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Section II – Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Strategic Outcome #1 - Advances in Health Knowledge

CIHR supports research that is likely to create knowledge to improve human health or the health system. For instance, this knowledge could be about the cause of a disease, a new preventive measure or better treatment procedures. CIHR uses a rigorous process called "peer review" to evaluate which research projects to fund. Depending on the program, projects are evaluated on the basis of their scientific excellence, their originality and potential impact, and their relevance to health research priorities.

Strategic Outcome	Program Activities	Sub-Program Activities
1. Advances in Health Knowledge	1.1 Open Research	1.1.1 Open Operating Grants Program
		1.1.2 Randomized Controlled Trials
		1.1.3 Team Grants Program
	1.2 Strategic Priority Research	1.2.1 Strategic Priority Operating Grants Program
		1.2.2 Large Strategic Initiatives
		1.2.3 HIV/AIDS Research Initiative
		1.2.4 Pandemic Preparedness Initiative
		1.2.5 Expensive Drugs for Rare Diseases
		1.2.6 National Anti-Drug Strategy Treatment Initiative

Program Activity Summary:

Open Research aims to advance health knowledge through an "open" competitive program designed to support the best ideas from Canada's best researchers. It is an investigator-driven program that funds a full spectrum of health research. Strategic Priority Research, on the other hand, funds targeted research into critical priority areas.

Program Activity 1.1: Open Research
2009-10 Financial Resources ($ millions)			2009-10 Human Resources (FTEs)
Planned Spending	Total Authorities	Actual Spending	Planned	Actual	Difference
$ 455.8	$ 455.6	$ 473.8	113	108	5

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets	Performance Status	Performance Summary
Excellent health research conducted responding to best researcher ideas, through effective funding programs.	Success of CIHR research programs including results, awareness and satisfaction levels	Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results.	Met All	Reports by researchers provide some evidence that the projects and individuals supported by CIHR's programs demonstrate effectiveness and results. For example: Dr. Tobias Kollmann has developed a vaccine based on a weakened strain of Listeria that appears to switch off the allergic response in newborn mice and prevent asthma for the rest of their lives. While the vaccine has only been tested on mice to date, it holds promise in preventing and possibly treating asthma. Dr. David Hess has found a way to stimulate the growth of new blood vessels, a breakthrough that could help long-time diabetics who have peripheral artery disease because of reduced blood flow in their limbs. Dr. Hess isolated three types of stem cells from human bone marrow that work together to form new blood vessels and injected them into mice to regenerate damaged leg capillaries. The number of fundable⁶ applications is an indication of program effectiveness as well as the overall quality of proposals submitted. In 2009-10, CIHR noticed a 17.3% increase in the number of fundable applications, with 2,959 fundable applications received in 2009-10 compared to 2,522 fundable applications received in 2008-09.
Excellent health research conducted responding to best researcher ideas, through effective funding programs.	Success of CIHR research programs including results, awareness and satisfaction levels.	Maintain or increase the number of applications submitted per $1M of funding available.	Met All	The number of applications received for this Program Activity is an indication of awareness and satisfaction levels. In 2009-10, CIHR noticed an increase in the number of applications received from 3,813 applications in 2008-09 to 4,597 applications. Specifically, 9.9 applications were submitted per $1M of funding available which increased by 1.7 applications per $1M of funding compared to last year.
Excellent health research conducted responding to best researcher ideas, through effective funding programs.	Proportion of overall expenditures from CIHR grants budget.	45% of overall grants budget.	Exceeded	In 2009-10, 49.7% of the overall grants budget supported Open Research compared to a target of 45%.
Excellent health research conducted responding to best researcher ideas, through effective funding programs.	Proportion of fundable applications that are funded.	30% of fundable applications are funded.	Mostly Met	In 2009-10, 27.3% of fundable applications were funded, which is slightly lower than the target of 30%.
Excellent health research conducted responding to best researcher ideas, through effective funding programs.	Diversity of research supported (by theme and Institute).	Maintain diversity of health research support (proportions by theme and Institute).	Met All	In 2009-10, CIHR continued to fund all areas of health research by theme, and Institute-specific research area.
Excellent health research conducted responding to best researcher ideas, through effective funding programs.	Total number, $ value and duration of grants.	Maintain or increase #, $ and duration of grants.	Mostly Met	In 2009-10, CIHR funded 4,015 awards with an average annual value of $115,106 for an average duration of 4.21 years. Compared with 2008-09 levels, the number and dollar value of grants remained virtually unchanged, while the average duration increased slightly. This increase in the total value of the grants explains the negative variance in the number of fundable applications funded and the decision to re-allocate funding.

6. Note: Fundable applications are those which have met the exacting standard of scientific excellence, and have been recommended for funding by peers.

