Dear Colleagues,
It is with great pride that I introduce our third Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2003-2004. The year constituted another extraordinary period in the evolution of INMHA, the largest of the 13 CIHR Institutes in terms of the number of scientists we represent and potential partner organizations. The mandate of our Institute is equally large, but despite the never-ending list of challenges we have expanded our portfolio of funding programs and partnerships. We continued to refine our priorities and have already begun the second phase of strategic planning. At the same time, we are working with CIHR Ottawa staff to evaluate the work of the Institute and the impact of our strategic programs. This will involve all of you as stakeholders to ensure an accurate measure of INMHA's success. I thank everyone in advance for giving their time to this important endeavor.
One of our most valued attributes and a major concentration of our efforts is to work in partnership with the large number of internal and external organizations that are relevant to INMHA. We continued to strengthen existing bonds and formed a number of new important collaborations. We are building on Canada's scientific excellence in the areas of neuroscience, mental health and addiction by forming international linkages. Many successful partnerships are now in place and we are continuing to lay the groundwork for future unique collaborations.
INMHA's Institute Advisory Board, composed of scientists and representatives of the voluntary sector, has seen its first turn-over of members. We said good-bye to Drs. Bruce McEwen, Robert Ladouceur and Jack Jhamandas. Their contributions are greatly appreciated and I know they will continue to be outspoken advocates for our
Institute. We were pleased to welcome Drs. Jane Stewart, Katherine Bennett, Douglas Zochodne and Patrice Roy who immediately became part of the INMHA team. The service of our insightful and committed board has been integral to the success of INMHA and I cannot thank all members enough for their generous contributions of time and energy. A special thank you again goes to our Chair, Dr. Anthony Phillips, for his outstanding leadership.
So many other people have contributed to INMHA's accomplishments. In addition to the small and dedicated Institute team, there are all the CIHR staff members in Ottawa whose contributions are often invisible to the outside world. I thank you for your continued assistance. I would also like to express my deep appreciation to my Scientific Director colleagues, CIHR President Alan Bernstein and Governing Council members for making this position such an inspirational and fun experience. Last but not least, I would like to thank my scientific colleagues across Canada. You are the credibility behind INMHA and the high reputation on which we build our programs and partnerships. I look forward to another exciting year.
Rémi Quirion
Scientific Director
Rémi Quirion
Scientific Director
Richard Brière
Assistant Director
Astrid Eberhart
Assistant Director,
Partnerships
Ramia Jabr
Executive Manager
Elisabeth Beaucage
Project Officer
Justin Kingsley
Head of Communications
and Government Affairs
Rocio Benalcazar
Administrative Assistant
Douglas Hospital Research Centre
McGill University
6875 LaSalle Blvd.
Dobell, B2131
Verdun, Qc H4H 1R3
Tel: (514) 761-6131,
Ext. 3932
Fax: (514) 888-4060
http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/
MR1-14/2004
0-662-68478-8
Rémi Quirion, PhD, FRSC, CQ
Scientific Director
Tel: (514) 761-6131, Ext. 3932
Fax: (514) 888-4060
remi.quirion@douglas.mcgill.ca
Richard Brière, PhD
Assistant Director
Tel: (514) 761-6131, Ext. 3830
Fax: (514) 888-4060
richard.briere@douglas.mcgill.ca
Astrid Eberhart
Assistant Director,
International Relations
Tel: (Sweden): 46 (0) 8 759 0232
aeberhart@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Ramia Jabr
Executive Manager
Tel: (514) 761-6131, Ext. 3932
Fax: (514) 888-4060
ramia.jabr@douglas.mcgill.ca
Rocio Benalcazar
Administrative Assistant
Tel: (514) 761-6131, Ext. 2760
Fax: (514) 888-4060
rocio.benalcazar@douglas.mcgill.ca
CIHR Corporate Headquarters
Room 97, 160 Elgin Street
Address Locator 4809A
Ottawa, ON K1A 0W9
Barbara Beckett, PhD
Assistant Director, Ottawa
Tel: (613) 948-4877
Fax: (613) 954-1800
bbeckett@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Asimina Xidous
Project Officer
Tel: (613) 941-0874
Fax: (613) 941-1040
axidous@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Eric Marcotte, PhD
Team Lead, Regenerative
Medicine and Nanomedicine
Tel: (905) 464-1859
eric.marcotte@regenerativemedicine.ca
| Anthony G. Phillips, Chair University of British Columbia | ||||||
| Gordon DuVal University of Toronto |
Jack H. Jhamandas University of Alberta |
Stanley P. Kutcher Dalhousie University |
Robert Ladouceur Laval University |
Alain D. Lesage Louis-H. Lafontaine Hospital |
Michel Maziade Laval University | |
| Bruce McEwen Rockefeller Centre |
Lisa McKerracher University of Montreal |
Roberta M. Palmour McGill University |
Marlene A. Reimer University of Calgary |
Patrice Roy Pfizer Canada |
Michael W. Salter The Hospital for Sick Children |
