III Initiatives

For a detailed list of past and current funding opportunities and decisions supported by the CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity (III), please visit our Funding page.

The Institute of Infection and Immunity (III) is one of the 13 virtual institutes under the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). Its mandate is to support research and enhance capacity in the areas of infectious disease and the immune system. This mandate spans multiple disciplines and encompasses all four CIHR health research pillars: biomedical, clinical, health services, and population health.

The III’s Strategic Plan (2022–2026) emphasizes a collaborative approach between the Institute and our research community to address the challenges of the 21st century. It outlines four strategic goals that align with our mandate:

  • Global Threats – Position Canada as a leader in the research response to global infectious disease threats.
  • 21st Century Infection & Immunity Priorities in Canada – Realize the full potential of infection & immunity research to improve the health of all Canadians.
  • Building Careers – Enable current and future researchers to collaborate and lead in the evolving field of infection and immunity research.
  • Infection & Immunity Knowledge Mobilization – Foster and enable knowledge mobilization and the implementation of research results.

Through its role within CIHR and in collaboration with other CIHR institutes, III leads several Institute-Strategic InitiativesFootnote 1. It also supports Priority-Driven Research InitiativesFootnote 2 established by the Government of Canada to address pressing health issues that are of strategic importance to our country. Additionally, III partners on initiatives led by other CIHR Institutes and external partnersFootnote 3. Below are several initiatives supported by III that align with our mandate.

Led & Co-Led Initiatives

CIHR Research Excellence, Diversity, and Independence (REDI) Early Career Transition Award
Institute-Strategic Initiative
This program is a two-phase transition initiative with a strong mentorship component designed to increase diversity among highly qualified, independent health researchers from underrepresented groups in Canada.

HIV/AIDS and STBBI Research Initiative
Priority-Driven Initiative
This initiative manages and oversees the research components of the two major Government of Canada initiatives in HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted and blood-borne infections (STBBI): the Federal Initiative to Address HIV/AIDS and STBBI in Canada, and the Canadian HIV Vaccine Initiative.

Antimicrobial Resistance Initiative
Priority-Driven Initiative
To address the global health challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), this initiative aims to foster the development of new methods and tools to combat AMR and improve the use of antimicrobials.

Leadership Awards for Excellence in Vaccine Research
Institute-Strategic Initiative
This initiative supports the career development of mid-career researchers who contribute to national and international efforts to prevent and prepare for current and future global health threats.

Embracing Diversity to Achieve Precision & Health Equity
Institute-Strategic Initiative
This initiative aims to inspire a paradigm shift in health research by integrating biological, behavioural, social and environmental diversity, as well as structural determinants of health. It particularly emphasizes increasing health equity and the inclusion of diverse populations that have historically experienced inequitable health outcomes in Canada.

Canadian Microbiome Initiative
Institute-Strategic Initiative
This initiative seeks to build Canada’s microbiome research community and facilitate the development of effective preventative and therapeutic interventions through a deeper understanding of the microbiome's role in human health and disease.

Inflammation in Chronic Disease
Institute-Strategic & Priority-Driven Initiative
This initiative promotes collaboration among the Canadian inflammation research community to develop innovative strategies for reducing inflammation in chronic diseases and improving health outcomes.

Hepatitis C Research Initiative
Priority-Driven Initiative
This program focuses on supporting research related to preventing hepatitis C, reaching those who are undiagnosed, and improving the long-term health outcomes of people cured of or living with hepatitis C.

Lyme Disease Initiative
Priority-Driven Initiative
This initiative seeks to bring together researchers, clinicians, and patients to facilitate national collaboration and generate new knowledge to enhance the diagnosis, treatment, and health outcomes for individuals living with Lyme disease.

Partnered Initiatives

Archived

Interested in Training & Career Development?

The CIHR Institute of Infection and Immunity is committed to building and strengthening Canadian health research by supporting the next generation of researchers. Visit our Training and Career Development page to learn more about how III can help you throughout your career path.

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