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Research Funded by CFSID Research is the hope for tomorrow for all families that have experienced the death of an infant because of SIDS. The Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths is dedicated to finding the cause and/or cure for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. In addition to promoting community awareness of SIDS and providing assistance during times of bereavement, our organization is deeply committed to finding out what causes SIDS. Here are recent examples of research funded by the Foundation's Dr. Sydney Segal Research Grants. Dr. Cheryl Rockman Greenberg, University of Manitoba Carnitine palmitoyl transferase-1 (CPT1) deficiency and the high death rate of infants and young children in an Inuit population. Dr. Greenberg will review all available autopsy reports of Inuit infants who died from 1987 to the present and test stored samples for CPT1 deficiency, a hereditary treatable disorder that puts affected children who are not treated at risk for low blood sugar and sudden death particularly during times of infection. The authors believe that some Inuit babies who die unexpectedly or with severe infections have a CPT1 deficiency. Results from this study may contribute to preventative health care policies for Inuit babies. Dr Michael Persinger, Laurentian University Geomagnetic Activity and SIDS: Experimental Simulation and Morphological Changes Clusters of sudden infant deaths occur over large geographical areas during some months more than others. Dr. Persinger will determine whether the experimental duplication of particular types of activity in the earth's magnetic field leads to an increased incidence of sudden death for newborn rats and to alterations in cell density of specific brain stem nuclei. The author will also attempt to verify the association between the monthly incidence of bands of intensity of global geomagnetic activity and the monthly incidence of SIDS across Canada from 1984 - 2001. CFSID-CIHR Research Partnership Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the most common cause of death in infants between 1 month and 1 year old. Almost all SIDS deaths occur without any warning or symptoms when the infant is thought to be sleeping. The peak incidence occurs between 2 and 4 months of age (90% occur by 6 months of age). The cause is unknown, but it is thought to be related to mechanisms that control respiratory and cardiac functions. The Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths (CFSID) is a federally incorporated charitable organization which was set up in 1973 to respond to the needs of families experiencing a sudden and unexpected infant death. It is the only organization in Canada solely dedicated to finding the cause(s) of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and its effect on families, to the education of the public and to the emotional support of families who have had their babies die unexpectedly. The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the major federal agency responsible for funding health research in Canada. Its role is to promote, assist and undertake basic, applied and clinical research in Canada in the health sciences. The CIHR supports excellence in health research in Canada.
The Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research have entered into an agreement to jointly fund outstanding individuals preparing to undertake doctoral and postdoctoral research in fields relevant to the epidemiology of infant deaths in Canada, to the investigation of the underlying mechanism of death or to the prevention of infants dying suddenly and unexpectedly. Research which targets the high incidence of SIDS among Canada's Aboriginal communities is also encouraged. Eligibility The CFSID/CIHR Doctoral and Postdoctoral Research Awards will be offered to candidates who will be undertaking full-time Sudden Infant Death Syndrome related research. The general CIHR doctoral or postdoctoral research award guidelines and eligibility criteria will apply. Please refer to the Grants and Awards Guide on CIHRs website at http://www.cihr.ca/funding_opportunities/cihr_funding_pgms/health_research/rfa_sids_e.shtml Funding The Doctoral and Postdoctoral Research Awards provide special recognition and support to students who are pursuing a PhD degree or pursuing postdoctoral studies. The duration of the Award is based on peer review's recommendation and may be for a maximum of three years. The value of the award will be in accordance with the regular CIHR stipends. A yearly research and travel allowance is provided. The award is not renewable. If, at any time during the tenure of the award, the supervisor feels that the progress of the trainee is not satisfactory, the Canadian Institutes for Heatlh Research and/or the Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths must be notified immediately in writing. Applications Applications are to be submitted to the Canadian Institutes of Heatlh Research using the CIHR Doctoral or Postdoctoral Research Award application package. Candidates are requested to submit 2 copies of their application indicating the CFSIDS/CIHR Doctoral or Postdoctoral Research Award, under "Partnership Programs", at the top of page (1) of the Training Module. The CIHR will forward a copy of the application directly to the CFSID. Applicants should review the program guidelines in the Grants and Awards Guide available on CIHR's website at http://www.cihr.ca/funding_opportunities/cihr_funding_pgms/health_research/rfa_sids_e.shtml Peer Review Applications will be peer reviewed by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. The candidates meeting the research objectives of the program and the scientific standards as determined by peer review, will be selected and approved by both the CFSID and the CIHR. Effective Date Awards must be taken up within 12 months of the date of the offer, and may commence on the first day of any month. Progress Reports Awardees will be required to submit an annual report on their research progress. These reports will be sent directly to The Canadian Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths. Closing Date: Contact CIHR. Communications: For further information regarding the Doctoral and Postdoctoral Research Awards, please contact: |
