Research Development Program
Pôle Québec
The CRISM Quebec Node provides a dynamic research environment where clinicians, researchers, people with lived and living experience of substance use, and institutions work and collaborate together. These stakeholders play an active role in identifying research needs and priorities related to substance use and its impacts.
In this context, the CRISM Quebec Node supports the translation of scientific evidence into real-world practice, helping to advance the development, adaptation, and implementation of innovative and relevant programs, interventions, and treatment approaches.
Objectifs
Improve practices for individuals and groups affected by substance use–related challenges.
Strengthen the evidence base to support innovation and informed decision-making.
Support the research community by providing funding opportunities that promote innovation and knowledge generation.
Development Program
for Our Members?
Encourage national and international collaborations among Node members.
Support members in the design and development of effective research protocols.
Establish mechanisms to identify regional research priorities.
Help members navigate an increasingly competitive funding landscape.
While research grants are often pursued by members who are already familiar with the funding process, we strongly encourage all members to submit eligible projects and research protocols for the Research Development Program funding. The research team is available to collaborate with and support members throughout the proposal development process.
Join the CRISM Quebec Node
The Research Development Program is available exclusively to members of the CRISM Quebec Node. We encourage all eligible researchers, trainees, clinicians, and community partners to join the Node and take advantage of the opportunities and support offered through the program.
Research Activities
type 1
Project Development
Generate preliminary data and support structured activities, including cross-sectoral consultations and data collection or management initiatives, to facilitate the development of new research protocols.
type 2
New research protocol
Develop a new research protocol for submission to a recognized funding agency.
type 3
Protocol Enhancement and Resubmission
Refine research protocols that have been submitted to competitive funding programs and highly rated, but not selected for funding.
Funding of up to $10,000 is available for emerging projects (Types 1 and 2). Promising projects (Type 3) may be eligible for up to $15,000 in funding.
The number of awards granted will depend on available funding.
To be eligible for the Research Development Program, applicants must be members of the CRISM Quebec Node and be affiliated with an institution or organization eligible to receive and manage funding from recognized granting agencies.
Becoming a member of the CRISM Quebec Node is simple. To join, complete our membership registration form.
Once registered, you will be added to the Quebec Node membership list and gain access to a range of resources, networking opportunities, and member benefits. Membership also makes you eligible to participate in the Research Development Program and other initiatives offered by the Node.
No. This Research Development Program is specifically intended for researchers and research teams based in Quebec. Each CRISM Node administers its own funding competition and support programs.
Applicants located outside Quebec are encouraged to contact their respective CRISM Node for information on available opportunities.
No. The purpose of this program is to support grant applications submitted to Quebec and national funding competitions by researchers and research teams based in Quebec.
2025 Edition results
Participatory Evaluation of Innovative Harm Reduction Practices Adapted to the Needs of Marginalized and Socially Excluded Populations
Principal applicant
Karine Bertrand, Ph.D,
Université de Sherbrooke
co-applicants
- Léonie Archambault
- Breitner Chaves
- Jorge Flores-Aranda
- David Martin Milot
- Michel Perreault
- Sandhia Vladlamudy
Research Problem
Although evidence has consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of harm reduction practices, their implementation remains limited. Current interventions are still largely grounded in a biomedical model and often fail to adequately address the systemic challenges prioritized by community organizations, including health equity concerns and the meaningful inclusion of lived and living experience in service design and delivery.
Objectifs
Community organizations continue to face barriers to meaningful participation in intersectoral collaborations.
This project seeks to strengthen their capacity to influence the development of institutional health programs and policies, ultimately promoting harm reduction practices that are more innovative, equitable, inclusive, and responsive to community needs.