Peter G. Scholefield Ontario Neurotrauma Foundation |
| Eric W. Single University of Toronto |
Martin J. Steinbach University of Toronto |
Philip C. Upshall Canadian Alliance for Mental Illness and Mental Health |
Kathryn Jane Bennett McMaster University |
Jane Stewart Concordia University |
Douglas W. Zochodne University of Calgary | |
Outgoing Members:
Jack H. Jhamandas, Robert Ladouceur, Bruce McEwen
New Members:
Patrice Roy, Kathryn J. Bennett, Jane Stewart, Douglas W. Zochodne
In the three years since its inception, INMHA has implemented a significant number of funding programs corresponding to the mission and strategic priorities outlined in its Strategic Plan. The programs are positioned to accelerate the discovery of new scientific information on brain research, mental health and mental illness, and the causes and consequences of addiction. The far-reaching mandate of the Institute enables innovative partnerships and cross-cutting initiatives with other CIHR Institutes and external funding organizations, as is evident in the following description of programs. The most obvious force behind the Institute, however, is the internationally recognized excellence in neuroscience research in Canada.
Thanks to the accomplishments of INMHA-supported scientists, the continued growth of the Institute's reputation and, in turn, its portfolio of funding programs is ensured. In June 2003, we announced two new INMHA-led Strategic Initiatives that are CIHR multi-institutes initiatives as well as key priorities of our first Strategic Plan: 1) Regenerative Medicine and Nanomedicine, and 2) Advancing the Science to Reduce Nicotine Addiction and Tobacco Abuse. Both initiatives were championed by INMHA and now involve CIHR and numerous external partners, some of our best examples of successful partnership and pooling of resources. Some of our other new programs support important research in emerging areas or where unique opportunities arise.
Regenerative Medicine and Nanomedicine
In partnership with:
Regenerative medicine is an emerging field of research directed toward repair or replacement of injured tissues and organs through natural or bioengineered means. Nanomedicine is the application of nanotechnology - materials, tools, techniques, and devices based on the nanometer length scale - to health research. The integration of research in these fields has tremendous implications for health care and disease, and represents an exciting new area for Canada. The multi-disciplinary focus of this integrated research also includes the social, cultural and ethical perspectives of human health. This strategic initiative marked the first step in creating a national framework for regenerative medicine and nanomedicine in Canada, with an initial focus on the areas of Nanotechnology Development and Nanomedicine, Stem Cells, and Tissue Engineering.
Coordinated and led by INMHA, the initiative includes a New Emerging Team program, an Interdisciplinary Capacity Enhancement Program and Pilot Projects. The initial funding available was a minimum of $12.3 million. Through our continued efforts in the development of partnerships, including with industry and the private sector, it is expected that the funding base for the initiative will be expanded.
Advancing the Science to Reduce Nicotine Addiction and Tobacco AbuseIn partnership with:
Co-ordination of this INMHA-championed strategic initiative is provided by the Canadian Tobacco Control Research Initiative (CTCRI), a national partnership comprised of the Canadian Cancer Society, the National Cancer Institute of Canada, Health Canada and CIHR. The strategy and partnership grew out of our 2002 Canadian Tobacco Control Research Summit at which leading scientists, practitioners and decision-makers in Canada identified an innovative, multi-faceted agenda for high quality research, spanning multiple disciplines and research themes. In addition to highlighting priority populations and research topic areas, the agenda calls for attention to fostering new research methods, increasing research capacity and excellence, facilitating knowledge translation, managing research data, and building national and international collaborations.
The program announcement included a focus on nicotine addiction, tobacco abuse and tobacco intervention research, and topics and issues described in the report of the 2002 Summit. The breadth of programs that were offered signals the intent of INMHA and our partners to build capacity and strengthen Canadian research in this area. The initiative will support multidisciplinary research from across all of CIHR's research themes. To help facilitate the building of capacity, the announcement included a wide range of funding tools including: Interdisciplinary Capacity Enhancement (ICE) teams, Policy Research Grants, and Knowledge Synthesis grants. In addition, Research Planning Grants, Idea Grants and others were offered to help build capacity by supporting researchers to develop excellent research projects. The initiative drew a significant number of applications in each category and is expected to fund at least $5 million in research over 5 years.