Program Activity 1.2: Strategic Priority Research
2009-10 Financial Resources ($ millions)			2009-10 Human Resources (FTEs)
Planned Spending	Total Authorities	Actual Spending	Planned	Actual	Difference
$ 135.8	$ 139.2	$128.4	29	29	-

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets	Performance Status	Performance Summary
Excellent health research conducted responding to research priorities, through effective funding programs.	Success of CIHR research programs including results, awareness, satisfaction levels, and appropriateness of priorities.	Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results.	Met All	Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results through the following examples: Using resources from the Pandemic Preparedness Strategic Research Initiative (PPSRI), CIHR worked in partnership with the Public Health Agency of Canada to swiftly mobilize highly dedicated researchers to respond to H1N1 influenza. A midterm evaluation led by the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) found the program was successful in developing solid and productive partnerships, developing consensus on research priorities, implementing tools to address these priorities and providing a solid foundation for future success. CIHR is an active partner in the PHAC pandemic evaluation, which is anticipated to begin July 2010. A major evaluation of the HIV/AIDS Community-based Research Program commissioned by CIHR's Institute of Infection and Immunity was completed in 2009-10. The evaluation concluded that the program was helping communities and academia respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic by building research capacity at the community level and in academic circles. The number of fundable applications is an indication of program effectiveness and research capacity. In 2009-10, CIHR noticed an 8.8% increase in the number of fundable applications, with 1,078 fundable applications received in 2009-10 compared to 991 fundable applications received in 2008-09.
Excellent health research conducted responding to research priorities, through effective funding programs.	Success of CIHR research programs including results, awareness, satisfaction levels, and appropriateness of priorities.	Maintain or increase number of applications submitted per $ of funding available.	Met All	The number of applications received for this Program Activity is an indication of awareness and satisfaction levels. In 2009-10, CIHR observed an increase in the number of applications received, with 1,705 applications in 2009-10 received compared to 1,359 last year. Specifically, 13.9 applications were submitted per $1M of funding available, which increased by 3.0 applications per $1M of funding compared to last year.
Excellent health research conducted responding to research priorities, through effective funding programs.	Proportion of overall expenditures from CIHR grants budget.	9% of overall grants budget.	Exceeded	In 2009-10, 13.2% of the overall grants budget supported Strategic Priority Research compared to a target of 9%.
Excellent health research conducted responding to research priorities, through effective funding programs.	Proportion of fundable applications that are funded.	55% of fundable applications are funded.	Mostly Met	In 2009-10, 54% of fundable applications were funded, which is essentially on the target of 55%.
Excellent health research conducted responding to research priorities, through effective funding programs.	Diversity of research supported (by theme and Institute).	Maintain diversity of health research support (proportions by theme and Institute).	Met All	In 2009-10, CIHR continued to fund all areas of health research by theme, and Institute-specific research area.
Excellent health research conducted responding to research priorities, through effective funding programs.	Total number, $ value and duration of grants.	Maintain or increase #, $ and duration of grants.	Mostly Met	In 2009-10, CIHR funded 999 awards with an average annual value of $122,421 for an average duration of 2.44 years. Compared to 2008-09 levels the number of projects funded decreased by 7%, the average annual value of grants increased by more than 5%, and the average duration of grants increased by 8%.

Benefits for Canadians

CIHR invests heavily in health research to produce new knowledge with the potential to inform better health policies, programs, services and use of health products. Initiatives such as the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging and the Regenerative Medicine and Nanotechnology Initiative provide information on emerging population health issues and support the development of techniques that will help protect Canadians from disease, enhance quality-of-life and lower overall heath costs. In addition, by supporting individual and institutional skills development, CIHR stimulates the economy by providing high-quality jobs for Canadians.

Performance Analysis

In 2009-10, both the Open Research and Strategic Priority Research program activities successfully supported advances in health research knowledge in Canada, and contributed towards improving the health of Canadians. CIHR supported research across the mandates of all 13 Institutes, with the majority of support going towards biomedical research. Given the number of applications received, the research community was aware of, and satisfied with, CIHR's services and program offerings. The targets, in relation to expenditures and number of applications, ranged from mostly met to exceeded. On the other hand, we know that the research community is not satisfied with the large proportion of fundable applications that cannot be funded, despite the fact that actual spending for the Open Operating Grants Program was $7.4M more than originally planned due to the high quality of applications received during the year.

Lessons Learned

Excellence in peer review is essential to fulfilling CIHR's mandate. At its core, the peer review system depends on fair and rigorous evaluations; however, steady growth in CIHR programming and applications from researchers are straining resources in CIHR's peer review system. Peer review has been identified as a priority in its new five-year strategic plan. As a result, CIHR is taking measures to increase the efficiency of peer review and to streamline and standardize its programming.

Strategic Outcome #2 - People and Research Capacity

CIHR's second strategic outcome is a strong and talented health research community in Canada that is among the best and most innovative and productive in the world. CIHR's funding does this in part by helping Canadian institutions to attract and retain the "best and the brightest".

