2011-12 Departmental Performance Report

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Grants for Research Projects and Personnel Support

Start Date: October 2000

End Date: N/A

Description: CIHR provides a wide array of funding programs under this transfer payment program. This includes grants which provide support for the direct costs of health research projects and awards that provide support to individual health researchers and trainees. Infrastructure grants help create optimum environments for the conduct of health research. This includes funding for researcher networking and collaborative activities and grants to select organizations.

Strategic Outcome: 1.0 A world-class health research enterprise that creates, disseminates and applies new knowledge across all areas of health research.

Results Achieved:

1. CIHR grants helped maintain a strong and diverse health research base, programs continue to demonstrate strong application pressure and an increase in the average cost of research projects was accommodated through internal reallocation of funding.
2. CIHR supported over 13,200 researchers and trainees in all domains of health research.
3. CIHR invested a significant portion of its grants budget to fund health research in the areas of importance to Canadians, including: alternatives to medical isotopes, sodium reduction in food, HIV/AIDS, aging, Alzheimer's disease, and regenerative medicine.
4. CIHR strengthened critical partnerships with industry partners to support the commercialization of publicly funded research, 181 Health Research Commercialization grants were funded, with an average annual value of $92,549.

Program Activity: 1.1 Health Knowledge, 1.2 Health Researchers, 1.3 Health Research Commercialization, 1.4 Health and Health Services Advances ($ millions)

	2009–10 Actual Spending	2010–11 Actual Spending	2011–12 Planned Spending	2011–12 Total Authorities	2011–12 Actual Spending	Variance(s)
Total Grants	845.1	870.0	840.8	856.0	855.7	0.3
Total Contributions
Total Other Types of Transfer Payments
Total Program Activities	845.1	870.0	840.8	856.0	855.7	0.3

Comment(s) on Variance(s): Actual spending exceeded planned spending by $14.9 million due primarily to the $15.0M budget increase afforded to CIHR in the 2011 Federal budget to support advanced health-related research.

Audit Completed or Planned:

1. Salary and Training Awards (August 2010)
2. Non-Financial Administration of Open Operating Grants (June 2009)
3. Financial Administration of Open Operating Grants (November 2008)
4. Grants & Awards Standard Operating Procedures (Planned 2013)

Evaluation Completed or Planned:

1. Salary Support Programs (Completed 2011/12)
2. National Anti-Drug Strategy Treatment Research Initiative (Pending Approval 2012/13)
3. Open Operating Grant Program (to be completed 2012/13)
4. Collaborative Health Research Partnerships Program (CHRP) (to be completed 2012/13)
5. Regenerative Medicine and Nanomedicine Initiative (to be completed 2012/13)
6. Pandemic Preparedness Research Initiative (to be completed 2012/13)
7. Knowledge Translation Programs (to be completed 2012/13)
8. Development Innovation Fund - Health (to be completed 2012/13)
9. Clinical Trials Network in HIV/AIDS Program (to be completed 2012/13)
10. Commercialization Programs (to be completed 2012/13)
11. HIV/AIDS Research Initiative (to be completed 2013/2014)

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

CIHR engages applicants and recipients through various forms of social media, electronic newsletters, presentations, discussion forums and consultation processes.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Networks of Centres of Excellence

Start Date: October 2000

End Date: N/A

Description: The Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) Program is a federal class grants program administered jointly by the three federal granting agencies – CIHR, along with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) – in partnership with Industry Canada. Networks are not-for-profit corporations with an established Board of Directors and are unique partnerships among the academic, private, public and not-for-profit sectors. These nation-wide, multidisciplinary and multi-sectorial partnerships connect excellent research with industrial know-how and strategic investment. Networks put in place well-defined strategies to transfer knowledge to users, ensuring that discoveries and technological advances are turned into social and economic benefits for all Canadians.

Strategic Outcome(s): 1.0 A world-class health research enterprise that creates, disseminates and applies new knowledge across all areas of health research.

