Terms of Reference – Science Council (SC)

Preamble

Science Council, its Scientific Directors and senior executives, serve as a foundation of CIHR, providing guidance that shapes the direction of health research in Canada. Through its scientific expertise, Science Council ensures that CIHR’s priorities and investments are grounded in science and evidence. By influencing science policy, funding recommendations, and advancing strategic initiatives, the Committee plays a critical role in driving innovation, strengthening research capacity, and delivering impact for the health and well-being of Canadians.

Mandate

SC provides scientific leadership on health research priorities, knowledge mobilization, and capacity development across the full scope of CIHR’s mandate. It contributes to the development of CIHR-wide science policies and research strategies, program design, cross-cutting strategic initiatives, and supports the implementation of CIHR’s Strategic Plan.

Roles and Responsibilities

SC is expected to:

• Serve as a cornerstone of expertise on health research, knowledge mobilization, and capacity development across the full breath of CIHR’s mandate.
• Provide analysis and strategic advice in identifying and addressing Canada’s health research needs, gaps and emerging opportunities.
• Contribute to the development of CIHR-wide science policies and research strategies.
• Contribute to the design and prioritization of CIHR’s strategic initiatives to maximize impact and innovation.
• Contribute to the advancement of CIHR’s Strategic Plan.
• Recommend funding decisions for the President’s approval, ensuring alignment with CIHR’s mandate and maximizing impact on Canada’s health research ecosystem.

Co-Chairs and Membership

The Co-Chairs consist of the:

• Vice-President, Research Programs
• Vice-President, Strategic Science and External Relations

The division of the chairing duties for each SC meeting will be determined in advance at Science Council Management Committee (SCMC) meetings.

Members

SC includes representation from each Institute and the senior leadership team at CIHR, as follows:

• President
• 13 Scientific Directors (SD)
• Vice-Presidents
• Chief Financial Officer

There are no substitutions except when someone has been officially assigned to act in an absent member’s role. Institute Assistant/Associate Directors can attend on behalf of an SD in their absence; however, they do not have voting rights.

Observers

Corporate staff with direct involvement in a specific agenda item may attend for that item, with the approval of the portfolio VP. Institute staff may attend with the approval of the Institute Scientific Director. Approval for attendance must be provided in writing to the Governance Branch at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.

Observers will be seated away from the table (in-person) and remain off-camera (virtual) and shall refrain from participating in discussions unless by invitation from the Co-Chairs.

Meetings

Meetings are conducted monthly, either virtually or in-person. During the summer months, meetings may be cancelled at the discretion of the Co-Chairs.

SC is invited to an annual joint meeting with Governing Council.

Quorum

Two thirds of voting members

Reference

Bourinot’s Rules of Order, 4th Edition

Authority

SC and its subcommittees are established under the authority of the President. Recommendations from SC serve as advice to the President.

Relationship to other committees

Sub-committees of SC

• Science Council Management Committee (SCMC)
• Subcommittee on Implementation and Oversight (SCIO)

SC may establish additional working groups as required, provided they align with the SC mandate and do not duplicate the functions of existing governance committees^{Footnote 1}.

Reporting

Approved records of discussion of SC meetings are uploaded to the SC folder on the Governance Centre.

Evaluation

On an annual basis, a review of the terms of reference and confirmation of membership will occur.

Confidentiality and Conflict of Interest (COI)

In accordance with Government of Canada Directive on Conflict of Interest, CIHR Code of Conduct, and CIHR Policy on Conflict of Interest Prevention and Management for Scientific Directors, Members of Governing Council and Advisory Bodies, committee members have a duty to bring an independent judgement to bear on all CIHR issues they are tasked to consider and therefore, to avoid situations where personal interests may prevent them from discharging this duty with integrity.

To minimize the risk of COI:

• All committee members should proactively declare their relevant external interests before and/or during meetings, and collaborate in the resolution of potential conflict of interest situations in the interests of CIHR and for the public good.
• As non-public service employees, Institute staff committee members should complete the Declaration of External Interests Form at the beginning of their term and annually thereafter.
• As public service employees, CIHR staff committee members should be familiar with Requirements for Preventing and Dealing with Conflict of Interest Situations.

When in doubt about the required disclosure, committee members should seek advice from the committee Co-Chairs. The Co-Chairs and the members have full support of the COI Officer for COI-related advice and assistance via Declaration@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

Support

SC is supported by the CIHR Governance team, that advises the Co-Chairs and members, prepares and distributes meeting material, and enables timely follow-up of committee meetings and decisions.

Code of Conduct

Meetings will be conducted in accordance with the CIHR Code of Conduct.

Official Languages

All members will be encouraged to participate in the meetings in the official language of their choice. Briefing material and records of decision will be produced in one of the official languages.

Approval

Approved by Science Council on January 22, 2026

Date modified:

2026-03-23