IBLCE serves the global public interest by advancing professional practice in lactation consultation and support through credentialing. To this end, IBLCE is committed to funding world-class research with a high potential for impact on promoting and protecting breastfeeding. IBLCE is seeking contemporary research approaches that produce and expand knowledge in the areas of breastfeeding support and practices, with a focus on the impact and outcomes of the IBCLC.
IBLCE’s Grant Programme
2024 Research Grants Programme
To advance research examining the value and efficacy of the IBCLC in the lactation consultant community, IBLCE invites applications for its 2024 research grants programme. Funding is available for up to 60,000 USD and is for research only; however, grant amounts may vary and the amount of each grant will be determined by IBLCE, in its sole discretion. IBLCE will not fund educational programmes of study for this research grants programme.
In 2024 – 2025, IBLCE may grant up to 60,000 USD for projects lasting approximately 12 – 18 months. Research may be published on the IBLCE website.
PROJECT FOCUS
This round of funding intends to support future projects (not completed research) that investigate the value of the IBCLC, for example:
• The value of the IBCLC to individuals
• The value of the IBCLC to the profession
• The value and recognition from an employer perspective
• Employment preference
• Factors in pursuing IBCLC certification and recertification
Approved proposals may request surveys be disseminated by IBLCE to IBCLCs worldwide.
PROJECT CRITERIA
The IBLCE research review panel will consider the following:
- Proposed projects and all researchers must demonstrate compliance with the World Health Organisation International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes (WHO Code), IBCLC professional standards, and IBLCE standards.
- The panel will take a broad view of appropriate methodologies proposed to conduct the proposed research. Methodologies must be clearly explained, well justified (as methodological rigour is an important aspect), and are appropriate to address the research questions.
- The researchers, and affiliated organisations (if applicable), must demonstrate: a track record for providing similar internationally funded research studies, capacity to conduct the study to a high standard, and the team will meet timeline deadlines and with realistic milestones, outputs, and outcomes identified.
- Funds identified are realistic, relevant, appropriate, and ‘value for money’.
- Dissemination of findings has a clearly identified strategy.
- All applicants must comply with the conflict-of-interest policies and procedures of, and enter into a grant agreement with, IBLCE.
- Applicants need to have the ability to translate and disseminate research in English. All applications and accompanying documents must be in English to be considered eligible.
- Applications must be submitted by the deadline on April 30, 2024.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications should:
- identify the specific research question to be addressed and include details of the proposed research project,
- provide a timeline, with contingencies, for the research, including: suggested milestones, regular reporting to IBLCE, and schedule for funds to be dispersed,
- include a curriculum vitae for each team member and a signed Declaration of Compliance with the WHO Code and IBLCE Standards form for the research team, and
- be completed in English by the deadline.
Applications can be found here.
AWARD PROCESS
Completed applications received by April 30, 2024, will be reviewed by the IBLCE Research Committee starting in May 2024. During this review, the IBLCE Research Committee reserves the right to request additional information and/or a presentation from applicants. Applicants will be notified if their project has been selected.
Download the required Declaration of Compliance with the WHO Code and IBLCE Standards form to apply.
Questions?
Questions related to the process and funding opportunity should be directed to research@iblce.org. To promote equity and transparency, a compilation of all questions and answers will be posted to this website for all interested parties. There will be no individual question responses. Interested parties should continue to craft their proposals during the application period.
IBLCE Standards
The IBLCE research standards 1-5 are adapted from the World Health Organization 2011 standards for research:
Standard 1: Gaining ethical approval
• In addition to adherence to the IBLCE ethical guidelines, researchers must submit a research proposal and application for ethical review to the appropriate ethics panel, based on jurisdiction (i.e., IEB), for approval.
Standard 2: Conduct the study in compliance with ethics approval
• The research process is conducted in compliance with the study proposal approved by the ethics committee. The ethics committee is informed for re-approval if any changes are made to the original research proposal submitted.
Standard 3. Safety reporting
• IBLCE must be notified by the researcher of any potential or actual safety issues to individuals. This must include unanticipated problems involving risks of harm to individuals (as required by ethical approval).
Standard 4. Ongoing reporting and follow-up
• The researcher must submit written summary updates on the progress of the study. This should include timeframes for progress with any action or contingency plans.
Standard 5. Information to IBLCE and research participants
• Researchers have a responsibility to keep IBLCE, the research participants, and their communities informed of the progress of research by appropriate means, at suitable timeframes, in simple and non-technical language.
Further Information and Terms
This section provides some additional information which may be of interest to applicants preparing their submissions.
Liability
IBLCE’s role in grants awarded through IBLCE Research funding opportunities is that of a funder; IBLCE cannot be considered the sponsor of funded projects. As such, IBLCE will not assume any liability associated with funded projects. Applicants who are ultimately awarded these programmes will be required to sign a grant agreement that releases IBLCE from liability, and that defines the terms and conditions governing the grant.
Results
As an international credentialing body whose mission is to serve the global public interest by advancing professional practice in lactation consultation and support through credentialing, research conducted with funds from IBLCE (the “Research”) must be conducted in the public interest.
IBLCE wishes to promote a research culture and continued elevation of professional practice in lactation consultation. To advance this effort, IBLCE seeks a team to conduct a study on behalf of, and in consultation with, the IBLCE Research Committee and Advisor. IBLCE will be the sole owner of the data and research, in part and whole, and will issue certain rights as defined in the Research Agreement. The selected team will be responsible for providing monitoring reports and a final presentation to the IBLCE Board prior to any publication on the IBLCE website or submission to peer-reviewed publications.
IBLCE requires that all Research (i) funded by and (ii) that result from awarded projects (collectively, the “Results”) be assigned to IBLCE. You will be required to cooperate and collaborate with IBLCE and other researchers and provide access to Results within three months of grant expiration. By submitting your application, you and your institution are confirming that you are not aware of any requirements that would prohibit, delay, or restrict your ability to assign your Results from this initiative to IBLCE. You are also confirming that you are not affiliated with or receiving funding from third-party collaborators or companies.