Project Grant Program: Application Process

This committee reviews applications primarily focussing on investigating the neural mechanisms underlying behaviour (behavioural neuroscience). This includes basic studies with a focus on learning, memory, decision-making, motivation, emotion, stress, substance use, feeding, reproduction, social behaviour, pain, and motor function in non-human vertebrate or invertebrate animal models across the lifespan or across the circadian cycle. Animal models of neurological or psychiatric disorders, behavioural endocrinology, or behavioural recovery following stroke or injury are appropriate, provided that the primary endpoints focus on behavioural outcomes.

Relevant behavioural approaches include, but are not limited to, Pavlovian (associative) conditioning; instrumental/operant conditioning (including self-administration paradigms); and behavioural assays of emotional processes, social interaction, consummatory and reproductive behaviours. Research addressing questions centred on behaviour that also use molecular, cellular, circuit, neuropharmacological, neural coding, and systems-level approaches are considered.

Behavioural Sciences – B: Clinical Behavioural Sciences (BSB)

Clinical and clinically relevant studies in at-risk or human psychiatric, neuropsychiatric, and neurological populations in which the expected project outcome has a direct clinical relevance (i.e., informing risk, diagnosis, treatment, survival/mortality, quality of remission, adverse events/complications). Psychiatric populations might include, but not limited to, individuals diagnosed or at risk for childhood or adult psychiatric disorders such as ADHD, psychotic, anxiety, trauma and stress related disorders, mood, sleep, personality, and substance use disorders. Neuropsychiatric and neurological populations might include individuals diagnosed or at risk for dementia, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, ALS, stroke, headache, and brain trauma. Methodologies or approaches might include, but not limited to, observational, interventional, longitudinal, and cross-sectional studies focusing on phenotyping, psychosocial determinants, sleep studies, risk modeling, imaging, genetic and epigenetic analyses, biomarkers, electrophysiological recordings, and interventions (e.g., pharmacological, psychological, and behavioural).

Note: Studies in which the primary aim is to understand mechanisms of cognition, learning, memory, sensory and motor functions/integration, perception, attention, sleep, pain, speech/language, neuro control of gait (in animals or humans including disease populations) should be referred to the Behavioural Sciences – C: Behavioural Studies, Neuroscience and Cognition (BSC) committee.

Behavioural Sciences – C: Behavioural Studies, Neuroscience and Cognition (BSC)

Mechanistic studies using cognitive, systems, or behavioural neuroscience approaches (in humans or animal models) to study mechanisms of processes in cognition, learning, memory, sensory and motor functions/integration, perception, attention, sleep, pain, speech/language, neuro control of gait. Studies using disease populations are acceptable as long as they inform mechanistic, system-level aspects of normal function or behavioural/neuroscience aspects of the disease. Clinical and/or applied studies in psychiatric, neuropsychiatric or neurological populations should be referred to the Behavioural Sciences B (BSB) committee.

Methodologies used include, but are not limited to, behavioural testing, psychophysics, electrophysiological recordings, brain stimulation, structural and functional neuroimaging, molecular/cellular techniques, neuroanatomy, eye tracking, pain imaging, computational neuroscience, and large-scale network dynamics.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology – A (BMA)

Structural, chemical, and biophysical studies of biomacromolecules and their interactions. Proposals will typically involve one or more of the following: i) structural characterization of biomacromolecules and their assemblies including those involving nucleic acids, glycans, and lipids, ii) biophysical techniques including X-ray crystallography, electron microscopy (including cryo-EM), NMR, mass spectrometry, and various other spectroscopic methods, iii) computational approaches to studying biomolecular structure, function, and dynamics, iv) enzymes and enzyme mechanism, v) protein engineering, vi) structure-guided drug discovery, vii) chemical biology and the development of chemical probes, and viii) the structural and biochemical analysis of biomolecular variation/mutation leading to disease or resistance to treatment.

Note: Studies with a primary focus on proteins and nucleic acids, other than structural studies, should be referred to the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology – B (BMB) committee.

Biochemistry & Molecular Biology – B (BMB)

Studies on molecular mechanisms of biological systems with a focus on nucleic acid and protein function. In particular: chromatin, chromosomes, organelles; mechanisms and regulation of DNA and RNA metabolic processes and information transfer (e.g., replication, recombination, repair, transcription, processing, splicing, transport, translation).

Note: Studies with a primary focus on the structure of protein or nucleic acids should be referred to the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology – A (BMA) committee.

