CIHR – Café Scientifique Program – Application

Well-being, Health and Biomedical Discovery

Deadlines

Academic Unit: Inquire within unit

Memorial Deadline: Friday 10th, March 2023

External Deadline: Wednesday 15th, March 2023

Description

CIHR’s Strategic Plan 2021-2031 commits to 1) maximizing results for Canadians by prioritizing the dissemination and implementation of existing knowledge to inform health practice and policy and enhance health equity; and 2) improving the health literacy of Canadians and empowering them to take charge of their own health. Through this Café Scientifique funding opportunity, CIHR will provide funding for events, known as Cafés, that enable knowledge-sharing and open, respectful dialogues between the general public and health researchers on health-related issues of public interest.

Members of the public can engage with health researchers on their health research–related questions, learn about the research evidence, and contribute their views on future research directions. Health researchers can engage with the public on their work, communicate their research results, and gain a better understanding of what’s important to Canadians. Knowledge users, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, community partners, patients, and Person(s) With Lived/Living Experience (PWLLE) will have the opportunity to share their experiences participating in health research and using health research evidence.

Café Scientifique Format and Structure

The format and structure of Cafés should consider equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). Co-creation of Cafés with knowledge users, Indigenous Knowledge Keepers, community partners, patients, and PWLLE is strongly encouraged where appropriate and feasible. Cafés can be held in-person, in a hybrid format (mix of in-person and virtual), or virtually. In-person Cafés, and in-person components of hybrid Cafés, must be held in accessible public venues, such as libraries, community centers, schools, coffee shops and restaurants. Virtual Cafés and virtual components of hybrid Cafés must be held on accessible platforms. Where possible, hybrid formats are encouraged to allow for both in-person interactions between health researchers and members of the public, while also facilitating wider outreach virtually. Regardless of the format, admission to Cafés is always free, and the materials presented and discussed must be designed to be easily understood by a lay audience (without technical jargon or difficult-to-understand scientific slides) in at least of one of the official languages.

The program structure of Cafés can vary and should be tailored to the needs of the community and target audience. One approach to a Café is to have a moderated panel presentation, followed by open dialogue with participants. The moderator should help maintain an atmosphere of openness and respect to encourage candid dialogue among all panelists and participants. Alternative event formats that meet the needs of the community and the objectives of the Café are welcome as long as there is a balance between providing high-quality research evidence and time for open dialogue.

Following the event, participants are given the opportunity to provide feedback anonymously via a brief survey. While not mandatory, successful applicants are highly encouraged to share their presentation content beyond the one-time Café event. Any additional dissemination costs can be covered by Café funds.

Important Dates

Funding Sources

Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR)