Elaina Orlando, Director of Research Operations at Niagara Health, played a key role in securing CIHR eligibility - a milestone that strengthens the hospital's research capacity and opens new doors for local investigators.
Niagara Health can now apply for major federal health research funding after being recognized by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) — a distinction usually reserved for universities, large academic hospitals and only a few community hospitals in Canada.
“This recognition is a significant step forward for Niagara Health,” says Elaina Orlando, Director of Research Operations . “It demonstrates that we have the structures, oversight and safeguards in place to conduct health research at the highest ethical and professional standards.”
For patients and families, the benefits are clear. With more opportunities to lead and participate in cutting-edge studies, Niagara Health can bring new treatments, innovations and approaches directly into hospital care.
“In the end, it’s about improving the care we provide,” says Orlando. “Every research study we undertake has the potential to translate into better outcomes for our patients and our community.”
Securing CIHR eligibility is highly competitive. Although CIHR invests millions of dollars annually, the demand far outweighs available funds, making it extremely difficult to secure a grant. Institutional eligibility is granted only after a rigorous review of an organization’s capacity to support research.
“Every research study we undertake has the potential to translate into better outcomes for our patients and our community."
For Niagara Health, the preparation process took over one year and was then followed by a nine-month review by CIHR and involved preparing a submission package of more than 400 pages. The package included documentation on the hospital’s history, mission, strategic plan, governance, annual reports, audited financial statements, and financial risk assessments. Research policies and procedures were also submitted to demonstrate alignment with national frameworks, such as the Tri-Agency Responsible Conduct of Research Framework.
The application was led by Dr. Jennifer Tsang, Executive Director and Chief Scientist of the Niagara Health Knowledge Institute, and Orlando, with crucial support from Lisa Begley, Senior Financial Analyst.
“Lisa and the finance team were instrumental in gathering the financial information required,” says Orlando. “It was truly a team effort.”
When the approval finally arrived, the team described the moment as both thrilling and a relief.
“I’m really just excited to be able to offer this opportunity to our researchers,” says Orlando.
“Until now, they could only access CIHR grants if they held an academic appointment with universities like McMaster or Brock. Now, Niagara Health can directly hold these grants, opening new doors for talented individuals who may not have university positions but have the skills and drive to conduct impactful research.”
Lisa Begley, Senior Financial Analyst and Dr. Jennifer Tsang, Executive Director and Chief Scientist of NHKI, played pivotal roles in Niagara Health's successful CIHR eligibility admission - achieved through collaboration, dedication and months of behind-the-scenes work.
CIHR is the only federal granting agency dedicated exclusively to health research. It is part of the federal government’s Tri- agencies, alongside the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). While universities across the country are typically eligible to apply, far fewer health delivery organizations such as hospitals hold this designation.
The achievement reflects Niagara Health’s growing research culture.
“This is an outward illustration of the work we’re doing internally to strengthen research and to be at the forefront of community hospital research in Canada,” says Orlando. “Very few community hospitals have this eligibility, so it positions us as leaders and builds on our efforts to expand research capacity.”
Looking ahead, Niagara Health plans to submit its first grant directly through CIHR this fall under the Partnering for Impact: Patient-Oriented Catalyst Grant program.
The designation also strengthens Niagara Health’s ability to recruit and retain top healthcare talent.
“This eligibility sends a powerful signal,” says Orlando. “It tells current and future researchers — whether physicians, nurses or other health professionals — that Niagara Health is a place where you can grow your clinical career while also pursuing high-level research.”