Biological and Clinical Aspects of Aging (BCA)

Cellular and molecular mechanisms of aging, cell senescence, cellular response to stress. Longevity genes and senescence genes. Mechanisms of exceptional aging, premature aging syndrome. Animal models of aging and aging-related diseases. Predictive markers of biological health and aging. Molecular and cellular basis of age-related changes in tissues and systems (e.g., osteoporosis and osteoarthritis, age-related decline in immune function, changes in sleep and biological rhythms).

Causes, prevention, and treatment of geriatric syndromes, including falls, frailty and functional decline, immobility, delirium, incontinence. Management of chronic pain. Cognitive decline in older adults.

If application pressure warrants a split of this committee, the applications are generally split thematically by these two groupings.

Note: Studies related to neurodegenerative diseases should also consider the mandate of the Cell Biology – Disease (CBB), Systems & Circuits Neurosciences (NSA), and Molecular & Cellular Neurosciences (NSB) committees.

Biomedical Engineering (BME)

Engineering and development of biomechanical, medical, and molecular devices including prosthetic devices, artificial organs, and nanosystems. Numerical models of physiological systems. Biomaterials. Biomechanics. Regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, repair and regeneration. Organ and tissue preservation. Molecular and nanoscale technologies.

Note: Gait studies, biomechanical studies dealing with movement and studies with a focus on rehabilitation for movement disorders should be referred to the Movement & Exercise (MOV) committee.

Cancer Biology & Therapeutics (CBT)

The committee supports basic and translational aspects of cancer biology to identify and develop new approaches to prevent or treat cancer. This includes stromal-tumour interactions, metabolism, angiogenesis, radiation biology, and anti-tumour immunity. Therapeutic approaches include experimental radiotherapy and cancer immunotherapy (e.g. cell and gene therapies, oncolytic viruses, cancer vaccines, and immune checkpoint inhibitors).

Cancer Progression & Therapeutics (CPT)

The committee supports mechanism-based therapeutic discovery and translational advancement including early clinical application. This includes biomarkers, functional validation of therapeutic targets, and preclinical development and optimization of pharmacologic, biologic, and combination therapies. The panel supports research focused on the biological mechanisms that drive tumour progression, metastasis, and treatment resistance, and on the development of therapeutic strategies targeting advanced disease. Development of methods for the early detection and management of cancer and cancer-associated morbidities.

Cardiovascular System – A: Cells and Tissues (CSA)

Research on the cellular, molecular and genetic mechanisms of cardiac diseases. Studies on animal and cellular models of human cardiac disease with a strong focus on cellular and molecular mechanisms and pathways, or potential drug targets. Areas of focus may include but are not limited to cardiac structure and function, electrophysiology, cell signaling, excitation-contraction coupling, myocardial mechanics, metabolism, and developmental biology.

Cardiovascular System – B: Heart and Circulation (CSB)

Research on the heart and circulation: hemodynamics, hypertension, myocardial protection, cardiac remodeling, myocardial ischemia and reperfusion, neuro- and endocrine regulation. Studies on animal models of human cardiac disease. Genetic models of cardiovascular disease states at the whole organ or animal level including pharmacogenomics, gene discovery and gene expression studies.

Note: Clinical studies should be referred to the Clinical Investigation – D: Cardiovascular Systems (CID) committee.

Cardiovascular System – C: Vascular System (CSC)

Research on the vascular system, including the endothelium, with an emphasis on the cellular, molecular, and immune mechanisms that regulate cardiovascular function in health and disease. Atherosclerosis, inflammation, thrombosis, and vascular homeostasis.

Cell Biology – Molecular/Fundamental (CB1)

Molecular cell biological mechanisms that govern the basic functioning of cells that include; junctional complexes, endocytosis, secretion, protein sorting, protein traffic, protein degradation, cytoskeleton, organelle biogenesis and dynamics, cell-matrix mechanisms, cell cycle, cell-cell communication and signal transduction mechanisms, protein folding, phase-separation of organelles, quality control, cell death, pattern formation. The focus of this committee is on basic, molecular, and fundamental understandings of cell biology using cell or animal models.

Note: Studies of developmental mechanisms using embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and 3D organoids should be referred to Cell and Developmental Physiology (CBC) or Cell Biology – Disease (CBB) or relevant organ committees. Structural biology studies should be referred to the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology – A (BMA) committee, and studies focused on gene regulation and transcription to the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology - B (BMB) committee. Studies on obesity should be referred to the committee on Diabetes, Obesity, Lipid & Lipoprotein Disorders (DOL). Studies on spinal cord injury and repair should be referred to the committees on Neurosciences (NSA, NSB).

Cell Biology – Disease (CBB)

Investigations examining cell biology mechanisms underpinning acquired diseases and/or developmental origins of disease. Disease processes impacting cellular phenotypes that are rooted in one or more mutant or aberrantly expressed proteins. Investigation typically involves model cells, tissue-relevant cells, genetically-modified animals and/or relevant human tissues or cells. Model systems include experimental disease models, iPS cell models, primary cell cultures of relevant disease tissues, etc.

