RSN Call for Projects - Spring 2025

As part of its first Call for Projects, the Réseau santé numérique (RSN) is inviting the research community to submit collaborative projects in the field of digital health.

To apply, you must be a regular member of the RSN. If you are not yet a member, please complete the membership form available on the RSN website

Types of projects

As a catalyst, the RSN’s mission is to foster the collaboration of all digital health stakeholders in Quebec with the objective to consolidate the ecosystem, propel research define best practices and mobilize knowledge.

The RSN is offering funding for a total of five projects in three of the RSN's fields of action. Each project will receive $40,000 for two years. The grant is awarded for a maximum period of two years. Grants are paid annually ($20,000 per year) for the period from April 1 to March 31 of each year.

Knowledge mobilization projects (1 project will be funded)

The goal of the knowledge mobilization projects is to bridge the gap between research and practice by translating cutting-edge research findings into practical applications that can be implemented in real-world healthcare settings. We invite proposals that aim to make the latest advancements in digital health accessible and beneficial to researchers, healthcare providers, patients, and policymakers. These projects often involve creating toolkits, guidelines, and platforms that facilitate the dissemination and adoption of new knowledge. Specifically, projects that: 1) Translate Research into Practice: Develop tools, guidelines, and platforms that facilitate the dissemination and adoption of new knowledge in digital health. 2) Foster Collaboration: Encourage collaboration among researchers, healthcare providers, patients and community partners, and decision-makers to ensure the effective mobilization of knowledge.

Catalyst projects for interdisciplinary collaboration (3 projects will be funded)

Catalyst projects are designed to spark interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation. These projects encourage collaboration across various fields and new collaborations between RSN members that have not worked together previously. We encourage projects that leverage the strengths of different disciplines and investigators to create novel solutions to help advance digital health research. Catalyst grants will encourage creative problem-solving and the development of resources, helping to propel research and define best practices in digital health. These grants may leverage existing operational projects to generate new knowledge or methods to advance research in digital health (e.g. framework for integrating apps alongside evolving provincial digital health transformation; taxonomy for data intelligence; algorithms and methods to data analysis; etc.).

Training and mentoring projects for emerging and early-career researchers (1 project will be funded)

Training and mentoring projects are dedicated to supporting the next generation of digital health researchers. Through developing workshops, mentorship programs, exchanging students or trainees and networking opportunities, we aim to help provide emerging and early-career researchers to develop knowledge and skills needed to advance their careers in digital health research. These projects also focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within the field, ensuring that a wide range of perspectives are represented, and that knowledge is effectively mobilized across the ecosystem.

General rules and eligibility criteria

Candidate eligibility

• Only regular members of the RSN may apply to be the nominated principal applicant.

• A partner member may be associated with a funding application but may not be the nominated principal applicant for it.

• A member may submit only one application as a principal applicant or as a co-principal applicant.

Strategic alignment criteria

Projects submitted must involve at least two Quebec research centers or institutions, and may involve additional centers in Quebec, Canada or abroad.

In addition, to be eligible, a project must:

Subscribe to one of the network's axes:

• Digital platforms and information governance

• Modelling and quantitative methods

• Digital interventions

• Digital transformation

AND

Meet at least two of the following founding principles

• Sustainable health

• Citizen engagement

• Ethics and FAIR principles

• Equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility (EDIA)

• Open Science

Evaluation of requests

Projects will be evaluated according to:

• Strategic relevance for RSN

• The scientific value of the project

• The quality of networking and collaboration

• The quality of the knowledge transfer plan

Particular attention will be paid to:

• Involving interdisciplinary and intersectoral collaborations

• Integrating early-career researchers

• Demonstrating potential for significant impact in line with RSN objectives

Recipients' commitment

Those receiving funding undertake to:

• Comply with ethical standards and scientific integrity.

• Comply with the common general rules of the Fonds de recherche du Québec.

• Acknowledging the contribution of the RSN in publications.

• Submit progress and final reports as required.

• Participate in network knowledge mobilization activities.

Concerning the use of funds

• Funds must be used in accordance with the rules of the Fonds de recherche du Québec.

• Indirect research costs are not eligible.

• Unused funds must be returned to the RSN at the end of the project.