Results Achieved: In 2011-12, 15 recipients of ongoing, multi-year NCE awards received funds which helped them build structured networks, establish multi-sectorial partnerships, and commercialize health research findings. Through the NCE Program, CIHR was able to help mobilize Canada's health research talent in the academic, private and public sectors and apply it to the task of developing the economy and improving the quality of life of Canadians.

Program Activity: 1.3 Health Research Commercialization ($ millions)

	2009–10 Actual Spending	2010–11 Actual Spending	2011–12 Planned Spending	2011–12 Total Authorities	2011–12 Actual Spending	Variance(s)
Total Grants	27.5	27.1	27.5	26.6	26.6	-
Total Contributions
Total Other Types of Transfer Payments
Total Program Activity	27.5	27.1	27.5	26.6	26.6	-

Comment(s) on Variance(s): N/A

Audit Completed or Planned: N/A

Evaluation Completed or Planned:

1. Business-Led Networks of Centres of Excellence Program (Completed 2012)
2. Evaluation of the Networks of Centres of Excellence Program (to be completed 2013/14)

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

Applicants and recipients are engaged through various meetings and events as well as through the programs website.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Canada Graduate Scholarships

Start Date: 2003-04

End Date: N/A

Description: The Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) Program provides financial support to develop future researchers at both the Masters and Doctoral levels. The CGS is a tri-council program with CIHR responsible for administering that portion of the program that is directed at students pursuing health related studies.

Strategic Outcome(s): 1.0 A world-class health research enterprise that creates, disseminates and applies new knowledge across all areas of health research.

Results Achieved: CIHR's ability to train, retain and sustain outstanding health researchers remains a key priority in its five-year strategic plan. In 2011-12, CIHR supported the learning and development of its health research trainees by awarding 176 new Doctoral awards and 185 new Master's awards through the CGS program.

Program Activity: 1.2 Health Researchers ($ millions)

	2009–10 Actual Spending	2010–11 Actual Spending	2011–12 Planned Spending	2011–12 Total Authorities	2011–12 Actual Spending	Variance(s)
Total Grants	34.6	35.2	28.3	28.3	28.0	0.3
Total Contributions
Total Other Types of Transfer Payments
Total Program Activity	34.6	35.2	28.3	28.3	28.0	0.3

Comment(s) on Variance(s): Variance between authorities and actual spending is not significant.

Audit Completed or Planned:

1. Salary and Training Awards (August 2010)

Evaluation Completed or Planned:

1. Canada Graduate Scholarships (CGS) program (to be completed 2013/14)

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

Applicants and recipients are engaged through communication with academic institutions and tri-agency or agency specific electronic communication.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Institute Supports Grants

Start Date: October 2000

End Date: N/A

Description: The Institute Support Grant (ISG) Program provides funding to select Canadian academic institutions, including universities and teaching hospitals, to assist them in hosting the 13 Institutes of CIHR. The Institutes help CIHR maintain strong ties to Canada's research communities and to understand their needs. Each CIHR-appointed Institute Scientific Director is among the top scientists in his/her field and helps CIHR define its strategic health research priorities and develop research partnerships with other interested parties.

Strategic Outcome(s): 1.0 A world-class health research enterprise that creates, disseminates and applies new knowledge across all areas of health research.

Results Achieved: In 2011-12, CIHR provided each of its 13 Institutes a $1.0M grant to support Institute operations, including the salaries of Scientific Directors, Institute Staff and other administrative expenses. Institute Support Grants also support activities that facilitate and develop national research networks linking the Institutes' respective research communities.

