From Strategy to Impact: Implementing the CIHR Institute of Aging Strategic Plan (2023–2028)
From Strategy to Impact: Implementing the CIHR Institute of Aging Strategic Plan (2023–2028)
ISSN MR4-211/2026E-PDF
Highlights: 2023-2025
- 49 Funding Opportunities Supported by CIHR-IA
- 81 Convening and Engagement Activities
- 24 Partnerships and Collaborations
- 800+ Trainees Supported
Funding Actions and Knowledge Creation
In the first two years of the strategic plan, the CIHR Institute of Aging led, co-led and/or supported 49 funding opportunities to advance our mission of training the next generation of researchers, research excellence and knowledge mobilization to maintain and improve the health and wellbeing of all Canadians as they age.
Highlights:
- The Brain Health and Cognitive Impairment in Aging (BHCIA) Research Initiative: $20M invested from Federal Budget 2022 and leveraged to $75M – 16 funding programs, including the Canadian Consortium on Neurodegeneration in Aging: Phase III – 90+ research teams funded
- Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging Catalyst Grants – 2 competitions with over 60 grants funded
- Summer Program in Aging: Host Grant and Trainee Travel – 4 competitions: 2 host grants and over 80 Trainees
Partnership Building and Convening Actions
CIHR-IA led and engaged in over 80 convening actions including conferences, workshops, symposia and networking events and built over 30 partnerships and collaborations during this time.
CIHR-IA convened the Directors of the Canadian Research Centres on Aging semi-annually. In 2023, CIHR-IA partnered with the Directors of the Canadian Research Centres on Aging to launch an innovative plan to strengthen knowledge exchange and collaboration among the centres.
Between 2023 and 2025, the number of Canadian Research Centers on Aging has increased from 30 to more than 45 centers.
CIHR-IA Organized Canadian Pavilions and Networking Events at International
- Alzheimer Association International Conference
- Alzheimer Disease/Parkinson’s Disease
The Alliance
Launched in November 2023, The Dementia Research and Innovation Funders Alliance (“The Alliance”) fosters collaboration among research funders and community partners across Canada to maximize the impact of dementia research and innovation with over 30 members working in collaboration.
Knowledge Mobilization (KM)
CIHR-IA and BHCIA Research Initiative each launched Knowledge Mobilization webpages to showcase success stories, activities and products from researchers.
International Impact and Action
CIHR-IA: provided leadership and support on the international stage.
Highlights:
- EU Joint Programme – Neurodegenerative Disease Research (JPND): CIHR-IA Scientific Director Dr. Jane Rylett served as co-chair of the board. CIHR - IA hosted the Management Board meeting in Montreal.
- World Health Organization – Framework to implement a life course approach in practice.
- World Health Organization – Guidelines Development Group that led creation of new dementia risk reduction guidelines.
- Membership in European Partnership Brain Health and European Partnership Transforming Health and Care Systems.
Training, Career Development and Capacity Building
Over 800 masters, doctoral, and postdoctoral trainees and early career supported.
Supported education, training, and career development for the next generation of researchers across all stages of development through multiple avenues.
Highlights:
- Summer Program in Aging (SPA) Trainee Travel Grants
- Trainee Travel Grants
- Health Research Training Platforms: 5 Platforms co-funded
- Research Excellence, Diversity and Independence (REDI) Early Career Transition Award: 4 awards
- Health System Impact Fellowship and Early Career Researcher Awards: 4 awards
Older Adult Advisory Council (OAAC)
The OAAC is comprised of 23 members, including older adults aged 60 years and older and caregivers to persons over the age of 60 who have diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and life experiences from all regions across Canada.
CIHR-IA continues its commitment to working with the Older Adult Advisory Council.
Affirming CIHR-IA and the BHCIA Research Initiative Commitment
“Researchers require resources to fully dedicate themselves to their work – generating new knowledge, discovering cures, and identifying treatments to enhance the quality of life for people, like me, living with dementia. By supporting research, this Alliance will benefit all of us impacted by dementia and all of those who will be diagnosed with the disease for years to come.”
To learn more:
- The Brain Health and Cognitive Impairment in Aging (BHCIA) Research Initiative
- Subscribe to CIHR-IA monthly newsletter
- LinkedIn: CIHR-IA
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