Canadian HIV Vaccine Initiative

Discovery and Social Research

The CHVI is making a significant contribution to research and research capacity focussed on:

• the discovery of HIV vaccines and related issues (e.g., mucosal and innate immunity); and
• social and behavioural issues around HIV vaccines (e.g., accessibility to, and acceptability of, vaccines and cultural and other sensitivities to HIV vaccine use).

A key objective in this program area is to promote greater collaboration between researchers in Canada and in LMICs who are working in HIV vaccine discovery and social research. To maximize the potential for important scientific discoveries, a multi-pronged approach is being used to support creativity by both individual investigators and collaborative teams.

• Canadian researchers, working either independently or in small teams, will be supported by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) through Operating Grants. The Operating Grants program will allow Canadian researchers to explore unique ideas and contribute to international efforts in vaccine development. The program will be administered through a CIHR strategic funding opportunity
• Collaborative teams of Canadian and LMIC researchers will be jointly supported by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and CIHR through Team Grants. Teams co-led by Canadian and LMIC researchers will receive support for projects that build on their relevant skills and expertise and align with the Global Enterprise’s Scientific Strategic Plan. This program will also be administered through a strategic funding opportunity.

CHVI Funding Commitment: $22 million over six years

Expected Outcomes:

• new knowledge and capacity created in the areas of discovery and social research in Canada and LMICs; and
• new collaborations and increased integration with global HIV vaccine research efforts.

Emerging Team Grants

On February 10-12, 2008, Canadian HIV Vaccine Initiative (CHVI) participating departments and agencies (Canadian International Development Agency, Public Health Agency of Canada, Industry Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and Health Canada) hosted a consultation on funding programs in Ottawa. The consensus reached by Canadian and international participants/researchers currently serves as the basis for the development of funding opportunities for the CHVI discovery and social research program component. To date, the catalyst and operating grants funding opportunities have been launched, and have been concluded successfully. Subsequently, the Emerging Team Grants was launched on May 9, 2009, and the Large Team Grants will be launched later this year.

The CHVI invited applications from teams of Canadian researchers to participate in this funding call. This funding opportunity focuses on: contribution to research and research capacity in the discovery of HIV vaccines and related research; social, behavioural, and ethical issues related to HIV vaccines use and research.

For details on the CHVI Emerging Team Grants, and funding application process, visit the following link: http://www.researchnet-recherchenet.ca/