Note: Structural biology studies should be referred to the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology – A (BMA) committee, and studies focused on gene regulation and transcription to the Biochemistry & Molecular Biology - B (BMB) committee. Studies on obesity should be referred to the committee on Diabetes, Obesity, Lipid & Lipoprotein Disorders (DOL). Studies on spinal cord injury and repair should be referred to the committees on Neurosciences (NSA, NSB). Studies related to cancer should also consider the cancer committees [Molecular & Cellular Biology of Cancer (MCC), Cancer Progression & Therapeutics (CPT), or Cancer Biology & Therapeutics (CBT)] whose mandate may fit the proposed work. Studies related to neurodegenerative diseases should also consider the mandates of the Biological and Clinical Aspects of Aging (BCA), Systems & Circuits Neurosciences (NSA), and Molecular & Cellular Neurosciences (NSB) committees.

Cell and Developmental Physiology (CBC)

Physiological and biological mechanisms of cell and tissue differentiation, growth, and homeostasis in development, health, and disease. Investigations using model systems including but not limited to in vitro reconstitution, yeast, flies, worms, zebrafish, mice, tissue culture cells, and stem cells.

Note: Applications primarily focused on mechanisms of disease should be referred to the Cell Biology – Disease (CBB) committee.

Clinical Investigation – A: Reproduction, Maternal, Child and Youth Health (CIA)

Clinical and clinically-relevant biomedical studies on reproductive, maternal, foetal/placental, neonatal, infant, child and youth health.

Note: Studies where the novelty or scientific advancement is primarily related to social and developmental aspects of children's and youth's health, should be referred to the Social & Developmental Aspects of Children's & Youth's Health (CHI) committee.

Clinical Investigation – B: Arthritis, Bone, Skin and Cartilage (CIB)

Clinical and clinically-relevant translational studies in arthritis, bone, cartilage, oral health and dermatology. Developmental processes of these tissues, joint diseases, dental diseases and rheumatology; orthopaedics; bone and mineral metabolism; oral and craniofacial structures, and wound healing.

Clinical Investigation – C: Digestive, Endocrine and Excretory Systems (CIC)

Clinical and mechanistic studies in human subjects in metabolic and endocrine disorders; gastroenterology, hepatology, nephrology, urology, hematology and related viral and microbial pathologies.

Note: Only applications proposing research in non-malignant hematology will be accepted. Applications proposing studies related to mechanism of cellular biology should be referred to the Hematology, Digestive Disease & Kidney (HDK) committee.

Clinical Investigation – D: Cardiovascular Systems (CID)

Clinical studies on the heart and circulation: hemodynamics, hypertension, myocardial protection, cardiac structure and function, end organ ischemia and reperfusion, neuro- and endocrine cardiovascular regulation. Cardiovascular clinical pathophysiology, diagnosis and therapeutics, arterial and venous vascular disease.

Commercialization (CMZ)

Projects for which a product/process/service to be commercialized has been validated; the intellectual property (IP) and an IP protection strategy have been identified and described; and the IP is (or has been) subjected to an initial technology assessment. Research to determine the commercial viability or other opportunities for use of IP, to enhance or strengthen the value of IP (or IP portfolio) and improve the business prospects or potential for downstream investment in the technology; promote academic health research and technology transfer activities that support and accelerate commercialization of the technology. The IP may (or may not) have acquired interest from partners willing to invest in the new technology, and an existing license or option to license the technology does not disqualify the project.

Note: Applications submitted to this committee should include a Research and Technical Plan and a Commercialization Plan as part of the research proposal. For further information, refer to CIHR's Commercialization Projects page.

Diabetes, Obesity, Lipid & Lipoprotein Disorders (DOL)

Molecular, cellular and whole organism studies where primary outcomes include carbohydrate, protein, lipid and energy metabolism and related regulatory hormones within the context of fundamental or translational studies on the pathological drivers of diabetes, obesity, metabolic syndrome and dyslipidemia.

Note: Population studies and human studies with primary outcomes related to nutritional aspects of obesity and diabetes, or the relation between diet and health should be referred to the committee on Nutrition, Food & Health (NUT). Studies where the primary outcomes are related to the immunological aspects of diabetes should be referred to the Immunology (IMN) committee. Studies having a primary focus or where the primary outcomes are on complications of a specific tissue or organ should be referred to the relevant discipline-based committee (e.g.cardiovascular (CSA, CSB, CSC), neurosciences (NSA, NSB), kidney (HDK), gastrointestinal (CIC, HDK)).

