October 14, 2026 CIHR update
CIHR is continuing the conversation about the long-term sustainability of the Project Grant program, and they want to hear from us.
Their latest update shares what they heard from Project Grant peer review committee Chairs as they explored potential approaches to managing application pressure, strengthening peer review and improving program design.
CIHR is asking us to please help to spread the word amongst our networks and institutions.
No decisions have been made. Our feedback will help shape the future of CIHR’s largest funding program and how they support curiosity-driven health research in Canada.
Here are links to the discussion paper and survey. The consultation is open until the end of 2026. You can also send comments, questions or feedback directly to IIRconsultations-consultationsRL@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.
Reminders:
- SPARC will use our consultation webpage (CWL required), our outreach email list, and the monthly VPRI Research Digest to communicate updates on this important topic.
- To inform your understanding of the contents of the discussion paper and responses to the survey, please visit SPARC's consultation webpage for details about UBC's Spring 2026 internal consultation process, including links to the final UBC consultation process report, the UBC institutional response, the UBC town hall meeting summary, and the CIHR presentation slides and recording.