Review by panels of peers from the research community ensures that proposals approved for funding by CIHR meet internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence.

CIHR is managed by the president and the 17 members of Governing Council,[10] who are assisted by various Standing and Advisory Committees and a 7-member executive team.

The work of the institutes embraces the four pillars of health research: A major goal of the institutes is to forge relationships across disciplines to stimulate integrative, multifaceted research agendas that respond to society's health priorities while adhering to the highest ethical standards.

[20] Over the coming months and years, CIHR provided additional funding for COVID-19 research, totaling $430 million by June 2022.

[23] The results were announced in April 2023 along with a $100 million investment from Global Affairs Canada to support CEPI's new five-year strategic plan to accelerate the development of vaccines.