Gender, Sex & Health (GSH)

Projects from across CIHR's four pillars where the primary advancement relates to sex (biological factors) and/or gender (identity, roles, relations, institutionalized). This includes their influence on physiology, pathophysiology, mechanisms of disease, health and behaviour, and/or health-services use.

Studies that aim to advance methodologies related to the study of sex and gender influences on health would also fall under the mandate of this committee.

In proposed human investigations, single -sex or -gender studies will be considered if gendered aspects of the health issues in question are included.

Note: Clinical and clinically-relevant biomedical studies having a primary focus on reproductive and maternal health should be referred to the Clinical Investigation – A: Reproduction, Maternal, Child and Youth Health (CIA) committee.

Genetics (G)

Inherited diseases and disease susceptibility; mutation and mutational mechanisms; modeling of human genetic diseases; genotypes, phenotypes and natural history of genetic diseases; metabolic genetics; population and statistical genetics; cytogenetics; epigenetic inheritance and gene regulation; genetics of DNA repair, replication and recombination; gene and gene-based therapies.

Genomics: Systems and computational biology (GMX)

Technical or conceptual advances in genome research related to high-throughput methodologies, including work in subject areas such as proteomics, epigenomics, metabolomics, transcriptomics, meta-genomics, pharmacogenomics or nutrigenomics. Conceptual and technical advances in molecular and cellular systems-level analysis that apply large-scale, genome-wide techniques. Application of high-throughput synthetic biology approaches to genome research. Bioinformatics, computational algorithms and software development that support, enhance or enable the above-mentioned areas of research.

Note: Research applying genomic, proteomic, or systems approaches as a tool but without providing significant methodological advances in these technologies (e.g. studying a single gene) should be referred to the relevant discipline-based committee. Research involving biochemical/molecular methods as a major component and that is not addressing genomic, proteomic or systems approaches should consider the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology committees (BMA, BMB).

Health Policy & Systems Management Research (HPM)

Health policy and management research examines how societies organize, govern, finance, and adapt health systems to achieve health goals. The field analyzes the design, implementation, and impacts of policies, laws, regulations, and organizational arrangements on health systems and population health. Drawing on economics, sociology, political science, management, and public health, this research aims to improve health outcomes, health equity, system performance, and long-term sustainability.

Research within Health Policy & Systems Management Research (HPM) spans the following thematic domains:

• Policy and Governance: health policy development, evaluation and outcomes; governance, regulation, and accountability; political and institutional determinants of health systems.
• Economics and Financing: economic evaluation; system financing and funding models; remuneration methods; resource allocation and priority setting.
• Systems Organization and Management: health administration, organizational behaviour, system design and integration, and performance analysis.
• Workforce Systems: health human resources planning, education, regulation, distribution, and access to appropriate providers, particularly for underserved populations.
• Learning Health Systems: system innovation, large-scale change, learning health systems, and knowledge mobilization or implementation science aligned with system-level questions.

HPM is appropriate when the primary unit of analysis is the health system and/or policy environment, rather than individual behaviours, clinical interventions, or patient-level outcomes. This may include studies using knowledge mobilization or implementation science if they align with the overall HPM mandate.

Note: Studies primarily evaluating healthcare programs or interventions at the organizational or individual level should be referred to the Health Services Evaluation & Interventions Research (HS1) committee.

Health Services Evaluation & Interventions Research (HS1)

Health care interventions and programs, including interventions engaging health professionals and/or other care providers, designed to improve the way health care services are organized, used and delivered. Research that impacts individuals, families, organizations, communities and population. Research that examines outcomes such as health status, quality of care, effectiveness, efficiency, accessibility, costs, and equity.

Innovative methods and tools for studying health services, interventions, or programs.

Health care services, interventions or programs may relate to any sector setting, level of care, condition, population (by age or other demographic), or mode of delivery.

Note: Studies evaluating the health system and/or policy environment should be referred to the Health Policy & Systems Management Research (HPM) committee, including learning health systems, health human resources planning and education.

Hematology, Digestive Disease & Kidney (HDK)

Studies of mechanisms of disease including cellular physiology and molecular biology with a special interest in translational research and/or future translational impact. The focus is on disease in the following systems: hematology, gastroenterology and hepatology, nephrology, and urology.

Projects related to malignancies, chemotherapeutic drug mechanisms and transplantation do not fall within the mandate of this committee.

Note: Clinical and mechanistic studies in human subjects should be referred to the Clinical Investigation – C: Digestive, Endocrine and Excretory Systems (CIC) committee.