Strategic Outcome	Program Activities	Sub-Program Activities
2. A strong and talented health research community with the capacity to undertake health research	2.1 Researchers and Trainees	2.1.1 Salary Support Programs
		2.1.2 Training Support Programs
		2.1.3 Canada Research Chairs Grants
		2.1.4 Canada Graduate Scholarships
		2.1.5 Strategic Salary Support Programs
		2.1.6 Strategic Training Support Programs
	2.2 Research Resources and Collaboration
	2.3 National and International Partnerships	2.3.1 Institute Support Grants
	2.3 National and International Partnerships	2.3.2 Partnerships Programs
	2.4 Ethical, Legal and Social Issues

Program Activity Summary:

The main instruments used by CIHR to develop a community of outstanding health researchers include salary and training awards for researchers and trainees, Canada Graduate Scholarships for students, and the Canada Research Chair grants for proven investigators. Other programming is designed to foster collaborations and partnerships and research into ethical, legal and social issues.

Program Activity 2.1: Researchers and Trainees
2009-10 Financial Resources ($ millions)			2009-10 Human Resources (FTEs)
Planned Spending	Total Authorities	Actual Spending	Planned	Actual	Difference
$ 214.9	$ 214.6	$ 192.0	50	44	6

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets	Performance Status	Performance Summary
A supply of highly qualified health researchers and trainees is available to conduct excellent research in areas of strength or need as a result of effective funding programs.	Success of CIHR-funded salary and training programs including results, awareness, satisfaction levels and appropriateness of funding opportunities developed for capacity development.	Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results.	Met All	Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results through the following examples: A recent evaluation of Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) program award generally supported the continued need for CGS and related programs and made recommendations to improve the program which included: reducing the gap in value between CGS and regular awards at the doctorate level; extending the duration of a Master's award to two years and Doctoral award to four years; not restricting the international mobility of students; and, developing an integrated external communication plan to brand CGS as an exceptional award. An evaluation of the Strategic Training Initiatives in Health Research (STIHR) Program concluded that it performed well in terms of trainees' disciplinary background, early scholarly productivity, and perceptions of the training environment and trainee experience. Additionally, the program appears to be increasing the number of research training opportunities for health systems and services and clinical trainees. The number of fundable applications is an indication of program effectiveness as well as satisfaction levels. In 2009-10, CIHR noticed a 4.7% increase in the number of fundable applications, with 3,736 fundable applications received in 2009-10 compared to 3,568 fundable applications received in 2008-09.
A supply of highly qualified health researchers and trainees is available to conduct excellent research in areas of strength or need as a result of effective funding programs.	Success of CIHR-funded salary and training programs including results, awareness, satisfaction levels and appropriateness of funding opportunities developed for capacity development.	Maintain or increase number of applications submitted per $ of funding available.	Met All	The number of applications received for this Program Activity is an indication of awareness and satisfaction levels. In 2009-10, CIHR observed an increase in the number of applications received, with 4,075 applications received in 2009-10 compared to 3,803 last year. Specifically, 21.7 applications were submitted per $1M of funding available which was substantially the same as in 2008-2009.
A supply of highly qualified health researchers and trainees is available to conduct excellent research in areas of strength or need as a result of effective funding programs.	Proportion of overall expenditures from CIHR grants budget.	19% of overall grants budget.	Exceeded	In 2009-10, 20.2% of the overall grants budget directly supported Researchers and Trainees, compared to a target of 19%.
A supply of highly qualified health researchers and trainees is available to conduct excellent research in areas of strength or need as a result of effective funding programs.	Proportion of fundable applications that are funded.	15% of fundable applications are funded.	Exceeded	In 2009-10, 30.4% of fundable applications were funded, which is significantly higher than the target of 15%.
A supply of highly qualified health researchers and trainees is available to conduct excellent research in areas of strength or need as a result of effective funding programs.	Diversity of research supported (by theme and Institute).	Maintain diversity of health research support (proportions by theme and Institute).	Met All	In 2009-10, CIHR continued to fund all areas of health research by theme, and Institute-specific research area.
A supply of highly qualified health researchers and trainees is available to conduct excellent research in areas of strength or need as a result of effective funding programs.	Total number, $ value and duration of grants.	Maintain or increase #, $ and duration of grants.	Mostly Met	CIHR funded 3,548 awards with an average annual value of $52,864 for an average duration of 3.34 years. Compared to 2008-09 levels, the number of projects funded increased by 13.1%, the average annual value decreased by 6.8% and the average duration of grants decreased by 7.2%.

Canada's Economic Action Plan (CEAP)
The Government of Canada's 2009 Budget, Canada's Economic Action Plan (CEAP), provided CIHR with $14 million in funding for 2009-10 to temporarily expand Sub-Program Activity 2.1.4; the Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) program. The CGS program supports Canada's top graduate students to help ensure a reliable supply of highly skilled personnel to meet the needs of Canada's knowledge economy. In 2009-10, CIHR created 200 additional Doctoral scholarships, valued at $35,000, and an additional 400 Master's scholarships, valued at $17,500, with the first set of payments to be distributed in 2010-11. This support will help Canada retain its best health researchers and indirectly helps renew and support faculty at Canadian universities.

Program Activity 2.2: Research Resources and Collaboration
2009-10 Financial Resources ($ millions)			2009-10 Human Resources (FTEs)
Planned Spending	Total Authorities	Actual Spending	Planned	Actual	Difference
$ 49.5	$ 47.9	$ 60.3	12	14	-2

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets	Performance Status	Performance Summary
High quality research resources are available for excellent health research as a result of effective funding programs.	Success of CIHR-funded research resources and collaboration programs including results, awareness, satisfaction levels and appropriateness of funding opportunities for research resources.	Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results.	Met All	The Structural Genomics Consortium (SGC) was reviewed by an International Review Committee to evaluate the progress during Phase II of its operations and to provide on their scientific merits of their proposal for continued work in Phase III. The Committee was unanimous in its praise for the SGC's work in advancing structural biology, and its efforts in developing the right collaborations that led to high-quality publications. Overall, the Committee was highly supportive of the SGC's future plans regarding its core structural biology mission, and agrees that it deserves recognition as a good model for bringing together industry and academic scientists. For other Research Resource and Collaboration programs, reports from program managers, researchers and partners for projects, such as the Canadian Light Source, are positive. The number of fundable applications is an indication of program effectiveness as well as the depth of the research field. In 2009-10, CIHR noticed a 60.6% increase in the number of fundable applications, with 745 fundable applications received in 2009-10 compared to 464 fundable applications received in 2008-09.
High quality research resources are available for excellent health research as a result of effective funding programs.	Success of CIHR-funded research resources and collaboration programs including results, awareness, satisfaction levels and appropriateness of funding opportunities for research resources.	Maintain or increase the number of applications submitted per $ of funding available.	Met All	The number of applications received for this Program Activity is an indication of awareness and satisfaction levels. In 2009-10, CIHR noticed almost a doubling in the number of applications received, with 1,052 applications received in 2009-10, compared to 558 applications last year. Specifically, 17.7 applications were submitted per $1M of funding available which was an increase of 7.7 applications per $1M from last year.
High quality research resources are available for excellent health research as a result of effective funding programs.	Types of support by area of health research (by theme and Institute).	Maintain diversity of health research support (proportions by theme and Institute).	Met All	In 2009-10, CIHR continued to fund all areas of health research by theme, and Institute-specific research area.
Appropriate resources available that enable adequate research resources for health research.	Proportion of fundable applications received by CIHR that are funded.	90% of fundable applications are funded.	Exceeded	In 2009-10, 91.7% of fundable applications were funded, which is higher than the target of 90%.
Appropriate resources available that enable adequate research resources for health research.	Proportion of overall expenditures from CIHR grants budget.	5% of overall grants budget.	Exceeded	In 2009-10, 6.4% of the overall grants budget supported Research Resources and Collaboration, compared to a target of 5%.

Program Activity 2.3: National and International Partnerships
2009-10 Financial Resources ($ millions)			2009-10 Human Resources (FTEs)
Planned Spending	Total Authorities	Actual Spending	Planned	Actual	Difference
$ 24.7	$ 24.9	$ 24.9	6	6	-

