The above figure is a hierarchical depiction of CIHR's Program Activity Architecture. CIHR's mandate is described at the top of the hierarchy, followed by its strategic outcome, which is further broken down into program activities. The description for each item in the hierarchy is as follows:

CIHR Mandate: Excel, according to internationally accepted standards of scientific excellence, in the creation of new knowledge and its translation into improved health for Canadians, more effective health services and products and a strengthened Canadian health care system.

Strategic Outcome 1.0: A world-class health research enterprise that creates, disseminates and applies new knowledge across all areas of health research

Program Activity 1.1: Health knowledge
Sub-Program Activity 1.1.1: Open Research Grant Program
Sub-Program Activity 1.1.2: Randomized Control Trials Program

Program Activity 1.2: Health Researchers
Sub-Program Activity 1.2.1: Salary Support Program
Sub-Program Activity 1.2.2: Training Support Program

Program Activity 1.3: Health Research Commercialization
Sub-Program Activity 1.3.1: Research Commercialization Program
Sub-Program Activity 1.3.2: Networks of Centres of Excellence Program

Program Activity 1.4: Health and Health Services Advances
Sub-Program Activity 1.4.1: Institute Strategic Initiatives
Sub-Program Activity 1.4.2: Knowledge Translation Programs

Program Activity 1.5: Internal Services