Implementation Science Chairs

The field of Implementation Science developed and continues to evolve in response to barriers to the integration of evidence in practice and policy^{Footnote 1Footnote 2}. It is “the study of methods to promote the adoption and integration of evidence-based practices, interventions, and policies into routine health care and public health settings to improve our impact on population health”^{Footnote 3}. In Indigenous contexts, implementation science approaches centre the diverse knowledges, values, skills, and social systems of Inuit, Métis and First Nations communities in promoting health and wellbeing^{Footnote 4Footnote 5}.

Although there is increasing interest and recognition in the potential of implementation science, evidence syntheses call for more progress broadly within the field, specifically within the areas of human development, child and youth health^{Footnote 6Footnote 7}. Central to advancing the field and meeting the growth in its demand is capacity development^{Footnote 1Footnote 8}. The purpose of this funding opportunity is to fund early-career and/or mid-career researchers using a Chair model to advance Implementation Science within the field of human development, child, and youth with the ultimate goal of promoting health and health equity. The Chair model supports a multi-pronged approach to implementation science capacity development as it supports the applicant, their program of research, and the team they build.

Objectives

• Build capacity in the current and next generation of Implementation Science researchers in human development, child, and youth health to facilitate the integration of evidence into health-related practice and policy.
• Advance the field of Implementation Science in human development, child and youth health through building the evidence base of what works best, for who, where, and with what impact in implementation efforts.
• Strengthen research excellence and ensure maximum research impact through:
  • Co-production of research with knowledge users to ensure that evidence-based practices and/or policies and implementation strategies address barriers and facilitators (e.g., societal, structural) to implementation, respond to needs, and promote health equity.
  • Consideration of diverse biological and/or socio-cultural identity factors in research design, including diverse research methods such as those based in Indigenous ways of knowing.

Research areas

• All applications in the area of human development, child and youth health research as per IHDCYH's mandate will be eligible for support.
• Within the overarching research area of Implementation Science in human development, child and youth health, funds to support one grant will be reserved for applications that align with Indigenous Health Implementation Science Chair in Human Development, Child and Youth Health priority research area. Applications must align with CIHR’s definition of Indigenous Health Research in addition to IHDCYH’s mandate area.

Funds available

The total amount available for this funding opportunity is $4,000,000, enough to fund up to 4 awards. The maximum amount per award is $200,000 per year for up to 5 years, for a total of $1,000,000 per award.

• Salary award: $100,000 per year as a salary contribution, including fringe benefits and teaching release time.
• Research allowance: $100,000 per year as a grant component to support research, knowledge mobilization, training and mentorship/capacity-building activities.

Important dates

Launch: Spring 2024
Application Deadline: October 2024
Anticipated Notice of Decision: April 2025
Funding Start Date: April 2025

Date modified:

2024-04-23