Program Activity: 1.4 Health and Health Services Advances ($ millions)

	2009–10 Actual Spending	2010–11 Actual Spending	2011–12 Planned Spending	2011–12 Total Authorities	2011–12 Actual Spending	Variance(s)
Total Grants	13.1	13.0	13.0	13.0	13.0	-
Total Contributions
Total Other Types of Transfer Payments
Total Program Activity	13.1	13.0	13.0	13.0	13.0	-

Comment(s) on Variance(s): N/A

Audit Completed or Planned:

1. Institute Support Grants Program (Governance and Administration; Planned 2013)

Evaluation Completed or Planned:

1. Institute Support Grants Program (to be completed 2013/14)

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

Applicants and recipients are extended members of the organization. Scientific directors regularly participate in CIHR meetings.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships

Start Date: 2008-09

End Date: N/A

Description: Administered by CIHR, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). The Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships program is designed to attract and retain world-class doctoral students by offering them a significant financial award to assist them during their studies at Canadian universities. Vanier Scholars demonstrate leadership skills and a high standard of scholarly achievement in the social sciences and humanities, natural sciences and engineering, and health-related fields.

Strategic Outcome(s): 1.0 A world-class health research enterprise that creates, disseminates and applies new knowledge across all areas of health research.

Results Achieved: Through Vanier CGS Program, CIHR contributed to building world-class research capacity by attracting and retaining the best doctoral students, both nationally and internationally. In 2011-12, CIHR awarded a total of 56 Vanier CGS Doctoral Awards, which includes 9 awardees from abroad.

Program Activity: 1.2 Health Researchers ($ millions)

	2009–10 Actual Spending	2010–11 Actual Spending	2011–12 Planned Spending	2011–12 Total Authorities	2011–12 Actual Spending	Variance(s)
Total Grants	2.7	5.5	8.4	8.4	7.7	0.7
Total Contributions
Total Other Types of Transfer Payments
15. Total Program Activity	2.7	5.5	8.4	8.4	7.7	0.7

Comment(s) on Variance(s): Variance between authorities and actual spending is not significant.

Audit Completed or Planned: N/A

Evaluation Completed or Planned:

1. Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarships Program (to be completed 2013/14)

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

Applicants and recipients are engaged through communication with academic institutions and directed tri-agency or agency specific electronic communication as well as being provided information through a program specific website.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research

Start Date: 2007-2008

End Date: N/A

Description: The Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research (CECR) Program supports research and commercialization centres capable of achieving global leadership for Canada and translating knowledge into significant commercial advantage. CECR is a joint program of the Tri-council, in partnership with Industry Canada. Through this program, the Federal Government will identify the best initiatives based on international peer review and advice from a Private Sector Advisory Board, and make investments in partnership with others, such as the provinces and businesses.

Strategic Outcome(s): 1.0 A world-class health research enterprise that creates, disseminates and applies new knowledge across all areas of health research.

Results Achieved: In 2011-12, CIHR supported Canadian universities in their efforts to build on Canada's growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation by awarding two Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research Awards to advance research and facilitate commercialization of technologies, products and services within the four priority areas identified in the federal Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy.

Program Activity: 1.3 Health Research Commercialization ($ millions)

	2009–10 Actual Spending	2010–11 Actual Spending	2011–12 Planned Spending	2011–12 Total Authorities	2011–12 Actual Spending	Variance(s)
Total Grants	4.4	9.8	-	10.2	10.2	-
Total Contributions
Total Other Types of Transfer Payments
Total Program Activity	4.4	9.8	-	10.2	10.2	-

Comment(s) on Variance(s): N/A

Audit Completed or Planned:

1. Research Commercialization Programs (Planned 2013)

Evaluation Completed or Planned:

1. Centres of Excellence for Commercialization and Research Program (Pending Approval 2012/13)

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

Applicants and recipients are engaged through various meetings and events as well as through the programs website.

Name of Transfer Payment Program: Canada Excellence Research Chairs

Start Date: 2010-11

End Date: 2017-18

Description: The Canada Excellence Research Chair program is a federal class grants program jointly administered by CIHR, the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). This program aims to support the development of a world-class workforce crucial to the innovation process, positioning Canada as a magnet for the world's top researchers and graduate students, and promoting the development and application of leading-edge knowledge.

Strategic Outcome(s): 1.0 A world-class health research enterprise that creates, disseminates and applies new knowledge across all areas of health research.

Results Achieved: Through Canada Excellence Research Chair program, CIHR contributed to building and maintaining world-class research by supporting Canadian universities in their efforts to build on Canada's growing reputation as a global leader in research and innovation. The CERC program supports research within the four priority areas identified in the federal Science and Technology (S&T) Strategy; focusing on sub-priority areas such as regenerative medicine; neuroscience; health in an aging population; biomedical engineering and medical technologies that address issues of global importance and build on research areas where Canada has or should build a competitive advantage. In 2011-12, CIHR awarded a total of $7.7 million though the CERC program.

Program Activity: 1.2 Health Researchers ($ millions)

	2009–10 Actual Spending	2010–11 Actual Spending	2011–12 Planned Spending	2011–12 Total Authorities	2011–12 Actual Spending	Variance(s)
Total Grants	-	4.6	8.4	8.4	7.7	0.7
Total Contributions
Total Other Types of Transfer Payments
Total Program Activity	-	4.6	8.4	8.4	7.7	0.7

Comment(s) on Variance(s): Variance between authorities and actual spending is not significant.

Audit Completed or Planned: N/A

Evaluation Completed or Planned:

1. Canada Excellence Research Chairs Program (to be completed 2013/14)

Engagement of applicants and recipients:

Applicants and recipients are engaged through regular communication and the CERC website.

Strategies and/or Comments

1. Training for Procurement and Materiel Management Staff

All procurement and material management staff completed the online green procurement training from the Canada School of Public Service.

2. Training for Acquisition Card Holders

All acquisition card holders completed the in-house green procurement course. The training will continue to be provided on an ongoing basis to new acquisition card holders.

3. Performance Evaluations

Environmental considerations in support of the Green Procurement Policy objectives will continue to form an integral part of the yearly performance assessment of the Manager, Procurement.

4. Procurement Processes and Controls

4.1 Reduce:

All goods and services contracts were scanned and sent electronically to suppliers thereby reducing paper usage.

All software licences including upgrades were downloaded electronically instead of using physical media.

All applications for grants were submitted electronically through a secure site, thereby eliminating paper copies resulting in a decrease in paper usage.

Scanning to email capacity in business centres has reduced the use of paper and some processes have changed to save information electronically rather than copying for a paper file.

All printers, both in business centres and desktops print duplex, and where possible, duplex printing continues to be the default setting thus reducing the use of paper.

An analysis of CIHR's use of printers was conducted to inform CIHR's development in 2012 of its strategy to significantly reduce the use of desktop printers and to widely implement the use of Secure Print in business centres. In the meantime, desktop printers are no longer being replaced when they reach their end of life. Revision of CIHR's printer standard is currently underway.

CIHR is in the process of piloting the implementation of an electronic records and management system to move from a paper based retention and disposal; thus, reducing the need for physical storage, use and destruction of paper.

CIHR has replaced the use of CDs with secure USB keys. The USB keys are continuously reused in the organization.

4.2 Reuse:

With the space optimization project, certain furniture components such as panels and work surfaces were not used. Rather than declare them as surplus material, CIHR put these in storage to be reused when the next phase of the project takes place.

Banner pages from print jobs are recycled into scratch pads.

We no longer have office name plates engraved. The plates are purchased and installed and labels are created with names and titles and adhered to the plate. Changes are easily made by replacing labels, thereby reusing the name plate.

4.3 Recycle:

100% of paper used is made with recycled paper.

CIHR continues to operate an integrated recovery program for used batteries. Employees can ensure proper disposal of used batteries by simply dropping them off at a central location within the organization.

CIHR sends eligible technology that is no longer required by CIHR to the Computers for Schools program.

4.4 Other:

The purchase of green commodities continues to be captured through the use of an automated spreadsheet.

Green Procurement continues to be part of CIHR's in-house procurement training program delivered to RC Managers and their staff involved in procurement activities.

CIHR continues to use PWGSC Green Standing Offers/Supply Arrangements to procure certain commodities such as office furniture and computer equipment.

CIHR has developed a green procurement plan with identified targets focused on reduce, reuse, and recycle. The Plan is posted on CIHR's Procurement Intranet site.