This is an exciting time to be a health researcher, as independent silos of thought are breaking down and making way for collaborative, transdisciplinary approaches to research work. Perspectives in science are expanding to include cultural contexts, social understandings and innovations. Health research now encompasses concepts and approaches of many disciplines, including the social sciences and humanities.
Since its inception in June 2000, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) has made a concerted effort to support research in all realms of science - embracing the social sciences and humanities through consistent funding. All of this is done in the deterministic effort to improve the health of all Canadians, as well as the Canadian healthcare system.
As a sign of mutual respect for this expansive world of health research, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) along with the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) launched the development of a publication that solicited stories of successful collaboration among social sciences and humanities researchers. The publication, entitled The Social Sciences and Humanities in Health Research: A Canadian Snapshot of Fields of Study and Innovative Approaches to Understanding and Addressing Health Issues, selected, compiled and edited vignettes based on submissions from 80 professionals in these fields.
And the disciplines within these fields are vast: everything from anthropology to computer science to law to psychology to women's studies. Anyone who is interested in learning about the art of these, many other, disciplines will also understand how mutual collaboration among their researchers can lead to benefits in human health.
The document is located on the SSHRC website, and clearly illustrates how both CIHR and SSHRC provide opportunities for health researchers to expand boundaries of understanding in the multiple dimensions of health.