Humanities, Social Sciences, Law & Ethics in Health (HLE)

Health research from the humanities (including but not limited to history, philosophy, law, literary studies, cultural studies, narrative analysis, arts based or performance research, communication or media analysis) or social sciences (including but not limited to health studies, sociology, anthropology, religious studies, political science). Research in health ethics (e.g. clinical ethics, research ethics) and health law. Research proposals can be critical, theoretical, methodological or empirical in nature, in accordance with disciplinary standards.

Note: Studies having a primary focus on health services or evaluation of services should be referred to the Health Services Evaluation & Interventions Research (HS1) committee. Studies related to the determinants of health should be referred to the Psychosocial, Sociocultural & Behavioral Determinants of Health (PB1) committee. Studies with an emphasis on health policy should be referred to the Health Policy & Systems Management Research (HPM) committee. Studies related to population and public health should be referred to the Public, Community and Population Health (PH1) committee. Studies in which the primary focus is on children and youth health, older adults, or gender issues should be referred to the Social & Developmental Aspects of Children's & Youth's Health (CHI), Social Dimensions in Aging (SDA), or Gender, Sex & Health (GSH) committees.

Immunology (IMN)

Research into innate and adaptive immunity and immune function at the genetic, molecular, cellular, model organism, whole animal, or human levels. Development and differentiation of immune cells, including investigations of the influence of host-environment interactions (including microbiota) on immune development and function. Immune interactions with non-hematopoietic cells, including immune-stromal cell interactions. Immune system reconstitution, homeostasis, immune tolerance, immune cell plasticity, and rejection in cell and solid organ transplantation and graft tolerance induction. Studies focused on basic immune mechanisms in response to tumours, allergens, and autoantigens. Studies on inflammatory and/or immune-mediated diseases (e.g. primary immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, allergy, hypersensitivity responses, transplantation) emphasizing immune pathogenesis rather than target organ injury, function, or repair. Immunity to infection with model pathogens (bacteria, virus, fungi) with a focus on immune mechanism. Immune cell transformation focusing on oncogenes relevant to understanding immune cell development and differentiation. Investigations of immune function and correlates of disease including the design or function of vaccines, biologicals, and cell therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, and cancer immunotherapy.

Note: Studies having a primary focus on transplantation surgery should be referred to the relevant discipline-based committee. Studies in which the primary focus is on organ preservation for transplantation should be referred to the Biomedical Engineering (BME) committee.

Studies in microbial pathogenesis and aspects of viral immunization where the focus is on the pathogen rather than in-depth immune mechanisms should be referred to the Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (MID) or Virology & Viral Pathogenesis (VVP) committees, as appropriate.

Investigations of immunotherapies targeting specific pathogens or cancers where the focus is on development/optimization, rather than in depth evaluation of immune function, should be referred to the Cancer Biology and Therapeutics (CBT), Microbiology and Infectious Diseases (MID), or Virology & Viral Pathogenesis (VVP) committees, as appropriate.

Indigenous Health Research (IHR)

This committee reviews applications with a central focus on carrying out ethical and culturally informed research involving First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Canada, with the intent to promote health through research that is in keeping with Indigenous values and traditions and follows the TCPS 2 - Chapter 9 – Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Canada guidelines. This includes applications from all four themes (pillars) of research that use disciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches to Indigenous health research.

The overarching goal of Indigenous health research is to inspire, promote and support research with the highest potential to advance health and wellness for Indigenous peoples, grounded in commitment to deep community-engagement, partnership and collaboration in research and knowledge translation. The integration of concepts of service to community within the very definition of scientific and scholarly excellence is a distinguishing feature of Indigenous health research.

The pursuit of knowledge is expected to respond to Indigenous priorities and be pursued in appropriate partnership and collaboration with Indigenous communities.
The committee reviews applications using the full range of relevant disciplinary methodologies, with an emphasis on the integration of advanced health research methods with community-based approaches, multi-sectoral partnership models, participatory action research, and Indigenous methodologies. Investigations that contribute to capacity-building for both the advanced health research community and Indigenous peoples are encouraged.

Note: Applicants will need to indicate in their proposal how their project addresses the principles of the Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS 2) - Chapter 9 on Research Involving the First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples of Canada and Indigenous partnering community/organizational ethical guidelines.

Knowledge Mobilization Science (KTR)

Knowledge Mobilization Science research that evaluates theory, interventions, and/or implementation processes aimed at fidelity, adaptation, implementation, scale-up, and/or sustainability of evidence-based interventions, procedures or policies. Research may assess the indicators or impacts of knowledge translation interventions or implementation processes.

Note: Applications on systematic reviews should be referred to the relevant discipline-based committee. Research that focuses primarily on outcomes such as health status, quality of care, effectiveness, efficiency, accessibility, costs, and equity should be referred to the Health Services Evaluation & Interventions Research (HS1) committee.

