Research Competition Guidelines 2023

14 March 2023

In recognition of the important role of research in enhancing the quality of life of patients, residents and families in 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 areas of rehabilitation, palliative care and long-term care. An additional $5,000, provided by Riverview Health Centre Foundation, is available to graduate student and post-medical school resident/fellow research projects. More than one project may be funded in this competition. All studies must include Riverview Health Centre as a site for the research.

NEW–Susan’s MS Research Fund: A research initiative to improve the quality of life, rehabilitation and symptomatic therapy outcomes for patients, families and care givers during challenging progressive states of Multiple Sclerosis. $41,000 has been made available to support investigations that are designed to help in areas including 1) improve mobility by electric stimulation, 2) reduce hard to cope with skin surface pain, 3) understand issues specific to women who have developed MS, 4) determine the impact of MS on care givers, family and children. It is not necessary that investigations be conducted at Riverview Health Centre, but linkages to the patient and resident population at RHC are welcomed.

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 graduate 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 30, 2023.

Grant applications will be reviewed by a Research Review Committee co-ordinated 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 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 phone at (204) 478-6215 or by email at blithgow@rhc.mb.ca