The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Reviewer in Training (RiT) Program is a national initiative designed to strengthen the future of peer review in Canada by equipping Early Career Researchers (ECRs) with hands‑on experience in CIHR’s Project Grant peer review process. Running twice annually during the Spring and Fall Project Grant Competitions, the RiT Program provides structured learning, mentorship, and real‑time exposure to committee deliberations.
This comprehensive guide outlines everything applicants need to know for the Fall 2026 RiT Program, including eligibility, application requirements, timelines, and the roles available.
Important Dates for the Fall 2026 RiT Program
- July 28, 2026 – Application deadline for the Fall 2026 RiT Program
- September 9, 2026 – Application deadline for the Fall 2026 Project Grant Competition
- September 23, 2026 – Results released for the Fall 2026 RiT Program
- November 10 – December 10, 2026 – Project Grant committee meetings (exact dates vary by committee; meetings typically run between 10am–5pm)
Program Structure and Roles
The RiT Program offers two distinct participation pathways for Early Career Researchers:
1. Mentee Role
Mentees learn the peer review process under the guidance of an experienced Mentor. Responsibilities include:
- Conducting practice reviews on up to three applications
- Attending the full peer review meeting
- Presenting one review
- Participating in committee discussions
Approximately 120 Mentee spots are available, selected by lottery. Unselected applicants may be offered a spot in the next cycle (e.g., Spring 2027) if openings arise in their preferred committees.
2. ECR Reviewer Role
ECR Reviewers must hold at least one recent federally funded (or equivalent) peer‑reviewed grant as a Principal Investigator. They participate similarly to regular reviewers but with reduced workload and later presentation timing during meetings.
Applicants eligible for the ECR Reviewer role may choose either the Mentee or ECR Reviewer pathway.
Eligibility Requirements for Mentee Applicants
To apply as a Mentee, candidates must:
- Meet CIHR’s definition of an Early Career Researcher by September 9, 2026
- Hold an independent research‑related appointment at a CIHR‑eligible institution by September 9, 2026
- Not have previously participated in the RiT Program
- Not have previously served as a reviewer in CIHR’s Project Grant competition
Special Note: Applicants submitting a Project Grant application as a Nominated Principal Applicant (NPA) or Principal Applicant (PA) may still apply, but they will not be assigned to a committee reviewing their own submission.
Indigenous Health Research (IHR) Committee Eligibility: Only Indigenous researchers or those with experience in Indigenous Health Research may apply for this committee.
Step‑by‑Step Application Guide
Step 1: Prepare Required Documents
Before beginning the online application, gather the following:
- CIHR PIN (if available)
- PDF of CIHR Biosketch CV created using the Canadian Common CV interface (drafts not accepted)
- Institutional Letter of Attestation, confirming:
- You meet CIHR’s definition of an Early Career Researcher
- You hold an independent research‑related appointment
- The letter must include institution name, your position title, and start date
- Ranked list of up to two peer review committees aligned with your expertise
Repurposed letters (e.g., job offer letters) are not accepted.
Step 2: Submit the Online Application
Applicants must submit their online form by July 28, 2026, 23:59 Eastern Time. All submissions receive an acknowledgement email within five business days.
Step 3: Complete Reviewer Profile and Self‑Identification Questionnaire
Within five business days of receiving the acknowledgement email, applicants must:
- Complete their Reviewer Profile in ResearchNet
- Complete the Self‑Identification Questionnaire
If you do not already have access to the Reviewer Profile, CIHR will grant access within two business days. Applications missing this step may not be considered.
Selection and Acceptance
All applicants will be notified of results by September 23, 2026. Selected candidates must accept their invitation within two business days, or the opportunity will be offered to the next candidate.
Additional Notes
- CIHR will continue using virtual peer review via Microsoft Teams for this competition.
- RiT participants may simultaneously engage in other CIHR peer review activities outside the Project Grant competition.
- Application information may be shared within CIHR for consideration in similar opportunities.
Guided Links for Deeper Exploration
- Learn more about the RiT Program
- Explore CIHR Project Grants
- Understand ECR eligibility
- Get help with the Self‑Identification Questionnaire
Apply here
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