Medical Physics & Imaging (MPI)

Development and optimization of medical imaging technologies – magnetic resonance, x-ray, computed tomography, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, molecular and optical imaging, etc. – usually in conjunction with their validation and application in either pre-clinical models or clinical populations; basic imaging science investigations. Radiation therapy and biophysics technology development, computational and experimental methods and translation, radiation science investigations at the clinical and basic science levels. Machine learning and computational methods relating to the above fields, including image data analysis and reconstruction, computational pathology and synthetic imaging. Technical advances can include software (e.g. acquisition and post-processing) and/or hardware, as well as novel applications of existing methods.

Note: Application studies using off-the-shelf methods without technical innovation should be referred to the relevant systems/disease committee.

Microbiology & Infectious Diseases (MID)

Molecular and cellular microbiology and microbial physiology with an emphasis on (non-viral), bacterial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens. Contributions of the microbiome to health and disease including microbe-microbe interactions. Host-pathogen interactions including the study of virulence factors and microbial evolution. Vaccine discovery and development for non-viral pathogens. Antimicrobial mechanisms and resistance. Molecular diagnosis and the development of new therapeutics, including alternatives to antibiotics. Mechanisms of immune evasion by pathogens, with a focus on the pathogen.

Note: Virology applications should be referred to the Virology & Viral Pathogenesis (VVP) committee. Applications that are focused on the host responses where the pathogen is used as a tool to investigate the immune response should be referred to the Immunology (IMN) committee. RCTs lacking basic science components should be referred to the Randomized Controlled Trials (RC1) committee.

Molecular & Cellular Biology of Cancer (MCC)

This committee focuses on fundamental molecular, cellular and genetic mechanisms of cancer etiology including discovery research relating to tumourigenic processes. These include cell signaling, cell cycle/proliferation, DNA repair, cell cycle/checkpoints, stem cell fate/differentiation, epigenetics, gene expression regulation, growth regulation, and apoptosis. The committee supports research focused on mechanistic aspects of carcinogenesis, tumour progression and metastasis. Approaches can include molecular, cellular and genetic approaches including use of model organisms.

Movement & Exercise (MOV)

Gait studies, biomechanics. Skeletal muscle biology, fibre typing and regulation. Skeletal muscle contraction. Movement disorders, neuromuscular disorders, myopathies. Sensory motor integration. Exercise physiology, role of exercise in health promotion and rehabilitation. Rehabilitation and physical therapy. Orthopaedics applied to the articular system. Occupational ergonomics. Kinesiology. Health and physical fitness.

Note: Studies related to cardiac muscles should be referred to the Cardiovascular System – A: Cells and Tissues (CSA) committee.

Systems & Circuits Neurosciences (NSA)

Studies on systems neuroscience and the description and analysis of the circuitry underlying conscious and autonomic behaviour, network dynamics and changes in circuit function. Studies on cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurodegenerative, and neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders of all types are also appropriate, including developmental neurobiology. Studies on axonal regeneration, neural circuit repair, and recovery of function. Neuronal death, axonal and dendrite degeneration, protein misfolding, aggregation, processing, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial deficits and vascular pathology. Role of endogenous neurogenesis and stem cell biology in the repair of the nervous system. Motor, sensory, homeostatic systems, and disorders including epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, pain, and loss of vision and hearing.

Approaches: Studies in this committee will employ methods that include, but are not limited to, animal models of neurodevelopmental, and neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders and/or neuronal injury, molecular and cellular approaches to study mechanisms of disease and repair, gene transfer/therapy, drug and pharmacological approaches, imaging, and functional assays including electrophysiology and behaviour.

Note: Basic studies, employing non-human models, in which the primary goal of the study is to establish the neurobiological basis of behaviour should be referred to the Behavioural Sciences A (BSA) committee. Human, clinical or applied studies in psychiatric and neurological populations should be referred to the Behavioural Sciences B (BSB) committee or another relevant clinical committee. Mechanistic studies using cognitive, systems, or behavioural neuroscience approaches should be referred to the Behavioural Sciences C (BSC) committee.

Molecular & Cellular Neurosciences (NSB)

Studies on molecular and cellular neurosciences, neurobiology, neurotransmitters and signaling molecules, cellular and molecular mechanisms of neurological disorders. Axonal and dendritic development; synaptogenesis and activity-dependent development; development of motor, sensory and limbic systems; ligand- or voltage-gated ion channels; G-protein linked receptors; neurotransmitter release; synaptic transmission and synaptic plasticity; neuronal excitability.

