CCRF FUNDING

Organized and administered by INCAM and open to INCAM members, the Canadian CAM Research Fund (CCRF) is an annual research funding competition that was created by Dr. Marja Verhoef, recipient of the 2011 Dr. Rogers Prize for Excellence in CAM, with a vision of supporting rigorous research in complementary and integrative healthcare.
This annual research funding competition award grants up to $5,000 CAD to research project proposals identified through rigorous peer-review processes. To date, we have granted approximately $100,000 in seed funding since this competition began back in the fall of 2009.
Celebrating Excellence: Meet Our Latest CCRF Recipient
2022 CCRF Recipient
Cynthia Lemaire
Cynthia Lemaire holds a Bachelor's degree in Athletic Therapy from Concordia University, earned in 2002, and a Diploma in Osteopathy from the Collège d’Études Ostéopathiques (CEO) de Montréal in 2009. Following her education, she established a thriving private clinical practice while also serving as an educator and clinical supervisor at CEO, mentoring and training aspiring osteopaths. Her expertise has evolved over the years, with a particular focus on pediatric care.
Presently, she is on the verge of completing a Master's degree in research at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences (FMSS) of the University of Sherbrooke, Canada. Her ongoing research delves into the intricate relationship between somatic dysfunctions and their impact on newborns, specifically examining the correlation between these dysfunctions and delayed motor development, as well as postural and facial asymmetry.
Congratulations, Cynthia - we are proud to support your CAM research endeavors!
Explore the success stories of our past recipients and get inspired by their work. Join us in celebrating their achievements and learning more about the impact of our funding on CAM research.
2019 CCRF Recipient
Monique Aucoin
Dr. Monique Aucoin was the recipient of the 2019 CCRF Award for a project on the design and pilot testing of an evidence-based clinical tool to facilitate dietary counseling in mental health care.
We are proud to support your CAM research endeavors! View Dr. Aucoin's testimonial on how the CCRF Award supported her project (below).
Discover more outstanding research projects funded by the CCRF in the past years!

2012 CCRF Recipient
Leisa Bellmore
Leisa Bellmore was the recipient of the 2012 CCRF Award for a pilot study on self-shiatsu hand massage as an intervention to promote sleep efficiency in persons with chronic pain.
We take great pride in our support for your research efforts in CAM! View Leisa's testimonial on how the CCRF Award supported her project. >>
PAST CCRF RECIPIENTS
Year | Recipient(s) | Organization | Research Project Proposal | Amount |
---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Marian Luctkar-Flude | Queen's University | Exploring feasibility, acceptability and potential effectiveness of using neurofeedback interventions to manage cognitive, affective and behavioural symptoms in persons with mild cognitive impairment | $5,000 |
2024 | Tiffany Turner (PI), Neda Ebrahimi | Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine | International Cohort of Lifestyle Determinants of Health—Canada (INCLD Health—Canada) | $5,000 |
2022 | Cynthia Lemaire (PI), Chantal Morin, Isabelle Gaboury | University of Sherbrooke | Evaluation of the relationship between osteopathic dysfunctions in the newborn and motor, postural and facial development | $5,000 |
2021 | Monique Aucoin (PI), Matthew Leach, Kieran Cooley | Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine | Designing and Evaluation of an Evidence-Based Practice Continuing Education Course for Canadian Naturopathic Doctors | $5,000 |
2020 | Mohamad Baydoun (PI), Linda Carlson | University of Calgary | Exploring Cancer Survivors' Experiences in the Mindfulness and Tai Chi for Cancer Health (MATCH) Study | $5,000 |
2019 | Isabelle Gilbert (PI), Isabelle Gaboury | University of Sherbrooke | Exploring the Effects of Soft Tissue Manual Therapy on the Viscoelastic Properties, Pressure Sensitivity, and Touch Sensitivity of the Caesarean Section Scar | $5,000 |
2018 | Monique Aucoin (PI), Laura LaChance, Kieran Cooley | Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine | Diet & Psychosis - Creation and Evaluation of an Evidence-Informed Clinical Tool | $5,000 |
2017 | David Brulé (PI), Elise Paradise, Nadine Ijaz | University of Toronto | The Use of Telemedicine in Complementary Medicine Consulting: A Survey of Homeopaths and Herbalists | $5,000 |
2016 | Jennifer Brunet (PI), Dugald Seely | University of Ottawa | The Effectiveness of a Yoga Therapy Program to Improve Autonomic Nervous System Functioning and Patient-Reported Outcomes in Cancer Survivors: A Single-Subjects Multiple Baseline Study | $5,000 |
2015 | Marian Luctkar-Flude | Queen's University | Exploring the Effect of Neurofeedback on Postcancer Cognitive Impairment and Fatigue: A Pilot Feasibility Study | $5,000 |
2015 | Brenda Leung | University of Lethbridge | Pilot Study of Acupuncture to Treat Anxiety in Children and Adolescents | $5,000 |
2014 | Laura Weeks (PI), Dugald Seely | Ottawa Integrative Cancer Centre | Identifying Patient Outcome Data Collection Strategies Within Integrative Oncology Settings Worldwide: A Delphi Survey | $5,000 |
2014 | Chantal Morin | Sherbrooke University (student) | Interprofessional Collaboration Between Physicians and Osteopaths Involved with Pediatric Patients | $5,000 |
2013 | Amanda Baskwill | Humber College | The Use of an Informational Video to Improve Patient Satisfaction, Preparedness, Mood, and Empowerment | $5,000 |
2013 | Derek Rosa | McMaster University (student) | Electro-acupuncture in the Treatment of Lymphedema Among Breast Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial | $5,000 |
2012 | Deborah Kennedy | Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine | The Diagnostic Predictability of Food Allergy Testing in Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): A Comparison Between Various Laboratory Methods and an Elimination Diet (The FAST Study) | $5,000 |
2012 | Cary Brown | University of Alberta | Self-Shiatsu Hand Massage as an Intervention to Promote Sleep Efficiency in Persons with Chronic Pain: A Pilot Study | $5,000 |
2011 | Patricia Poulin | Ottawa Hospital Research Institute | Evaluating the Effects of the Body Awareness Practice on Body Awareness, Physical Function, Body Kinetics and Disability Among Individuals with Chronic Pain | $5,000 |
2011 | Richard Nahas | University of Ottawa | Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction in Patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus | $5,000 |
2010 | Dugald Seely | Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine | An Assessment of the Ability of Ionic Foot Bath (IonCleanse) to Remove Heavy Metals Through the Feet and Its Potential Impact on Body Burden of Heavy Metals | $5,000 |
2010 | Kate Sauks | University of Toronto (student) | Biomechanic and Cellular Changes Within the Rat Gastrocnemius Muscle and Calcaneal Tendon Post Tenotomy: Do Traumeel Injections Make a Difference? | $5,000 |
2010 | Martin Descarreaux | Universite du Quebec a Trois-Rivieres | Neuromechanical Effect of Spinal Manipulation and Its Relation to Clinical Outcomes: A Control Study | $5,000 |