Information Provided to CIHR for Peer Review."
• Not providing a validated Common CV and submitting a "Draft" CV.
• Not providing all of the required signatures.
• Not providing the "Summary of Research Proposal" when requested.

Get Help

For help related to general funding enquiries, please contact Information Service for Funding Enquiries:

• Telephone: 1-888-603-4178 or 613-954-1968
• Email: info@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

For help related to ResearchNet, please contact:

• Telephone: 613-941-9080
• Email: support@researchnet-recherchenet.ca