Note: Studies on neural networks, network dynamics and system neuroscience, and sensory systems should be referred to the Systems & Circuits Neurosciences (NSA) committee. Studies related to skeletal muscle, myopathies, kinesiology and exercise should be referred to the Movement and Exercise (MOV) committee.

Nutrition, Food & Health (NUT)

Understanding the role of nutrition in health and disease through basic research and animal models, nutritional epidemiology and intervention studies including randomized controlled trials (RCT). Specific topics include: the impact of food/nutrient intake and eating behaviours on health and disease outcomes;  mechanistic studies on nutrient metabolism and function; pathogenesis of nutrient imbalance; human nutrition through the life span; energy balance and nutrition; health consequences of specific diets and dietary supplements; development of dietary assessment methods; food intolerance and allergy; nutrition-related education and health promotion; the influence of socioeconomic, cultural and political factors on nutrition of the individual and the community; non-oral feeding strategies; precision and personalized nutrition; nutrigenetics, nutrigenomics, and metabolomics; machine learning approaches to nutrition research.

Pharmaceutical Sciences (PS)

This committee reviews applications from all stages of the drug discovery/development process, from target validation to drug design and delivery, including those related to medicinal chemistry, AI-assisted drug design, radio-pharmaceuticals, biopharmaceutics and drug analyses, pharmacokinetics, drug discovery from natural compounds (pharmacognosy), and xenobiotics.

Pharmacology & Toxicology (PT)

The Pharmacology and Toxicology committee will review applications that advance fundamental and translational knowledge of the mechanisms of action of drugs and bioactive compounds. The mandate of the panel includes identification, validation, and characterization of drug targets; molecular, cellular, and systems-level mechanisms underlying pharmacological and toxicological effects; clinical pharmacology and toxicology, drug metabolism, and pharmacogenetics. All proposals submitted to the Pharmacology and Toxicology committee should include some elements of mechanistic considerations.

Note: Proposals where the primary focus of the application is the random assignment of human participants to an intervention or series of interventions that are being compared should be referred to the Randomized Controlled Trials (RC1) committee.

Psychosocial, Sociocultural & Behavioural Determinants of Health (PB1)

Behavioural and social sciences research applied to physical and mental health, health behaviour, psychophysiology, community health and well-being across the life course including palliative and end of life care. Focus on behavioural, psychological, social, cultural, environmental, and contextual perspectives, as they relate to health promotion, prevention, mechanisms, disease processes, outcomes, treatment, and intervention. These topics may be explored through a variety of methods including quantitative, qualitative, mixed-method approaches and experimental, cross-sectional, prospective, retrospective designs.

May also include psychometric measurement, knowledge synthesis, behavioural medicine, clinically applied projects, or efficacy trials. Projects typically emphasize conceptual models, theory testing, a priori hypotheses, well-justified methodological design, rigorous measurement criteria and sound data analyses. Individual or population perspectives can be adopted, targeting healthy, at-risk, or clinical samples.

Note: Studies with a focus on a particular training should also consider the Health Services Evaluation & Interventions Research (HS1) or Health Policy & Systems Management Research (HPM) committees. Studies with a focus on child and youth development, familial, parental, and social influences on the health of children should be referred to the Social & Developmental Aspects of Children's & Youth's Health (CHI) committee. Studies with a focus on older adults should be referred to the Social Dimensions in Aging (SDA) committee. Studies where gender issues are a primary focus should be referred to the Gender, Sex & Health (GSH) committee. Studies with a focus on nutrition or food safety should be referred to the Nutrition, Food & Health (NUT) committee.

Public, Community & Population Health (PH1)

The conception and measurement of exposures and health status and the testing of hypotheses concerning exposure/disease relationships. Such population health studies (e.g., epidemiologic, mixed methods, qualitative, participatory) range from cell to society. The mandate includes gene/environment interactions in the biological origins of disease; etiology of human disease and disability; and measurement of burden of disease in populations (e.g., health of diverse and disadvantaged populations, health inequalities and gradients). Mandate also includes impact of social environments, environmental exposures, and climate change; health promotion and population health intervention research to produce evidence about implementation and outcome of programs and distribution approaches that have the potential to improve health at the population level; health ethics and health law related to public, community, and public health; global health; and application of novel research methods to population health questions.

Note: Studies with a focus on child and youth development, familial, parental, and social influences on the health of children should be referred to the Social & Developmental Aspects of Children's & Youth's Health (CHI) committee. Studies with a focus on older adults should be referred to the Social Dimensions in Aging (SDA) committee. Studies where gender issues are a primary focus should be referred to the Gender, Sex & Health (GSH) committee. Studies with a focus on nutrition or food safety should be referred to the Nutrition, Food & Health (NUT) committee.

