New research grant program launched by Pfizer and Quebec government

Montreal, QC – The Fonds de la recherche en santé du Québec (FRSQ) has announced the launch of the first competition of the Pfizer-FRSQ-MSSS chronic disease fund, a research grant program established in partnership with the Ministère de la Santé et des Services sociaux and Pfizer Canada.

The program is intended to encourage front-line initiatives to foster the prevention and management of chronic diseases, stimulate innovation, promote the sharing of good practices and tools, and identify the best practices and most convincing data based on structured evaluation processes.

To qualify, projects must consist of two components – a clinical segment concerning prevention and management of chronic diseases; and an evaluative research segment aimed at the scientific assessment of these initiatives.

A call for proposals is issued to Centres de santé et de services sociaux (CSSS) in collaboration with general practitioners and health and social services researchers.

The priority themes are cardiovascular diseases, respiratory diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, diabetes, chronic pain, tobacco addiction, health and physical activity.

A maximum of $700,000 for two years will be awarded. Letters of intent are due April 30, 2010, with full applications due on August 23. Information is available, in French, at www.frsq.gouv.qc.ca/fr/financement/Programmes_2010_2011/s22_fiche.shtml.