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 Centre of Excellence.

• Applications Open: April 1, 2021
• Applications Close: May 31, 2021
• Anticipated Notice of Decision: June 30, 2021
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As Veterans transition from military to civilian life, they are often referred to interdisciplinary and/or self-management programs for chronic pain management. Veterans tend to struggle with their transition into these programs. The shift from the directive mindset used in the military to the independent mindset needed to rebuild their identities, set goals, and succeed in civilian culture can be very difficult. 

To help themselves transition into these programs, Veterans often turn to informal peer support systems. However, it is unknown to what extent this peer support is effective, or what aspects of this peer support may be helpful. This research project is aimed at studying the effectiveness of guided peer support, in conjunction with participation in interdisciplinary care and/or self-management programs, on Veterans’ well-being. This will be a one-year research project.

• Conduct a systematic review of coaching models and their effectiveness with an emphasis on, but not limited to, Veterans;
• Analyze the feature sets of the models (i.e., format, frequency, components, etc.) to identify potential gaps and/or areas for improvement;
• Determine the optimal feature set to inform future Veteran coaching models;
• If warranted, develop a protocol for a pilot study based upon the results of the systematic review.

The total funding available for this one-year research project is $115,000 CAD.

• The proposed research 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.

The Centre of Excellence 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 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.