Operating Grant : COVID-19 Knowledge Synthesis Network

How to Apply: 

The objective of this funding opportunity is to support a knowledge synthesis network designed to collaborate and rapidly respond to the need for synthesized evidence across the full breadth of Canada's COVID-19 pandemic response (including public-health measures, clinical management, health-system arrangements, and economic and social impacts). Through a highly collaborative approach, the knowledge synthesis network is expected to:

  • Produce rapid knowledge syntheses and associated evidence-based products (e.g., evidence profiles) related to the COVID-19 pandemic, based on current evidence and that responds to an identified evidence need;
  • Provide decision-makers with high-quality, timely, accessible and relevant evidence for the rapid translation of knowledge into policy, practice and/or clinical guidelines to address the immediate response to the pandemic; and
  • Address evidence gaps and build the evidence base for the response to COVID-19;
  • Enhance national and international coordination across knowledge synthesis experts and organizations involved in producing COVID-19 related products.

These objectives will be achieved through the following actions:  

  • Preparing and updating rapid knowledge syntheses and/or associated evidence-based products (e.g., evidence profiles), and contextualization briefs for knowledge users, as requested;
  • Maintaining and updating completed knowledge syntheses with relevant publications, as required/requested;
  • Creating and/or maintaining a free, publically available, searchable inventory of knowledge syntheses, other evidence-based products (e.g., evidence profiles, health technology assessments), and knowledge synthesis guidance documents related to COVID-19;
  • Sharing expertise, leveraging resources, and minimizing duplication of effort with knowledge synthesis stakeholders by participating in Federal/ Provincial/Territorial coordination mechanisms (e.g., through the Canadian Public Health Network);
  • Developing an environmental scanning function to identify future Canadian evidentiary needs; and
  • Coordinating with Canadian and international knowledge synthesis groups and organizations in order to exchange best practices, disseminate Canadian products, and improve knowledge synthesis efficiencies in the content of COVID-19.

CIHR requires the applicant team to describe the extent to which sex-and gender-based analysis (SGBA+) has been appropriately considered in publications included in their syntheses, including any potential limitations there may be in this regard. SGBA+ refers to the consideration and examination of sex, gender and other identity factors (e.g., age, race, ethnicity, culture, religion, geography, education, disability, income and sexual orientation) at all stages of the research process. Applying an SGBA+ lens is important to help formulate health research, policies and programs that are relevant to the diversity of the Canadian population.

External Deadline: 
Thursday, November 5, 2020
Funding Source: 
External
Funding Level: 
Research