The below dates pertain to the Expression of Interest. Following review of the Expressions of Interest, full Research Funding Applications will be solicited by the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence.

• Applications Open: June 1, 2022
• Applications Close: July 15, 2022
• Anticipated Notice of Decision: August 2022

Keeping physically fit and ready to serve is part of the job for Canadian Armed Forces personnel. The requirement to participate in physical fitness training is one of the Minimum Operational Standards Related to Universality of Service.¹

However, transition to civilian life can present many challenges for Veterans when it comes to physical activity/exercise, as Veterans may have physical disabilities and associated chronic pain related to their military service.² They may also ‘fall out of the habit’ of exercise when it is no longer a requirement of service, with unanticipated consequences in terms of their well-being and experience of pain.

This project is aimed at understanding, and disseminating information on, ways to engage Veterans who are suffering from chronic pain in physical activity/exercise. This will be a one-year knowledge mobilization project.*

*CPCoE defines knowledge mobilization projects as the creation of a knowledge mobilization strategy, dissemination plan, and associated product(s). This process includes identifying main message(s), knowledge user(s), knowledge goal(s), and knowledge product(s) in consultation with people with lived experience. Examples of these items are highlighted below. Awarded applicants will be supported by the CPCoE knowledge mobilization team in building their knowledge mobilization strategy.

• Main Message(s): a clear and concise headline explaining key takeaways
• Knowledge User(s): stakeholder groups such as Veterans and their families, clinicians, researchers, policy makers, partner organizations, etc.
• Knowledge Goal(s): create awareness, influence clinical practice, influence policy, etc.
• Knowledge Product(s): public-facing plain language summary, infographics, posters, videos, webinars, evidence briefs, social media campaigns, etc.

• Conduct an environmental scan of existing interventions to get Veterans engaged in physical activity/exercise, with an emphasis on interventions that focus on physical and mental health improvement;
• Evaluate the identified interventions and compare/contrast if one or more interventions is more effective than others;
• Conclude if the interventions address the specific needs of Canadian Veterans suffering from chronic pain, or if additional tools need to be developed to cater to this population;
• Summarize the findings from existing tools, or develop a new tool;
• Create a knowledge mobilization strategy and dissemination plan, including: main message(s), knowledge user(s), knowledge goal(s), and knowledge product(s).

The total funding available for this one-year knowledge mobilization project is $100,000 CAD.

• The proposed project must aim to improve the lives of Canadian Veterans, and their families, suffering from chronic pain;
• The Principal Investigator identified must be an independent researcher affiliated with a Canadian postsecondary institution with an academic appointment that continues until the conclusion of the funding period;
• The Principal Investigator identified must have successfully completed a course in Sex and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (SGBA+) from a recognized Canadian institution and submit a Certificate of Completion for verification.

CPCoE uses an e-mail application process. Please complete the Expression of Interest and the Terms and Conditions and submit both documents in PDF format, along with all required attachments, via e-mail to research@vcp-vdc.ca.

All Expressions of Interest are adjudicated by the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence. All applicants will be notified of the results of the adjudication. Successful applicants will be asked to submit a Research Funding Application. Applicants who are not successful will be withdrawn from the competition.

Click here to view our Funding Guidelines, which provide further information on application, review, results, funding, integrity, and Sex and Gender-Based Analysis Plus (SGBA)+. All applicants are expected to read these guidelines thoroughly before applying. Applications that do not adhere to these guidelines will not be considered.