On June 22nd, 2026, the Office of Research and Health Research Hub (HRH) co-hosted the first UW CIHR Pitch Session, bringing together a group of researchers from different Faculties, who are preparing Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Project Grant applications. The session provided investigators with an opportunity to present ideas for their proposals to an experienced multidisciplinary review panel for feedback and consultation.
This inaugural event was designed to strengthen the quality and competitiveness of CIHR submissions from the University of Waterloo. The event created a supportive environment where researchers could refine their research questions, study designs, methodologies, knowledge mobilization plans, and overall grant narratives in a way that would resonate with CIHR review committees in a highly competitive funding environment.
Strong grant applications rarely emerge in isolation. The session highlighted the value of peer and expert feedback during the grant development process. Feedback focused on strengthening scientific rigour, clarifying project impact, highlighting team expertise, aligning proposals with CIHR priorities, and addressing potential reviewer concerns.
The event reflects HRH's ongoing commitment to helping build and strengthen UWaterloo’s health research portfolio; supporting researchers throughout the funding life cycle, from identifying opportunities and building collaborative teams to developing competitive grant applications.
The Office of Research and HRH plan to continue offering grant development programming and peer-review opportunities to support researchers pursuing major funding competitions. Researchers interested in participating in future pitch sessions, mock review panels, or grant development initiatives are encouraged to connect with the Office of Research and HRH and stay engaged with upcoming events.
The Office of Research at the University of Waterloo provides guidance and expertise to researchers through each stage of the research trajectory including applying for and managing funds, safeguarding research, cultivating collaborations with industry or public sector partners and commercialization.