Major awards to be made to journalists researching, writing about health issues

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research is encouraging journalists in Canada to engage in research and creation of projects that promote health research. Five $20,000 awards and five $10,000 awards are to be made and the program is open to all working journalists in Canada and Canadian journalists working abroad, in all mediums.

Projects are expected to include a period of investigation to assemble the information needed for in-depth news or feature articles or documentaries. Some travel to interview information sources would be anticipated.

Awards will be made based on the

• Achievements and experience of the applicant;
• Novelty and importance of the ideas proposed (special consideration will be given to proposals that address areas of health research that are underreported in Canada);and
• The use of research-based information as a key component for the work proposed.

Applications with all supporting materials must be submitted by December 15, 2008, with awards taken up by March 31, 2009.

[Thanks to Steve Trumper for the heads' up on this]