Randomized Controlled Trials (RC1)

Studies in which investigators randomly assign eligible human research participants or other human units of study (e.g., classrooms, clinics, playgrounds) into groups to receive or not receive one or more interventions that are being compared. The results are analyzed by comparing outcomes in the groups. Includes pilot/feasibility randomized controlled trials (RCT) and studies using novel RCT designs. Studies relating to the development of methodologies for the design and conduct of randomized clinical trials. The RC1 committee is multidisciplinary across the spectrum of CIHR's mandate.

Respiratory System (RS)

Research on the respiratory system and associated tissues ranging from cellular and animal models to clinical, translational and foundational research in both children and adults. Studies of normal functioning of the respiratory system can include, but are not limited to, the following: development of the respiratory system, lung immunology/defence and repair, ventilatory mechanics, gas exchange and the pulmonary circulation, acid-base physiology, effects of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other respiratory (e.g. mechano-) stimuli, symptomatic or reflexive respiratory manifestations (e.g. dyspnea and cough), and control of breathing including during sleep. Studies of abnormalities of the respiratory system can include, but are not limited to, elucidating the etiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis or treatment of the following: developmental disorders, respiratory infections and other environmental insults, obstructive and restrictive lung diseases including acute lung injury, disorders of the respiratory muscles, disorders of gas exchange and the pulmonary circulation, disorders of ventilatory control and sleep-disordered breathing, and sequelae of the above conditions. Additionally, the impact of primary respiratory conditions on other body systems as well as major effects of other primary (non-respiratory) conditions on the respiratory system will be considered. Studies of lung cancer biology and treatment are not currently considered part of the committee mandate.

Social & Developmental Aspects of Children's & Youth's Health (CHI)

Conditions for optimizing child and youth health, development and well-being. Causes, risk, early prevention treatment and long-term management strategies for support of children and youth with physical, mental, congenital and behavioural health challenges with consideration of school-related issues and issues related to language minority status (official language, new immigrants, etc). Environmental, lifestyle and social influences on reproductive, parental, foetal, neonatal, infant/ child and youth health. Health impacts and outcomes of family environment, family dynamics and level of care during childhood including impacts of poverty.

Note: Projects where the novelty or scientific advancement is primarily related to biological and clinical aspects of children's and youth's health should be referred to the Clinical Investigation – A: Reproduction, Maternal, Child and Youth Health (CIA) committee. Studies using animal models should be referred to the CIA committee.

Social Dimensions in Aging (SDA)

Social factors as determinants of health and quality of life in aging (e.g., social support, work, participation of the older adults in society, leisure and recreation, household and family structure, housing, transportation, economic status and inequality, retirement). Positive health behaviours and healthy life styles, physical activity. Life-course interactions and transitions. Long-term care and caregiving for older adults, including assisted or supportive living facilities, and care at home. Health services for older adults, including those living in rural, remote, northern, and official language minority communities, as well as immigrants and first-generation Canadians, BIPOC, and 2SLGBTQIA+ older adults. Palliative care: pain management, individual and family support, choice of settings and implications of choices, strategies for implementing end-of-life guidelines. Epidemiological studies and surveys of problems related to palliative and end of life care. Studies of social factors affecting specific age-related physical, cognitive, communications, behavioural, and mental health problems. Abuse and neglect of older adults.

Tri-Agency Interdisciplinary (TIR)

Studies that bring disciplines together using interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and/or transdisciplinary approaches. Studies that reflect the full range of collaboration across disciplines and subject areas pertaining to social sciences and humanities; natural sciences and engineering; health and wellness. The proposed interdisciplinary approaches and elements are essential to achieving the project goals and are integrated within the research proposed. In other words, interdisciplinarity must be a key characteristic of proposed projects, where the project goals could not be achieved without an interdisciplinary approach. In addition, the interdisciplinary elements must be inseparable and could not be addressed by separate sub-projects.

Note: Under this mechanism and following the guidelines for “Selecting the Appropriate Federal Granting Agency”, researchers will submit applications for interdisciplinary research projects to the agency (NSERC, SSHRC or CIHR) at which they are eligible and where their proposed research is most relevant.

Studies must include disciplines outside the mandate of the organization for which they applied and include elements outside the expertise of other existing peer review committees in order to be reviewed by this committee.

Virology & Viral Pathogenesis (VVP)

Virology. Virus-host interactions. Immunology as related to viruses. Diagnosis and therapy of viral diseases including vaccine development and preventing infection. Anti-viral resistance. Emerging viruses and pandemic preparedness.

Note: Functional outputs not directly related to virology should be referred to the relevant discipline-based committee. Organ function should be referred to appropriate discipline-based committee.