Implementing Internal Review for the College of Medicine

The College of Medicine (CoM) asked the Office of the Vice President Research (OVPR) to assist in the planning of mandatory internal review processes for all 3 Tri-agency competitions for the Fall , 2011 of CoM faculty submitting new grant proposals, faculty submitting their first renewals, or any other faculty wishing to use the new internal review process. The information session held May 4th, 2011 outlined the reasoning behind this policy, the workshops, timelines, process, specific faculty research experts and  research facilitators specifically established  for the 3 internal review programs for submissions to each Tri-agency Fall, 2011 competition (SHHRC, NSERC and CIHR). Further details for the major Tri-Agency competitions as well as SHRF are detailed below. 

Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)

While it has been proposed that a CIHR-like Internal Panel would be the best approach to generating the desired results, the resources required to implement this at the present time are not available. Therefore a modified process is being implemented for the September 2012 Operating Grant competition. The process outlined below is intended to be followed by all new faculty (the CIHR definition being those in the first five years of their faculty appointment), faculty submitting their first renewal, faculty submitting new grant proposals, or any other faculty wishing to use this process. It is important to note that External review is mandatory for College of Medicine faculty who wish to be compliant with College policy.

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)

While the University has an assigned CIHR delegate there is not at this time a similar person(s) for NSERC. While it is hoped that this will be rectified soon, the process that has been put in place was designed without this support in place. The College of Medicine has hired, on a term basis, a person to help with the review of NSERC applications and provide feedback to the Faculty members on format and some content. As well, the College of Medicine has pulled together a three person panel of University Faculty members to serve as a first line of review for all College of Medicine NSERC applications. Thirdly, the recently hired Research Faciltitators within the College of Medicine will be closely involved with several aspects of this process. The updated timeline for the November 2012 Discovery Grant competition will be posted as soon as it is finalized.

Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC)

While the number of applications to SSHRC from within the College of Medicine is quite small, the process is still in place to provide significant support to these applications. Similarly to CIHR, an SSHRC Delegate (Dr. Linda McMullen) is available on campus to help with this process. In order to help with drafting of the initial application, as well as provide support in other areas, each applicant that notifies the Associate Dean Research that they will be submitting an application will be paired with an SSHRC mentor. This mentor will aid the applicant in assembling the required documentation and ensuring that the applcation is as complete as possible. With Dr. McMullens feedback and support the applicant will work through two drafts of their proposal prior to submission to Research Services on October 3. Click here to download a printable version of the image shown below. The updated timelines for the October 2012 competition will be posted when it is finalized.