Research Excellence at CIHR: Frequently Asked Questions

For CIHR, research excellence refers to research that is rigorous, inclusive, and conducted in ways that meaningfully integrate a diversity of perspectives, disciplines, and methods in order to maximize impact and benefit to society. It recognizes that biological, socio-economic, cultural, and experiential differences impact health and should be considered for research and related activities to be of benefit to all. An inclusive concept of research excellence is holistic, adaptable, evergreen and positively influences who sets research priorities; who conducts, participates in and benefits from research; how research is conducted; and how it is assessed.

This Framework was informed by a literature review, scanning activities and engagements, leveraging insights from other funders, researchers, knowledge users, etc.. We learned from others who are taking steps to reimagine research culture and to advance responsible research assessment, and we are committed to continuing to engage in national and international dialogues in these areas.

Championing a more inclusive concept of research excellence is a priority in the CIHR Strategic Plan (2021–2031). There is a growing body of evidence that the historical, narrower concept of excellence has perpetuated biases, barriers and behaviours that limit who and what is funded, and ultimately fails to ensure we are properly tackling the most pressing health challenges. Recognizing that not all researchers and those impacted by research outcomes have been well served by the current overcompetitive, metrics-based research environment, change is needed to ensure we continue meeting our mandate and the vision of our strategic plan – the best health for all, powered by outstanding research.

CIHR's definition of research excellence is based on three guiding principles, one of which is evergreen, which recognizes that research excellence is a concept designed to be adjusted as new evidence emerges and as science and society evolve. CIHR will ensure that its work related to research excellence considers the best new evidence and its impacts on the health research ecosystem.

CIHR's definition of research excellence is based on three guiding principles, one of which is adaptable, which recognizes that research excellence is content- and context-specific. Researchers should consider all components of research excellence and address them as appropriate.

We will continue to fund world-class, rigorous health research. However, the implementation of our Research Excellence Framework will ensure that a broad and inclusive approach is taken to positively influence who sets research priorities; who conducts, participates in and benefits from research; how research is conducted; and how it is assessed.

CIHR has released an implementation plan which details our suite of early actions related to inclusive research excellence. CIHR will continue to transparently update this list with actions and progress updates. CIHR will be responsive to new evidence, and we will keep the community informed as this work progresses.

A couple of examples of how CIHR is updating peer review-related policy/practice include:

• San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA): As part of its work to foster research excellence, CIHR signed on to DORA, which champions responsible research assessment. CIHR has aligned its grant and award funding opportunities with DORA's recommendations to funders.
• Implement process changes to capture CV information in a narrative format to allow applicants to include important contextual information and for peer review to recognize diverse contributions, backgrounds, and careers and discourage an overreliance on decontextualized metrics such as journal impact factor.

The Research Excellence team is available to answer your questions. All inquiries may be sent to: excellence@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.