Step 1:
Review the CTN+ Application Calendar for deadlines. The Portfolio Study Submission deadlines are aligned with the CIHR Project Grant timelines, for other types of grant applications use the process outlined here to request a Letter of Support for other types of grants (except Team Grants) at least 8 weeks before the grant application is due.
Step 2:
Use the online system Apply to request a CTN+ Letter of Support (LoS) for Portfolio studies within the timelines outlined in the calendar. The CTN+ Researcher must request a CTN+ Letter of Support (LoS) about 8 weeks before the grant application date to be eligible for this competition.
Why 8 weeks?
To ensure that the CTN+ is able to provide consultation before the grant application is complete (see below) and also this provides the CTN+ with time to source the appropriate Region and determine estimates for cost-recovery services that will be included in the grant application.
- At the LoS phase for Portfolio Studies, CTN+ Researchers may receive methodology, community, knowledge mobilization, Indigenous Guidance Council, and a Health Canada regulatory consultation (as required). These consultations will be scheduled after the applicant begins the LoS process using the Apply link.
- CTN+ Researchers who require services that are paid from grant cost-recovery will require an estimate for the services (see here for a list of in-kind and cost-recovery services). The CTN+ staff will help locate the service provider within one of the CTN+ Regions. Cost-recovery services estimates will be created for any service that is not provided in-kind, these are services such as clinical trial management system for multi-centre trials, statistics, methodology, database, data management, and advanced knowledge mobilization support.
- Regional Co-Leads will review the grant concept and attest that the study aligns with the CTN+ Scientific Priorities. The relevant Region and Think Tanks will be informed about LoS submissions to this competition to ensure they are aware of potential new CTN+ studies.
The CTN+ LoS will be provided to the applicant approximately three to five days before the grant application is due, or on a different date, if specified by the applicant.
Step 3: Successful grant Notice of Decision
- Review the CTN+ Submission Calendar for the Portfolio application deadlines (add link here) and enter Apply to complete the Portfolio Application Form for review by the CTN+ review committees.
- Use Apply to upload the grant Notice of Decision, budget confirmation, reviewers’ comments, and the research proposal.
- Applications that are approved by the CTN+ review committee are forwarded to the CTN+ Steering Committee and Resource Allocation Committee for CTN+ approval and provision of in-kind services.
Step 4:
Successful applicants are provided with an Award Letter, CTN+ reviewer comments, and are introduced to their Regional Project Manager and in-kind/cost-recovery service providers to conduct a CTN+ Portfolio Study Kick-off meeting. This meeting is mandatory for all successful awardees.
For the Portfolio Studies, the CTN+ will not provide:
- Funds for archiving or archiving services;
- Funding;
- Study drugs or devices;
- Equipment and computers;
- On-site personnel for studies, including Postdoctoral Fellows; or
- Funds for archiving or archiving services