Announcing the IHSPR-CAHSPR 2026 Article of the Year Award and NEW Health Services and Policy Research Impact Award
(Apply by January 15, 2026)

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research – Institute of Health Services and Policy Research(IHSPR) and Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research (CAHSPR) are proud to announce the launch of two complementary awards recognizing excellence and impact in health services and policy research (HSPR).

Now in its 16th year, the Article of the Year Award celebrates ground-breaking health services and policy research that has significantly advanced the field of HSPR in Canada.

You should consider this award if you:

• Published original research or research syntheses a peer-reviewed journal in 2025;

• Conducted work that demonstrates clear or potential impact on policy, practice, health outcomes, and/or equity; and/or

• Advanced the science of HSPR through innovative theories, methods, or engagement approaches; and/or

• Generated new insights on timely, important, and relevant health services and policy issue(s).

Learn more about the Article of the Year Award and how to apply here.

NEW: Health Services and Policy Research Impact Award

Launching this year, the HSPR Impact Award recognizes HSPR that has made an impact by demonstrably contributing to the transformation of health systems, improving people’s lives, or generating social or economic benefits.

This award celebrates research that has moved beyond publication to achieve real-world impact – such as influencing policy, improving service delivery, advancing health equity, or contributing to economic and social prosperity.

You should consider this award if:

• Your research has achieved demonstrable impact within the past five years (since January 2020);
• Your research aligns with CIHR’s definition of Pillar 3: Health Services Research and with IHSPR’s mandate and CAHSPR’s vision;
• You are a current or past recipient of CIHR funding (or funding from a CIHR-funded entity such as SPOR SUPPORT Units or NEIHRs) or you can demonstrate that your research benefited substantively from CIHR support. In both cases, there must be a clear link between the CIHR funding, research, and resulting impact.

Learn more about the HSPR Impact Award and how to apply here.

Advancing Modern Definitions of Research Excellence

Together, the Article of the Year and HSPR Impact Award celebrate the full spectrum of research excellence – from high-quality, peer-reviewed science to tangible real-world impact. This dual recognition reflects CIHR’s refreshed definition of research excellence and the principles of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which encourage funders to value the diverse contributions that drive change in policy, practice, and health outcomes.

By recognizing the full spectrum of research impact – HSPR discovery, methodological advancement, implementation, and applied impacts on systems, policies, service delivery and/or health outcomes – IHSPR and CAHSPR aim to spotlight the diverse ways HSPR drives better health, health care, and well-being for Canadians.

Both awards include:

• $10,000 research allowance
• Complimentary registration to the CAHSPR 2026 Conference (May 25–28, Ottawa)
• Presentation opportunities at CAHSPR 2026 and a CAHSPR HSPR Talks webinar

Application deadline for both awards: January 15, 2026

Our mailing address is:
Canadian Association for Health Services and Policy Research
c/o Face 2 Face Events Management
1000 Innovation Dr., Suite 500
Kanata, Ontario, K2K 3E7
cahspr@f2fe.com | www.cahspr.ca