At no time has the potential for research been so clear, and the time for discovery so great.
Across the country, Canadian researchers are making discoveries that will impact the lives of Canadians - and the health care system. This book will allow you to read more about some of the outstanding researchers who are based in the Western provinces, Ontario, Quebec and the Atlantic provinces.
Since our launch on June 7, 2000, CIHR, and our partners in the provinces, health charities and industry, are bringing together researchers, caregivers, policy-makers, and community groups to address very real health and health system challenges, as well as scientific opportunities.
Our mission is to fund outstanding research that will have impact. To that end, CIHR believes in a problem-based approach to research, breaking down the silos of academic discipline, sectors of society, or geographical distance, to focus on important health research questions.
The health challenges that face Canadians and people everywhere - access to the health care system, health disparities, disease, the environment and health - all depend on sustained public investment in health research. Progress in research only flourishes in an environment that rewards excellence and recognizes the intrinsically long-term nature of the research process.
In the December 2001 budget announcement, the Government of Canada demonstrated its confidence in CIHR with a $75 million in federal funding for 2002-2003. This commitment to health and health research, even in difficult times, acknowledged the importance of sustaining CIHR's momentum as Canada's lead agency for health research. CIHR's budget increase will enable Canada's health research community to develop the new knowledge that is necessary to fight disease, improve the health of Canadians, develop an innovative health system and support the growth of our country health-related industries. As well, it allows us to address issues of importance to Canadians - the integrity of our water supply, tobacco and drug addiction, cancer, palliative care, the biological and social determinants of aging, osteoarthritis, HIV/AIDS, cardiovascular disease, rehabilitation, obesity and diabetes.
Canadians care deeply about health, whether it is the promise and challenges of stem cell research, access to current diagnostic technology, or genetic testing for disease. I believe that it is our responsibility - and our opportunity - to provide Canadians with timely, objective, balanced, and easily understandable information on these and other issues. On behalf of CIHR's Governing Council, I am pleased to present you with the second in a series of publications that demonstrates the results and impacts that are being achieved thanks to public funding. And on behalf of the Canadian health research community, I wish to express my deepest appreciation for your continuing support for our shared vision and objectives.
Alan Bernstein, OC, PhD, FRSC
President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
For further information, please contact:
Canadian Institutes of Health Research,
410 Laurier Ave. W., 9th Floor,
Address Locator 4209A,
Ottawa ON K1A 0W9
Tel.: 613.941.2672 Fax: 613.954.1800
E-mail: info@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
