Research Consortium
Advancing perioperative nursing through rigorous research, empowering nurse scientists, and transforming patient care
Our Evolution
Originally established in 2018 as the CCI Research Foundation, we transitioned to become the CCI Research Consortium (CCIRC) and are now fully integrated within CCI, strengthening our capacity to support groundbreaking research in perioperative nursing.
Our Mission
The CCI Research Consortium is dedicated to cultivating a robust scientific foundation for perioperative nursing. We empower nurse researchers to generate high-quality evidence that meaningfully improves surgical patient outcomes and enhances patient safety.
For too long, progress in this vital field has been hindered by a lack of specialized nurse researchers, inconsistent funding, and insufficient institutional support. The CCIRC was established to fundamentally change this landscape.
To date, we are proud to have awarded more than $500,000 in research grants, empowering perioperative nurse researchers to drive innovation and excellence in surgical nursing. Our mission focuses on supporting high-impact research initiatives that generate transformative knowledge, strengthen evidence-based clinical practice, and improve patient safety and care quality across the perioperative continuum.
Research Focus Areas
The CCI Research Consortium promotes essential research across key domains that shape the future of perioperative nursing:
- Education & Certification
- Workplace Climate & Culture
- Leadership & Management
- Perioperative Practice
- Nurse Performance Outcomes
Beyond Funding
Our grants do far more than provide financial support. They create meaningful networking opportunities and empower both emerging and established perioperative nurse researchers to explore critical questions, hone their investigative skills, and develop into confident, independent scientists.
Through intentional and sustained efforts—from targeted funding to professional skill development—the CCI Research Consortium is actively transforming perioperative nursing into an evidence-based specialty grounded in rigorous science.
Our Vision
We envision becoming the premier global platform that not only fosters inquiry but actively supports a growing cadre of nurse scientists dedicated to advancing surgical nursing and ensuring optimal patient outcomes for the future. Through collaboration, innovation, and unwavering commitment to scientific excellence, we are building a stronger, evidence-based foundation for perioperative care worldwide.
Grant Information
| Type of Grant | Description | Funding Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Nurse Scientist Research Grant | Must be employed by a university or clinical facility | Max of $150,000 |
| Novice Researcher Grant | New researchers | Max of $25,000 |
| Student Research Grant | Students actively enrolled Requires faculty support | Max of $5,000 |
The grant application process follows a structured framework designed to support high-quality research in perioperative nursing. Grants are awarded annually according to the following timeline and available funds:
- Application Period (January – June)
- The grant application portal opens on January 1 and remains open through June 30.
- Applicants must submit all required materials by the deadline to be considered for funding
- Review and Evaluation (July – August)
- The CCI Research Consortium conducts a rigorous review of all eligible applications.
- External peer reviewers may be engaged to evaluate research feasibility, scientific merit, and potential impact.
- Applications are assessed based on research rigor, feasibility, and alignment with perioperative nursing priorities.
- Funding Decisions (September Board Meeting)
- The CCI Research Consortium presents final funding recommendations to the CCI Board of Directors.
- Applicants are notified of funding decisions by the end of October, with awardees receiving detailed guidance on the required next steps.
- Grant Award Disbursement and Research Implementation
- Approved grants are funded, and projects commence as outlined in the grant agreements.
- Awardees must adhere to reporting and progress requirements established by CCI to ensure accountability and impact.
The grant review process is designed to ensure that funding supports high-quality research with the potential to advance perioperative nursing science and improve patient care. This structured, multi-step approach ensures rigorous evaluation and accountability:
- Eligibility Screening
- Applications undergo an initial review for completeness and adherence to submission requirements.
- Proposals failing to meet basic eligibility criteria are disqualified from further consideration.
- Peer Review & Scientific Evaluation
- Eligible applications undergo a comprehensive review by subject matter experts in perioperative nursing research.
- Reviewers assess research design, methodology, investigator qualifications, feasibility, and expected impact.
- Each proposal receives a standardized score based upon the predefined and established evaluation criteria (Rubric).
- Final Selection & Funding Recommendations
- The CCI Research Consortium conducts a secondary review of top-scoring proposals.
- Projects demonstrating scientific rigor, innovation, and alignment with perioperative nursing priorities are prioritized.
- A final list of recommended grants is submitted to the CCI Board of Directors for approval.
- Funding Decisions & Award Notifications
- The Board of Directors makes final funding determinations based on expert recommendations.
- Applicants receive formal notification of their grant/award status, including reviewer feedback when applicable.
- Award Disbursement & Research Oversight
- Approved projects receive funding according to the established disbursement schedule.
- Awardees must adhere to progress reporting requirements and research milestones to ensure accountability, impact, and additional distribution of funding.
- All grant applications will undergo a thorough review process, with funding allocated exclusively to highly qualified researchers whose projects demonstrate significant potential to advance perioperative nursing science.
- To be considered, proposals must be both feasible and impactful, with applicants exhibiting a high likelihood of successfully completing the research.
- In instances where no proposals meet these rigorous criteria in a given year, certain grant categories may remain unfunded.
- The CCI Research Consortium will only recommend applications for funding that meet the established standards, ensuring that the selected research aligns with the mission of advancing perioperative nursing.
If you have any questions about your application or the application process, please contact executive@cc-institute.org
