Research Competition Guidelines 2024

14 March 2024

In recognition of the important role of research in enhancing the quality of life of patients, residents and families in dementia, rehabilitation, palliative care and long-term care, Riverview Health Centre is once again sponsoring a research competition. Interdisciplinary projects are encouraged.

$15,000 is available to investigators to support projects in the research areas of dementia, rehabilitation, palliative care and long-term care. An additional $5,000, provided by Riverview Health Centre Foundation, is available to postgraduate student and post-medical school resident/fellow research projects (for costs to run project not for student bursary). More than one project may be funded in this competition. All studies must include Riverview Health Centre as a site for the research.

Research Competition 2023:

1.  The winner of the Riverview Health Research Competition 2023 ($15,000) was Dr. Cheryl Glazebrook (Team: Dr. Jennifer Salter, Dr. Jacquie Ripat, Dr. Kathryn Sibley) titled:  Multiple Perspective for Multiple Benefits: Co-designing a dance-based movement program in Acquired Brain Injury.

“The proposed co-design of a dance-based movement program in ABI is interdisciplinary in its design, including perspectives of patients and families, with the purpose of co-designing a program that will contribute to rehabilitation goals that cross disciplines, are a priority for patients, which will support quality of life.”

2. The winner of the one-off MS Research Fund Award ($38,933) for her project titled

 for your project “Investigating Functional Electrical Stimulation for upper extremity function in Multiple Sclerosis”. was Allison Robinson, Occupational Therapist, Health Sciences Centre.

3. No Scholarship was awarded in 2023.

Eligibility

This competition is open to university/College-based researchers, Riverview Health Centre staff members, and persons with an ongoing clinical presence at Riverview Health Centre. University/college-based researchers must include a Riverview Health Centre staff member as a member of the research team. Please note that postgraduate student and post-medical school resident/fellow research projects are eligible to apply (using the same application form) for the additional $5,000 designated to support their research.

Grant Specifications

The Riverview Health Centre Research Grant is an operating grant designed to offset the normal direct costs of research, not including conference travel expenses or investigators’ salaries, and limited publication/poster preparation costs. The grant submission package includes the application form and guidelines for the competition. Paper and electronic copies of the packages are available from Loretta Foster, Executive Assistant, Research Services, Riverview Health Centre, at 478-6249, or via e-mail to lfoster3@rhc.mb.ca. The application deadline is April 29, 2024.

Grant applications will be reviewed by a Research Review Committee coordinated through Riverview Health Centre. The committee will include both university/college-based Research Affiliates and appointed Riverview Health Centre staff members.

Assessment criteria include a) Scientific Merit (clarity of research questions/objectives; appropriateness of methods; generalizability and validity of research methodology utilized; experience and skills of the investigative team) and b) Potential Contribution (significance of the research for the Riverview Health Centre population; extent and appropriateness of the communication/dissemination plans). The Scientific Review Committee will make recommendations regarding the projects and amount of funding to the CEO, Riverview Health Centre. Unsuccessful applicants may request written feedback from the Scientific Review Committee regarding their proposal.

All proposals submitted for funding must have the written approval of an ethics committee of a Manitoba University as well as Access Approval by the Riverview Health Centre Research Committee prior to the release of funds. Investigators without an affiliation with the University of Manitoba should submit their proposal to the appropriate University of Manitoba REB, in accordance with WRHA policy. In addition, any major change in the study protocol or budget during the project must be approved before the grantee undertakes the change. (Given the impending complete implementation of RITHM ethics procedures, these will also need to be met if in place at the time of application).

The research grant(s) will be administered through the Finance Department of Riverview Health Centre. Before funds are released, successful applicants will be required to sign a contract of acceptance indicating other sources of funding applied for or received.

Projects should not exceed 18 months in duration, although extensions to the funding will be considered if a written request is provided to the committee three months prior to the original deadline. At the end of the grant period, the grantee must submit a copy of the project report to the Manager, Research, including an Executive Summary for distribution to the public and/or health care community.
It is expected that grant holders will acknowledge the assistance of Riverview Health Centre in all presentations and publications arising from the funded project and will provide a presentation at Riverview Health Centre on their findings within six months after the completion of the project. It is also expected that a copy of any publication that results from the research supported by this competition will be forwarded to the Manager of Research at Riverview Health Centre.

If you have any questions please contact Prof Brian Lithgow, Chair, Research Committee, by email at blithgow@rhc.mb.ca