Mentorship Program for new Chairs and Scientific Officers of Peer/Merit Review Committees

Background

CIHR's Mentorship program began as a pilot in Spring 2009 and operated on a small scale primarily within the Open Operating Grant Program (OOGP). At its retreat in August, 2009, CIHR's Governing Council approved CIHR's second strategic plan entitled the Health Research Roadmap: Creating innovative research for better health and health care for the upcoming 5 years. In order to fully realize this new strategic plan, GC also endorsed several recommendations with some pertaining to peer review. While our peer review system has been recognized internationally for its design and effectiveness, improvements will be made where they are required. Training for committee members is one area that has been identified as needing enhancements with one component being expanding the Mentorship program.

The Mentorship program is intended for committee members that are new to their role at the meeting, and who desire additional training. Participation is voluntary and there are no consequences if members do not wish to participate. Currently, this program is available to new Chairs and Scientific Officers (SOs) of CIHR peer/merit review grant committees. In the near future, this program will be expanded to include award committees that have Chairs and SOs, and in time will include more committee member roles for all grant and award programs.

Procedure

Mentees, in addition to self-nomination, are identified through CIHR's Program Delivery staff, who are directly responsible for the functioning of peer/merit review committees. The names of experienced Chairs and SOs who are identified as suitable mentors are put forward by CIHR's Program Delivery Staff. If the nominated individual agrees to participate as a mentor, he/she commits to two consecutive competitions as a mentor and his/her name and contact information will be forwarded to no more than two mentees per competition. Mentors and mentees are matched based on their role, their geographical location, and when possible, their area of research. Following the mentee's participation at the CIHR committee meeting, both parties are asked to complete a short survey for feedback on their participation and the program.

How to apply

If you are a Chair or SO new to your role on a peer/merit review committee or if you are an experienced CIHR Chair or SO and are interested in becoming a mentor, please contact Recruitment-Mentorship@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.