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets	Performance Status	Performance Summary
National and international health research agendas are formulated and implemented, and increased relevance and quantity of research is achieved as a result of strong alliances and partnerships.	Success of CIHR-funded partnership research programs including results, awareness and satisfaction levels.	Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results.	Mostly Met	Evaluations of the program are scheduled to begin in fiscal year 2010-11. Preliminary reports from program managers, researchers and partners for the Human Frontier Science Program (HFSP), the Regional Partnership Program and the Small Health Organizations Partnership Program are positive. The number of fundable applications is an indication of program effectiveness as well as the depth of the research field. In 2009-10, CIHR noticed a 196.6% increase in the number of fundable applications, with 172 fundable applications received in 2009-10 compared to 58 fundable applications received in 2008-09.
National and international health research agendas are formulated and implemented, and increased relevance and quantity of research is achieved as a result of strong alliances and partnerships.	Success of CIHR-funded partnership research programs including results, awareness and satisfaction levels.	Maintain or increase the number of applications submitted per $ of funding available.	Met All	The number of applications received for this Program Activity is an indication of awareness and satisfaction levels. In 2009-10, CIHR noted that the number of applications received increased more than two-fold, with 267 applications received in 2009-10 compared to 103 last year. Specifically, 11.2 applications were submitted per $1M of funding available which was an increase of 5.2 applications per $1M of funding compared to last year.
National and international health research agendas are formulated and implemented, and increased relevance and quantity of research is achieved as a result of strong alliances and partnerships.	Proportion of overall expenditures from CIHR grants budget.	2% of overall grants budget.	Exceeded	In 2009-10, 2.6% of the overall grants budget supported National and International Partnerships, compared to a target of 2%.
National and international health research agendas are formulated and implemented, and increased relevance and quantity of research is achieved as a result of strong alliances and partnerships.	Proportion of fundable applications that are funded.	65% of fundable applications are funded.	Mostly Met	In 2009-10, 59.9% of fundable applications were funded, which was lower than the intended target of 65%.
National and international health research agendas are formulated and implemented, and increased relevance and quantity of research is achieved as a result of strong alliances and partnerships.	Diversity of research supported (by theme and Institute).	Maintain diversity of health research support (proportions by theme and Institute).	Met All	CIHR continued to fund all areas of health research by theme, and Institute-specific research area.
National and international health research agendas are formulated and implemented, and increased relevance and quantity of research is achieved as a result of strong alliances and partnerships.	Total number, $ value and duration of grants.	Maintain or increase #, $ and duration of grants.	Mostly Met	In 2009-10, CIHR funded 331 awards with an average annual value of $72,207 for an average duration of 2.58 years. Compared to 2008-09, the number of projects funded increased by 13.7%, while the average annual value decreased by 5.7% and the average duration decreased by 9.7%.

Program Activity 2.4: Ethical, Legal and Social Issues (ELSI)
2009-10 Financial Resources ($ millions)			2009-10 Human Resources (FTEs)
Planned Spending	Total Authorities	Actual Spending	Planned	Actual	Difference
$ 2.8	$ 2.9	$ 3.5	8	8	-

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets	Performance Status	Performance Summary
Health research conducted more ethically as result of effective funding programs.	Success of CIHR-funded ELSI programs including results, awareness and satisfaction levels.	Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results.	Mostly Met	There has not been a recent evaluation of the program. However, reports from program managers, researchers and partners are positive. The number of fundable applications is an indication of program effectiveness as well as the depth of the research field. In 2009-10, CIHR noticed an 88.5% increase in the number of fundable applications, with 49 fundable applications received in 2009-10 compared to 26 fundable applications received in 2008-09.
Health research conducted more ethically as result of effective funding programs.	Success of CIHR-funded ELSI programs including results, awareness and satisfaction levels.	Maintain or increase the number of applications submitted per $ of funding available	Met All	The number of applications received for this Program Activity is an indication of awareness and satisfaction levels. In 2009-10, CIHR noticed that the number of applications received significantly increased to 72 applications received, from 38 applications received last year. Specifically, 30.2 applications were submitted per $1M of funding available which was an increase of 12.9 applications per $1M of funding from 2008-09.
Health research conducted more ethically as result of effective funding programs.	Proportion of overall expenditures for research targeted to strategic areas pertaining to ethical, legal and social issues in the context of health and health research.	0.2% of overall grants budget.	Exceeded	In 2009-10, 0.3% of the overall grants budget supported Ethical, Legal and Social Issues research, compared to a target of 0.2%.
Health research conducted more ethically as result of effective funding programs.	Proportion of fundable applications that are funded.	70% of fundable applications are funded.	Mostly Met	In 2009-10, 63.3% of fundable applications were funded, which is lower than the intended target of 70%.
Health research conducted more ethically as result of effective funding programs.	Total number, $ value and duration of grants.	Maintain or increase #, $ and duration of grants.	Met All	In 2009-10, CIHR funded 70 awards with an average annual value of $34,060 for an average duration of 1.96 years. Compared to 2008-09, the number of grants funded increased by 9.4%, the average annual value remained virtually unchanged, and the average duration increased slightly by 2.6%.

Benefits for Canadians

With support from Canada's Economic Action Plan, CIHR's investments helped strengthen the economy by attracting, retaining and developing a highly-skilled work force. On average, five paid staff positions have been created per grant⁷; and, 79% of awardees have been employed⁸. CIHR's programs also ensure that researchers have the up-to-date resources they need to deliver on the research outcomes promised. As health research moves towards the clinical and public domain, CIHR's work in research ethics and safety will contribute to the ethical soundness of resulting health products and services developed, and will foster public trust in future health care improvements.

Performance Analysis

Results from Program Activities show that CIHR's support of highly qualified researchers enabled high quality research resources to be available for health research in Canada. Targets in relation to expenditures and number of applications ranged from mostly met to exceeded. CIHR funded a wide array of health research projects (by theme and Institute), with a dominant focus on biomedical, clinical; and, social, cultural, environmental and population health research. Program evaluations or reports from program managers, researchers or partners show that CIHR mostly met the intended program targets. Scheduled program evaluations in the coming years will provide more up to date information on how to enhance programs or redirect funds.