Participatory co-construction of a perinatal harm reduction stigma-reduction intervention for service providers and students in the field of health and social care
Principal applicant
Léonie Archambault Ph.D,
Université de Sherbrooke and Institut Universitaire des Dépendances
co-applicants
- Dennis Wendt
- Sophia Dobischok
- Marie-Ève Goyer
- Maya Nader
- Karine Hudon
- Anne-Marie Mecteau
- Isabelle Risler
Research Problem
Stigmatizing attitudes and practices among service providers toward pregnant individuals and parents who use substances can negatively affect care experiences and hinder the delivery of effective harm reduction services during the perinatal period.
To date, no Canadian intervention has specifically targeted this form of stigma, while initiatives developed internationally lack consistency in both their design and intended scope.
Objectifs
This project seeks to co-design and pilot a stigma-reduction intervention for perinatal care settings, grounded in narrative approaches and guided reflection, in collaboration with pregnant individuals and parents who use substances.
A further objective is to develop a robust evaluation framework to assess the intervention’s effectiveness and guide future implementation efforts.
Evaluating the Initial Implementation of a Peer Support Training Program for 2SLGBTQIA+ Youth at Risk of Problematic Substance Use and Homelessness
Principal applicant
Maxime Blanchette,
Université du Québec en Abitibi-Témiscamingue
co-applicant
- Élise Cournoyer-Lemaire
Research Problem
2SLGBTQIA+ youth who experience violence or unsupportive family environments are at increased risk of substance use, housing instability, and homelessness.
Peer support interventions, especially those delivered by individuals with training in mental health, have been identified as a promising approach to promoting resilience and improving outcomes among these youth.
Objectifs
This project examines the implementation of a peer support training program designed for 2SLGBTQIA+ youth who have experienced homophobia or transphobia.
Its aim is to prevent running away, homelessness, and substance use by leveraging peer supporters as catalysts for personal growth, resilience, and social change.
Sexuality and Consent Under the Influence of Alcohol: Improving Our Understanding of Contemporary Issues Among Women and Queer Individuals Aged 18 to 25
Principal applicant
Mathieu Goyette Ph.D,
Université du Québec à Montréal
co-applicants
- Jorge Flores-Aranda
- Adèle Morvannou
- Laurence Ruel
Research Problem
The lived and living experiences of women and queer individuals continue to be underrepresented in research and public policy, limiting their inclusion in knowledge production and decision-making processes.
At the same time, prevailing approaches often individualize these issues, at the expense of a more collective and structural understanding of the social conditions and systems that influence them.
Objectifs
This project aims to co-produce knowledge and recommendations tailored to the realities and experiences of women and queer individuals aged 18 to 25.
It explores issues related to sexuality and consent in the context of substance use, examines needs through an intersectional lens, and develops inclusive and actionable recommendations to better support these populations.
The project also contributes to training the next generation of researchers in community-engaged and partnership-based research.
Ketamine-assisted taper among adults living with iatrogenic benzodiazepine dependence: A pilot feasibility randomized placebo-controlled trial
Principal applicant
Nicolas Garel, M.D,
Centre de Recherche du CHUM
co-applicants
- Kyle Greenway
- Didier Jutras-Aswad
- Elie Bou Assi
- Irina Kudrina
- Paul Lespérance
- Valérie Mongrain
- Alexandre Morin
- Gabrielle Pagé
- Christina McAnulty
Research Problem
Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed for the treatment of anxiety disorders and insomnia.
Chronic use is associated with a range of adverse outcomes, including depression, increased suicide risk, falls, and overdose.
To date, gradual dose tapering remains the only established treatment approach for benzodiazepine dependence. However, this strategy is often difficult to sustain and has shown limited effectiveness for many patients.
Objectifs
Preliminary evidence suggests that ketamine may help facilitate benzodiazepine withdrawal, but further research is needed to evaluate its potential role.
This project aims to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a ketamine-assisted benzodiazepine tapering protocol delivered in an outpatient setting.
Secondary and exploratory objectives will examine the safety and tolerability of ketamine infusions, changes in withdrawal symptoms and cravings, as well as rates of benzodiazepine dose reduction and discontinuation.
