CIHR Antimicrobial Resistance Research Initiative – Evaluation Summary

About the CIHR Antimicrobial Resistance Research Initiative

The Antimicrobial Resistance Research Initiative (AMRI) was launched in 2016 with the overarching goal to support the federal government priorities by promoting innovation through funding collaborative research efforts both domestically and internationally. AMRI’s vision is for Canada to increase stewardship, prevention and reduction of AMR and improve treatment of patients infected with antimicrobial resistant organisms through evidence- informed policies and health care practice across all levels in the health care system.

Results: What we found

• AMRI continues to address a demonstrated need to support AMR research, and is aligned with the roles and responsibilities and the AMR-specific priorities of the federal government as well as CIHR and its strategic priorities. However the initiative is not sufficiently funded to meet its objectives and gaps remain with respect to equity-seeking groups and Indigenous leadership and engagement.
• Overall, the design and delivery of AMRI supports the achievement of its objectives by aligning funding opportunities with key Government of Canada AMR priority. Additionally, the AMRI was perceived to benefit from the scientific leadership from the Institutes of Population and Public Health and Infection and Immunity, which allows for broad research priority setting expertise across the institutes’ mandate areas.
• AMRI’s governance is effective at providing operational and administrative leadership, however, given its limited resources the Initiative would benefit from an external advisory body to help achieve a balanced approach in activities and research investments across the multidisciplinary and multisectoral facets of AMR research.
• AMRI leadership is shaping AMR research priorities nationally and internationally through the development of Government of Canada policy documents and membership on management boards for international organizations. While the AMRI is funding grants in key priority areas and across CIHR research themes, there is an opportunity to adopt a One Health approach to AMR research, as well as supporting the recruitment of diverse AMR researchers, including those from Indigenous communities.
• The AMRI has made strides in developing AMR research capacity by supporting Canadian and International trainees and by increasing capacity for collaborations on AMR research. It has led to the establishment of Canadian and international research partnerships and is enhancing capacity for Canadian researchers to establish national and international as well as interdisciplinary research collaborations.
• Although still early, there is evidence that the AMRI is supporting research that informs decision-making beyond academia. AMRI funded has led to patents and spin-off companies as well as publications cited in patents and a policy document.

Recommendations and Management Response

1. CIHR should continue to invest in priority-driven AMR research through the AMRI and assess the level of funding to achieve AMRI expected outcomes and support the federal government AMR research priorities

   Response: In collaboration with partners, CIHR will continue to invest in the AMRI and will align these investments with federal government priorities defined in the 2015 Treasury Board Submission and Pan-Canadian Action Plan on AMR.

2. CIHR should be guided by a One Health approach for the AMRI that recognizes the interconnectedness of humans, animals and the environment within health research to address the threat of AMR.

   Response: As the AMRI budget allows, CIHR will identify opportunities to invest, through the AMRI and other sources of funding, in funding opportunities that advance human health research using a One Health approach to address the threat of AMR to human health. CIHR will embed criteria that advance human health research through a One Health approach in AMRI-led funding opportunities through the design of focused objectives, eligibility criteria, evaluation criteria and/or conditions of funding, and in AMRI-funded pools in other funding competitions where possible.

3. CIHR should engage with other federal research funding agencies to better support a One Health approach to AMR research.

   Response: CIHR will engage with other federal research funding agencies to better support a One Health approach to AMR research. In collaboration with AAFC, CIHR will identify current and planned One Health-related research activities and opportunities that advance the Government of Canada’s AMR research priorities and deliver a National One Health AMR Research Strategy to PHAC.

4. CIHR needs to embed equity, diversity and inclusion considerations as well as engagement with Indigenous communities into all aspects of the AMRI and, by extension, AMR research in general.

   Response: CIHR will embed equity, diversity and inclusion considerations in all AMRI-led funding opportunities through the design of focused objectives, eligibility criteria, evaluation criteria and/or conditions of funding, and in AMRI-funded pools in other funding competitions where possible. CIHR will advance engagement with Indigenous communities, through the development of an Indigenous Engagement Plan as part of the broader National One Health AMR Research Strategy.

5. CIHR should consider a mechanism for external independent advice on AMR Research Priorities as outlined in the program authorities.

   Response: CIHR will consider a mechanism for external independent advice on AMR Research Priorities should there be increased ring-fenced budget available for the AMRI. The SD, III currently provides expert scientific and strategic leadership for the AMRI, and benefits from external expert advice provided through their Institute Advisory Board (IAB), III’s IAB One Health subcommittee and from the JPIAMR board. Given the current budget, this is considered to be appropriate and sufficient, and their approach is considered effective, with positive impacts, as noted in this evaluation. The development of the National One Health AMR Research Strategy will include external consultations, including with AMR experts, to identify research priorities in AMR. Should AMR RI funding increase substantially, CIHR could seek ongoing external independent advice on priorities from an AMR Advisory Committee.

About the Evaluation

CIHR's Evaluation Unit conducted the evaluation to meet requirements of the Policy on Results and program authorities, and provide senior management with valid, insightful and actionable findings regarding: needs addressed by the program; effectiveness of program design; achievement of expected results. Where possible, the evaluation assessed linkages between the AMRI and CIHR’s broader investments in AMR research.

Associated Links

• Full Evaluation Report
• Management Action Plan (MAP)

Date modified:

2025-01-14