Lessons Learned

As part of the implementation of the Health Research Roadmap, CIHR recognizes the need to continue to strengthen and maintain sustainable support for postdoctoral trainees and early career researchers. Through the regular evaluation and updating of its programs, CIHR will strive to provide graduate students and young investigators with the financial support they require for continued success throughout their research careers.

Strategic Outcome #3 - Knowledge Translation and Commercialization

Knowledge translation, a main component of CIHR's mandate, is a dynamic and iterative process that includes synthesis, dissemination, exchange and ethically-sound application of knowledge to improve the health of Canadians, provide more effective health services and products and strengthen the health care system. CIHR supports and facilitates knowledge translation by funding knowledge translation research, knowledge synthesis and dissemination of findings, exchange and application activities and by building knowledge translation networks. Through its commercialization programs, CIHR supports research and knowledge translation activities that can lead to commercial applications to improve health and the Canadian economy.

Strategic Outcome	Program Activities	Sub-Program Activities
3. Knowledge Translation & Commercialization	3.1 Knowledge Translation of Health Research	3.1.1 Knowledge Translation Programs
	3.1 Knowledge Translation of Health Research	3.1.2 Networks of Centres of Excellence Grants Program
	3.2 Commercialization of Health Research

Program Activity Summary:

Knowledge Translation and Health Research funds knowledge translation research and activities, and supports partnerships that can accelerate knowledge translation. CIHR also develops measurement, analysis and evaluation policies, frameworks and tools to assess the outcomes and impacts of CIHR-funded research aimed at knowledge translation. Commercialization of Health Research funds a number of programs that work closely with industry to facilitate the commercialization of research.

Program Activity 3.1: Knowledge Translation and Health Research
2009-10 Financial Resources ($ millions)			2009-10 Human Resources (FTEs)
Planned Spending	Total Authorities	Actual Spending	Planned	Actual	Difference
$ 44.1	$ 44.0	$ 45.8	10	10	-

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets	Performance Status	Performance Summary
Health research is translated more effectively as result of funding programs.	Success of CIHR research programs including results, awareness and satisfaction levels.	Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results.	Met All	There has not been a recent comprehensive evaluation of these programs, however: The Best Brains Exchange is the first CIHR program to officially bring CIHR to the provincial policymaking table. This Program supports provinces in their efforts to integrate research knowledge into policies that affect health and the health system. Evaluations to date demonstrate that the Best Brains Exchange has been an effective mechanism for building sustainable relationships between CIHR and provincial policy makers, for increasing policy makers' awareness of and demand for research evidence and for contributing directly to evidence-informed provincial health policy making. In 2007-08, CIHR's Networks for Centres of Excellence (NCE) program conducted an evaluation from both a program effectiveness/efficiency standpoint, as well as from a relevance and "niche" standpoint. Both evaluations were positive, and identified the program's direct contributions to Government S&T priorities. The number of fundable applications is an indication of program effectiveness as well as the depth of the research field. In 2009-10, CIHR had a 21.9% increase in the number of fundable applications, with 373 fundable applications received in 2009-10 compared to 306 fundable applications received in 2008-09.
Health research is translated more effectively as result of funding programs.	Success of CIHR research programs including results, awareness and satisfaction levels.	Maintain or increase the number of applications submitted per $ of funding.	Met All	The number of applications received for this Program Activity is an indication of awareness and satisfaction levels. In 2009-10, CIHR had an increase in the number of applications received, with 478 applications received in 2009-10 compared to 409 last year. Specifically, 11.1 applications were submitted per $1M of funding available which represented a slight increase from 2008-2009.
Health research is translated more effectively as result of funding programs.	Number, scope and diversity of knowledge translation activities supported by CIHR (and its partners, where relevant) or resulting from CIHR activities.	Maintain or increase the number, scope and diversity of KT activities.	Met All	CIHR continued to fund all areas of health research by theme, and Institute-specific research area.
Health research is translated more effectively as result of funding programs.	Number and types of stakeholders as well as types of knowledge translation activities during the research process.	Maintain or increase number and types of stakeholders involved in KT.	Met All	Reports from program managers indicate that the number and diversity of stakeholders involved in KT have been maintained.
Health research is translated more effectively as result of funding programs.	Proportion of overall expenditures from CIHR grants budget.	4% of overall grants budget.	Exceeded	In 2009-10, 4.6% of the overall grants budget supported Knowledge Translation and Health Research, compared to a target of 4%.
Health research is translated more effectively as result of funding programs.	Proportion of fundable applications that are funded	70% of fundable applications are funded.	Somewhat Met	In 2009-10, 50.1% of fundable applications were funded, which is lower than the intended target of 70%. Although there was a 21.9% increase in the number of fundable applications, CIHR was not able to fund all fundable applications due to funding constraints.
Health research is translated more effectively as result of funding programs.	Total number, $ value and duration of grants	Maintain or increase #, $ and duration of grants	Met All	In 2009-10, CIHR funded 328 awards with an average annual value of $131,523 for an average duration of 1.6 years. Compared to 2008-09, the number of projects funded increased by 4.1%, the average annual value increased by 5.9%, and the average duration remained virtually unchanged.
Health research is translated more effectively as result of funding programs.	Number of researchers and trainees working in KT	Maintain or increase # of researchers and trainees working in KT areas	Mostly Met	In 2009-10, 939 researchers and trainees working in KT areas were supported by CIHR, 110 less than in 2008-09 due to variable changes in Institute strategic priorities.

