Description:
The specific objectives of this funding opportunity are to continue to:
Enable a comprehensive and timely understanding of the biological, clinical, social, and population health implications of emerging SARS-CoV-2 VOCs and their relevance for public health, health systems and policy;
Provide an integrated platform within Canada to focus on VOCs research through coordination across different disciplines and surveillance efforts with relevant local, national, and international partners; and
Continue to provide high-quality and real-time data on urgent and emerging research priorities in support of Canada rapid response to emerging SARS-COV2 variants, including through building and supporting capacity in all aspects of VOC related research.
These objectives will be achieved through the following continued actions:
CoVaRR-Net must continue to leverage existing national networks, infrastructures and relationships with local and international partners in order to increase timeliness, efficiency, and impact of research on the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 VOCs.
The network will continue to enact and refine governance structures and processes designed to enhance coordination and engagement with new and existing networks and partner organizations; supports an integrated interdisciplinary research approach; enable and accelerate resource and data sharing practices; maintain national and international linkages with research networks and consortiums (e.g. VOC leadership groups, CanCOGeN, GA4GH); include meaningful mechanisms for patient and citizen engagement; collaborate with relevant Indigenous networks and researchers; strengthen research training and mentorship activities; and mobilize knowledge generated within and across the wider network to maximize research impact.
For network activities involving First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples: Appropriate consideration of TCPS 2: Chapter 9 - Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Canada, and demonstration of meaningful and culturally safe practices, plans and activities throughout the networks activities.
Sex and gender differences, as well as differences due to other intersecting identity factors (e.g., race; Indigeneity) have been exacerbated by COVID-19, making these issues an important component of this research initiative. CIHR requires the consideration of sex as a biological variable and gender as a socio-cultural factor in the network's research activities.
Expected Results:
This program provides funding for targeted grants and awards aimed at addressing priority areas. Priorities are identified by CIHR in consultation with other government departments and agencies, partners and stakeholders. The program mobilizes researchers, patients, health providers, and decision makers to conduct research, enable knowledge translation and build capacity in the priority areas. It often requires collaboration within and across sectors.
Program Purpose:
This program provides funding for targeted grants and awards aimed at addressing priority areas. Priorities are identified by CIHR in consultation with other government departments and agencies, partners and stakeholders. The program mobilizes researchers, patients, health providers, and decision makers to conduct research, enable knowledge translation and build capacity in the priority areas. It often requires collaboration within and across sectors.