Closed
Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI)
Supports applied health systems research
Last Update: June 14, 2026
Funding available
Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Location
Canada
Overview
Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI) supports applied health services and policy research to strengthen Canada’s health system. Eligible applications must include integrated knowledge translation and meaningful partner participation throughout the project.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Develop strategic partnerships
- Enhance an existing program
- Improve governance or administrative structure
Eligible Funding
- Varies by project
Timeline
- Receipt of requests is now closed
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- Health care and social assistance
Location
- Canada
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- Canadians
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Applied research on health services and health policy
- Integrated knowledge translation projects with knowledge users
- Collaborative projects aimed at strengthening the health system
- Pilot testing of structured application and peer review processes
Documents Needed
- Canadian Common CV
- ResearchNet application form
- Partner support letters
- Collaborator support letters, if applicable
- Proposal references
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Independent researchers
- Knowledge users
- Collaborators and trainees may participate
Who is not eligible
- Applicants without a validated CIHR PIN in ResearchNet
- Projects without the required knowledge-user participation
- Applications without the required partner contribution
Eligible expenses
- Research personnel salaries and stipends
- Trainee training and support costs
- Direct research materials, supplies, and services
- Research-related travel and knowledge translation activities
- Equipment purchase, maintenance, and operating costs
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Indirect costs
- Principal applicant salaries
- Attachments containing boxed text
- Unacceptable attachments removed before peer review
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed through an electronic approval process.
- The designated principal applicant submits the application in ResearchNet.
- All principal applicants and co-applicants must give consent before submission.
- Applicants receive email confirmation once the application is received by CIHR.
Additional information
- All principal applicants and co-applicants must consent before submission.
- ResearchNet is used for the full application process.
- Electronic institutional approval is required for this competition.
- No handwritten signatures are required.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI) Program
What is the Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI)?
Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI) supports applied health services and policy research to strengthen Canada’s health system. Eligible applications must include integrated knowledge translation and meaningful partner participation throughout the project.
Who is eligible for the Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI) program?
To be eligible for the Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI) program, you must:
At least two principal applicants
Includes a knowledge user
20% partner contribution required
What expenses are eligible under Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI)?
Applied research on health services and health policy
Integrated knowledge translation projects with knowledge users
Collaborative projects aimed at strengthening the health system
Pilot testing of structured application and peer review processes
Who can I contact for more information about the Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI)?
You can contact Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) by email at support-soutien@cihr-irsc.gc.ca or by phone at 1-888-603-4178.
Where is the Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI) available?
The Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI) program is available across Canada.
Is the Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI) a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI) is a Partnering and Collaboration
Who are the financial supporters of the Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI)?
Partnerships for Health System Improvement (PHSI) is funded by Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)