Program Activity 3.2: Commercialization of Health Research
2009-10 Financial Resources ($ millions)			2009-10 Human Resources (FTEs)
Planned Spending	Total Authorities	Actual Spending	Planned	Actual	Difference
$ 32.0	$ 32.2	$ 29.2	6	7	-1

Expected Results	Performance Indicators	Targets	Performance Status	Performance Summary
Health research is commercialized more effectively as a result of funding programs.	Success of CIHR-funded commercialization programs including results, awareness and satisfaction levels.	Evaluated programs demonstrate effectiveness and results.	Mostly met	There has not been a recent comprehensive evaluation of these programs however: A recent analysis of the Proof-of-Principle (PoP) Program, which supports researchers in demonstrating the commercial potential of their intellectual property (IP), found that 76% of funded grants resulted in new patents; 26% resulted in the licensing of IP; and 14% resulted in the creation of new companies. The number of fundable applications is an indication of program effectiveness as well as the depth of the research field. In 2009-10, CIHR noticed a 187.4% increase in the number of fundable applications, with 457 fundable applications received in 2009-10 compared to 159 fundable applications received in 2008-09.
Health research is commercialized more effectively as a result of funding programs.	Success of CIHR-funded commercialization programs including results, awareness and satisfaction levels.	Maintain or increase the number of applications per $ of funding available.	Exceeded	The number of applications received for this Program Activity is an indication of awareness and satisfaction levels. In 2009-10, 674 applications were received compared to 210 last year. Specifically, 23.8 applications were submitted per $1M of funding available, a significant increase of 16.1 applications per $1M of funding compared to 2008-09.
Appropriate resources available that enable commercialization of health research.	Proportion of fundable applications received by CIHR that are funded.	55% of fundable applications are funded.	Mostly Met	In 2009-10, 52.7% of fundable applications were funded, which is slightly lower than the target of 55%.
Appropriate resources available that enable commercialization of health research.	Proportion of overall expenditures from CIHR grants budget.	3% of overall grants budget.	Met All	In 2009-10, 3.0% of the overall grants budget supported the commercialization of health research, which is the same as the target.

Benefits for Canadians

CIHR's knowledge translation function supports the intensive process of turning information obtained from health research into effective health policies, practices, products and services. It fosters collaboration between governments, industry, voluntary sector and international partners to find innovative ways of creating both health and economic value from research. The development of new health products, programs and technologies not only contributes to the growth of Canada's economy; but, improves the health system by helping it adapt to the evolving health needs of Canadians.

Performance Analysis

Evaluations and reports from program managers, researchers and partners provide evidence that the Knowledge Translation of Health Research Program and the Commercialization Program are effective. The number of applications per dollar of funding available and the percentage of fundable applications indicate that the research community is becoming more aware of CIHR's programs and is interested in pursuing real-world application of their research findings. KT program research was supported across the mandates of all 13 Institutes, with the majority of support going towards health systems and services research. The number and types of stakeholders, as well as the type of knowledge translation activities during the research process were maintained. Both programs met their proportion of overall grant expenditures targets.

Lessons Learned

To bridge the gap between researchers and knowledge users, CIHR recognizes the need to support knowledge translation activities that partner the private, voluntary and public sectors. In 2009-10, CIHR began work on an updated knowledge translation strategic plan, which will compliment strategic initiatives outlined in the Health Research Roadmap. One such initiative is improved citizen engagement, where CIHR will begin efforts to integrate key stakeholders into knowledge translation priority setting and decision-making processes.

Program Activity 4.1: Internal Services

Program Activity Summary:

Internal Services includes support services which assist program delivery in the areas of Finance, Procurement, Planning, Human Resources, Informatics, Security, Information Management, Internal Audit, Evaluation and Analysis, Marketing and Communications, and Corporate Governance. Internal Services only includes activities and resources that apply across the organization, and not those provided to a program.

