Previously funded projects under the Networks of Centres of Excellence of Canada
Cycle III Implementation Projects
The initial Cycle III research projects were identified based on evidence of efficacy and the presence of appropriate implementation partners. Each project was supported by KBHN central administration in the principles of implementation science, a rapidly evolving field that focuses on how effective interventions are disseminated and implemented across the spectrum of contexts and settings to become embedded into routine practice to improve individual and population health.
Stream II: New Implementation Projects
Five new Implementation Projects (IPs) that originated in Cycle II were selected from KBHN’s research pipeline. They were funded through a competitive application process based on their likelihood of achieving impact through research excellence.
Stream III: Strategic Investment Fund
KBHN conducted an open competition for new research initiatives under the Strategic Investment Fund (SIF), which resulted in 21 submissions, from which the five strongest applications were funded through a highly competitive process. Importantly, the SIF projects were required to bring external partner financial support that matched the Networks of Centres of Excellence (NCE) contribution at least 1:1, and also include families or patients as research team members.
Cycle II – Strengthening Connections
Cycle II was characterized by incorporating new cross-cutting themes that expanded the scope of the Network’s activities. More specifically, to promote change for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families, attention was focused on the child’s critical role and the family’s social environment as a predictor of outcomes. In addition, new initiatives were introduced to address common issues across virtually all neurodevelopmental disabilities. These include comorbidities such as sleep disruption and the fragmented systems of support that families struggle to navigate.
Cycle I – Building the Network
Kids Brain Health Network (KBHN) was established in 2009 as an interdisciplinary network of researchers and clinicians to address fundamental questions of early brain development with the specific goal of mobilizing this knowledge to improve the lives of children living with neurodevelopmental disabilities and their families. The initial projects funded by KBHN focussed on the interaction between genes and the environment. This knowledge has led to a better understanding of the origins of three highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disabilities, namely Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Cerebral Palsy (CP), and Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD).
In mid-Cycle I, a Strategic Advisory Committee of stakeholders knowledgeable about research, training, and knowledge translation supported a board-led strategic planning process. This process’s key outcome was to shift the focus of KBHN’s research programs toward application-based research.
