Research on research, also known as metaresearch, is the application of rigorous methods and analysis to the practice of research itself—its methods, standards and evaluation. Founded in 2019, the Research on Research Institute (RoRI) is a consortium of research funders and institutes that undertakes projects that can support the work of funding organizations. RoRI gathers evidence and data; undertakes experiments; and develops tools to improve how research is funded, practiced, communicated and evaluated.

The three Canadian core partners of RoRI—SSHRC, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) and Michael Smith Health Research BC—have together launched this joint initiative as part of ongoing efforts to support metaresearch in the Canadian context. The goal of this joint initiative is to enhance national capacity for metaresearch, and bring Canadian expertise and perspectives into the international dialogue on improving research funding practices. Metaresearch is a vital element of social sciences and humanities research, as well as multidisciplinary research, as it allows greater insight into the ways in which research is conducted, evaluated and supported.

For the purposes of this joint initiative, metaresearch (also known in different contexts as research on research, metascience or the science of science) is defined as a field of research that draws on old and new disciplinary and methodological approaches to test, evaluate and experiment with different aspects of research systems, cultures and decision-making. It aims to ensure the full potential of research can be realized in ways that are rigorous, transparent, fair and evidence-informed. Metaresearch can be conducted by researchers in any disciplinary field.

This joint initiative aims to:

• build knowledge and understanding on metaresearch, i.e., the application of rigorous methods and analysis to the practice of research itself—its methods, incentives, standards and evaluation—and the practices of how that research is funded, communicated, applied and evaluated
• produce data on metaresearch that may have impacts on research and innovation policy and funding practices in Canada and other jurisdictions
• take part in knowledge mobilization among Canadian and international researchers, including members of RoRI’s consortium, to contribute to the development of research and innovation policies and research funding practices;
• provide training for students and highly qualified personnel
• build collaborations among researchers working on metaresearch, both in Canada and internationally

Applications are accepted 2x per year for research stays of 1-3 months at any German university or non-university research institute, and can take place at more than one host institution. The grant includes a monthly stipend of 2,000-2150 euros plus a travel allowance.  Research grants are also available for PhD students (2-12 months) and post-doctoral fellows (2-6 months).  For assistance, please contact Jill Sherman, intl.research@lakeheadu.ca

Applications are accepted 2x per year for research stays of 1-3 months at any German university or non-university research institute, and can take place at more than one host institution. The grant includes a monthly stipend of 2,000-2150 euros plus a travel allowance.  Research grants are also available for PhD students (2-12 months) and post-doctoral fellows (2-6 months).  For assistance, please contact Jill Sherman, intl.research@lakeheadu.ca

As part of its longstanding partnership with the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR), the CIHR Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) is delighted to announce the launch of the inaugural AACR-CIHR Scholar-in-Training Awards (SITA) competition. An expansion of the highly prestigious and successful AACR SITA competition, these awards will support young investigators from Canada, particularly from underrepresented groups, to present their research at the AACR Annual Meeting 2025, the world's largest cancer research conference.

The Brain Health Medicines Scholar Award provides funding and drug development support to researchers whose work aims to treat, prevent or cure Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The award includes:

• One-year grant
• $100,000 with appropriate justification 
• Potential to renew for a second year based on milestones achieved 
• Dedicated Project Manager for the duration of the award
• Drug development, commercial strategy and business development support from Harrington's Therapeutics Development Center experts
• Opportunity to quality for up to $400,000 in additional funding and drug development support

For more information, please contact Jill Sherman at intl.research@lakeheadu.ca

Crohn's and Colitis Canada invites applications for an Innovations Grant, to fund novel or innovative approaches to IBD research. This grant is intended to stimulate and support research which may not be encompassed within the boundaries of traditional medical research. Research proposals must conform to sound principles of research and may aim to collect pilot data for follow-on application(s). Our organization seeks mission relevance and excellence as well as innovation.

 The GIA program supports research projects directly related to IBD that are aligned with Crohn’s and Colitis Canada’s Promise and strategic directions. Funding is limited to a maximum of $125,000 per year, for up to three years, contingent upon available funds.