This funding opportunity will provide for the establishment and maintenance of an Evidence Review and Synthesis Centre to support the work of the renewed Canadian Task Force on Preventive Health Care convened by PHAC. The centre may take the form of a virtual collaboration of researchers or one that is geographically-based. Groups or individuals intending to apply are encouraged to actively seek out other potential applicants and collaborate in the interest of building stronger, consolidated applications demonstrating the necessary expertise and experience.

The successful centre will be awarded up to $700 000 per year for up to five years to conduct evidence syntheses on prioritized topics dealing with prevention specified by the Task Force. These syntheses will serve as the scientific basis for Task Force recommendations including the development of practice guidelines as well as other recommendations relating to the integration of primary care, public health and the health system change to support enhanced health status.

Once fully operational the Centre will be expected to produce between 8-10 syntheses per year (4-5 in the first year) for up to five years including several new syntheses as well as updates of existing syntheses. Syntheses will be undertaken by the Centre through an engaged process with the Task Force Panel from topic identification and research question framing to results and interpretation.

We are looking for teams who can demonstrate the following expertise/experience:

Relevant methodological expertise such as:

• Clinical epidemiology, biostatistics, health economics, library science, etc.

• Synthesis methodology and quality appraisal, other public health evidence review methodology (range of methods including qualitative, quantitative, economic analyses etc.)

Access to relevant content expertise such as:

• Prevention of key chronic diseases (e.g. diabetes, cardiovascular disease, mental illness, respiratory)
• Prevention and care of major risk factors (e.g. obesity, smoking status, hypertension)
• General preventive care approaches
• Health promotion/healthy living approaches
• Injury prevention
• Behavioural change / counselling
• Public Health
• Other topics relevant to primary care

Experience conducting other similar responsive syntheses

Experience delivering on contract-type work and demonstrating timely productivity

Experience working collaboratively with knowledge-users (policymakers, practitioners health care managers etc.), co-producing knowledge, demonstrating flexibility and integrated knowledge translation (IKT)

• Especially in the production and use of syntheses in health/health care settings

This funding opportunity is now posted on the CIHR Funding Opportunities Database and the funds will be awarded to the successful applicants starting in November of 2009.

For more information contact:

Jacqueline Tetroe Jacqueline.tetroe@cihr-irsc.gc.ca 613-946-1287
Peter Potsepp peter.potsepp@cihr-irsc.gc.ca 613-948-2299

Ian Graham, PhD
Vice-President, Knowledge Translation