CIHR Journalism Awards - Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is meant by the requirement that "research-based information" be used as a key component for the work proposed?
   
   Answer : As the evaluation criteria state, "there should be a strong connection between the ideas proposed and Canadian health research." This program seeks to encourage Canadian journalists to pursue stories that blend the reporting of Canadian health issues with relevant findings from health researchers. "Research-based information" refers to those findings. They may include published papers or comments from researchers obtained through interviews.
   
   
2. Can part of the money be used to do research in countries other than Canada?
   
   Answer : Yes, as long as there is a strong connection between the ideas proposed and Canadian health research.
   
   
3. The website says the period of the award is 12 months. Does this mean that all of the research supported by the award should be carried out within a period of 12 months? Does that also include publication or broadcast of the resulting stories?
   
   Answer : We expect the research and writing to be completed within 12 months of the receipt of the Award (i.e., by March 2013). Publication or broadcast may occur afterwards (we understand the long lead times in the magazine business).
   
   
4. You request a letter of intent from a media outlet as well as a letter of support from the applicant’s current senior editor. Can both of these documents be signed by the same person?
   
   Answer : Yes
   
   
5. Where can the final stories produced by award recipients be published or broadcast?
   
   Answer : The program aims to increase science literacy in Canada on important health issues and to build capacity in science and health journalism. The expectation is that the final articles would be published or broadcast in independent, recognized Canadian or international media outlets.
   
   
6. Will the articles be published on the CIHR web site?
   
   Answer : No, but CIHR may link to the stories on external sites once they have aired or been published.
   
   
7. Are there any restrictions on what the reporter can write about? For example, does the reporter have to speak to a CIHR funded researcher? Can the article include voices who are critical of CIHR?
   
   Answer : There are no restrictions on topic, tone or content, as long as the proposal addresses Canadian health research issues. Stories do not have to be about CIHR-funded research.