Program Activity 4.1: Internal Services
2009-10 Financial Resources ($ millions)			2009-10 Human Resources (FTEs)
Planned Spending	Total Authorities	Actual Spending	Planned	Actual	Difference
$ 20.7	$ 26.4	$ 25.8	176	170	6

Performance Summary
CIHR strives to continually strengthen its operations and programming while fostering a dedicated, well-informed workforce. In 2009-10, CIHR's Internal Services met and exceeded expectations in its commitments to improve program delivery, strengthen its ability to demonstrate the impact of health research, improve information management for effective decision making, and fostering a motivated, committed and productive workforce. In 2009-10, CIHR implemented a streamlined and standardized competition management process used by all program delivery staff. This new process allowed CIHR to maximize operational efficiency and program delivery. For instance, a 10 day process for 50 people was reduced to a 3 day process which translated into a significant cost reduction in both time and salary. CIHR's ability to demonstrate the impact of health research is a critical component of CIHR's Knowledge Translation mandate. In 2009-10, CIHR launched a pilot of its Research Reporting System to capture and communicate the results of CIHR-funded research. The System provided researchers with a standardized electronic tool which enables them to provide progress reports and end of grant reports to CIHR. The Research Reporting System allowed CIHR to better capture current information about health research findings, publications produced, people trained and other outputs and impacts of CIHR-funded health research. In addition to improved research reporting, CIHR successfully revamped an integrated operational planning process to improve information management for effective decision making. This new process required managers to report on planned activities, resource requirements and issues on an annual basis; and, to review progress against these plans on a regular basis. It embedded a new integrated risk management framework, which considered risk at all levels in the organization from all angles, and attempted to manage these risks by creating key governance structures to track and report on the status of the identified risks periodically. Both the new integrated operational planning and risk management processes provided senior management with enhanced decision support by increasing the transparency and accountability of the relevant corporate information collected. In 2006, CIHR approved the Human Resources Strategic Plan, which identified key issues affecting the sustainability of CIHR's workforce and workplace. The Strategy expressed CIHR's commitment to making the organization as attractive a workplace as any of those of the Top 100 Employers in Canada and focused on the following five priority areas: Recruitment, Learning and Development, Diversity, Workplace Wellbeing, Performance Management and Compensation. As a result, in 2009-10, CIHR was named as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers.

Performance
Summary

CIHR strives to continually strengthen its operations and programming while fostering a dedicated, well-informed workforce. In 2009-10, CIHR's Internal Services met and exceeded expectations in its commitments to improve program delivery, strengthen its ability to demonstrate the impact of health research, improve information management for effective decision making, and fostering a motivated, committed and productive workforce.

In 2009-10, CIHR implemented a streamlined and standardized competition management process used by all program delivery staff. This new process allowed CIHR to maximize operational efficiency and program delivery. For instance, a 10 day process for 50 people was reduced to a 3 day process which translated into a significant cost reduction in both time and salary.

CIHR's ability to demonstrate the impact of health research is a critical component of CIHR's Knowledge Translation mandate. In 2009-10, CIHR launched a pilot of its Research Reporting System to capture and communicate the results of CIHR-funded research. The System provided researchers with a standardized electronic tool which enables them to provide progress reports and end of grant reports to CIHR. The Research Reporting System allowed CIHR to better capture current information about health research findings, publications produced, people trained and other outputs and impacts of CIHR-funded health research.

In addition to improved research reporting, CIHR successfully revamped an integrated operational planning process to improve information management for effective decision making. This new process required managers to report on planned activities, resource requirements and issues on an annual basis; and, to review progress against these plans on a regular basis. It embedded a new integrated risk management framework, which considered risk at all levels in the organization from all angles, and attempted to manage these risks by creating key governance structures to track and report on the status of the identified risks periodically. Both the new integrated operational planning and risk management processes provided senior management with enhanced decision support by increasing the transparency and accountability of the relevant corporate information collected.

In 2006, CIHR approved the Human Resources Strategic Plan, which identified key issues affecting the sustainability of CIHR's workforce and workplace. The Strategy expressed CIHR's commitment to making the organization as attractive a workplace as any of those of the Top 100 Employers in Canada and focused on the following five priority areas: Recruitment, Learning and Development, Diversity, Workplace Wellbeing, Performance Management and Compensation. As a result, in 2009-10, CIHR was named as one of Canada's Top 100 Employers.

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Expenditure Management

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2009-10

ARCHIVED - Canadian Institutes of Health Research - Report

Archived Content

Section II – Analysis of Program Activities by Strategic Outcome

Strategic Outcome #1 - Advances in Health Knowledge

Benefits for Canadians

Performance Analysis

Lessons Learned

Strategic Outcome #2 - People and Research Capacity

Benefits for Canadians

Performance Analysis

Lessons Learned

Strategic Outcome #3 - Knowledge Translation and Commercialization

Benefits for Canadians

Performance Analysis

Lessons Learned

Program Activity 4.1: Internal Services