Applied Health Research Centre (AHRC)
The Role of the AHRC in Research Grant-Writing
The Applied Health Research Centre (AHRC) is an academic research organization that supports clinical researchers in the design and implementation of multi-centre clinical research studies including randomized clinical trials and observational epidemiological studies such as patient registries. A critical part of the clinical research process is the development of a scientifically sound research proposal that addresses an important clinical research question.
While the AHRC is dedicated to supporting investigators in developing sound research proposals, the overall leadership of the grant proposal and grant process rests with the Principal Investigator of the study. Given the large volume of clinical research studies that are managed by the AHRC and its core expertise in study design, analysis, and implementation, we are pleased to support clinical researchers in these specific aspects of their grant proposals.
To maximize the quality of their research grant applications and chances of success, investigators should approach the AHRC with a draft research proposal at least 6 weeks prior to a grant application deadline. The AHRC will not be able to support investigators who contact the AHRC with less time prior to a grant application deadline.
The following list of support services are currently offered at no cost to the investigator in developing high quality research proposals. The AHRC research team, during the grant proposal support process, will typically consist of a methodologist / statistician, a clinical operations expert, and a business operations expert. The AHRC team will work closely with the investigator to develop a scientifically sound, feasible, and cost-effective research proposal.
The AHRC will assist in preparing a study budget and the associated justifications. The study principal investigator and the AHRC must both agree to the final budget documentation prior to grant proposal submission. Should the grant proposal be successful in obtaining funding, the AHRC will be the coordinating centre for the study. In the event the granting agency provides funds in an amount less than that proposed in the submitted budget, there must be a discussion between the principal investigator and the AHRC on how best to manage the shortfall before proceeding with the study.
Grant Proposal Support Services Offered by the AHRC
- Study design consultation
- Statistical analysis (including sample size estimation and justification) writing
- Logistics planning (e.g. number of sites needed, study visit schedule planning)
- Budget preparation and justification
- AHRC letter of support
It should be noted that the AHRC will not provide administrative support to investigators. The following examples of administrative functions are the responsibility of the Principal Investigator, their research team and their administrative support in organizing their grant proposals.
Examples of Administrative Functions Not Supported by the AHRC
- Grant version control
- Application proofreading and submission
- CV preparation
- Acquiring external letters of support
- Photocopying
- Managing any online submission processes, including uploading documents onto the grant submission website
- Tracking of the application progress
- Collecting signatures
The AHRC is dedicated to supporting clinical researchers in developing and implementing research studies of the highest quality. If you require the kind of support for your research grant highlighted in Table 1, please feel free to contact us – we’re here to help!
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