Suicide Prevention Targeting Aboriginal People
This program was launched in 2003, in partnership with the Institute of Aboriginal Peoples' Health, Health Canada (First Nations and Inuit Health Branch). The Request for Applications invited proposals for New Emerging Teams focused on suicide-related research or central to the reduction of suicide in Canada related to the aboriginal community.
Research in Bioethics with a Focus on Neuroethics
Research in the domains covered by INMHA presents important ethical challenges. INMHA is committed to making bioethics research a priority focus both to advance knowledge and to train the next generation of bioethics scholars.
A workshop on Ethics organized by Institute Advisory Board member Gordon DuVal and Rémi Quirion in November 2002 in Toronto provided the basis for a Request for Applications launched in June 2003.
CIHR Investigator Initiated Grant Competition - INMHA Priority Announcements
INMHA's commitment to support excellent research related to our mandate also extends into the CIHR grants competition where projects are funded through Priority Announcements. The following grants were funded from the March 2003 and September 2003 competitions:
New Emerging Team Program
A key program used by INMHA to support strategic research priorities is the NET Program with the purpose of building capacity in new and developing areas of research, such as Understanding the Placebo Effect, Regenerative Medicine-Neuroscience and Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome. The following grants were funded within these themes, bringing the number of INMHA supported or co-funded NET programs to 11 (each supported for a 5-year term):
Canadian Community Health Survey on Mental Health and Well-being
The following grants are supported in partnership with the Institute of Gender and Health, the Institute of Health Services and Policy Research, the CIHR Rural and Northern Health Research Initiative, Statistics Canada, and the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre:
Physican Health in Canada
INMHA co-funded the following two proposals with the Canadian Medical Association:
The following grant was supported under this new partnership program with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science:
Strategic Training Program Grants
Our ability to achieve our research goals is dependent on the availability of a critical mass of skilled investigators in all aspects of neurosciences, mental health and addiction. One of INMHA's key priorities is to promote and sustain the development of trans-disciplinary programs of research and training and perhaps one of the most important programs we implemented is the Strategic Training Program Grants. The caliber of the scientists leading the training programs supported by INMHA to date is a window into the next generation of Canadian researchers. The following grants were funded through the second competition, bringing the number of INMHA supported training programs to 18 (each grant is for 6 years):
Barbara Turnbull Award for Spinal Cord Research
Dr. Mohamad Sawan at the École Polytechnique de Montréal/ Université de Montréal was awarded the second annual Barbara Turnbull Award recognizing excellence in spinal cord research. Dr. Sawan was recognized for his project titled Remote bladder volume measurement and implant monitoring and subsequent selective stimulation to enhance the voiding in spinal cord injured patients. The grant received the highest rating from the September 2002 and March 2003 competitions.
Dr. Mohamad Sawan receiving the Barbara Turnbull
Award from Dr. Rémi Quirion, Scientific Director, INMHA
The Brain Star Program
One of the first programs established by INMHA and perhaps our most successful, the Brain Star Program is aimed at recognizing outstanding young researchers in Canada. The award, given every two weeks, goes to emerging scientists still enrolled in their studies who have published their research findings in prominent scientific journals. The research topics span the entire spectrum of INMHA's mandate and amount to an impressive portfolio of published scientific knowledge. Every year, INMHA publishes a booklet showcasing the winners with a summary of their article and picture. Information on the program can be found on the INMHA website.
Brain Star of the Year
At the 2003 Annual Meeting, INMHA announced the Brain Star of the Year Award, to highlight the achievements of young researchers recognized by this popular program even further. The inaugural recipients of the Brain Star of the Year Award are Michelle Aarts of the University of Toronto, and Yitao Liu, affiliated to the Universities of Toronto and British Columbia. The team's outstanding paper, titled Treatment of Ischemic Brain Damage by Perturbing NMDA Receptor- PSD-95 Protein Interactions, was published in the journal Science. Data reported by the Awardees offer a novel strategy for treating stroke.
From the beginning, INMHA has encouraged and supported a variety of events, from strategic priority setting workshops that feed into the INMHA strategic planning process to scientific and organizational gatherings. These "meetings of the minds" foster collaboration, knowledge exchange and communication of research results. The following is a partial list of events supported by INMHA in 2003-04:
| International Conference on Cerebral Palsy, Québec City, April/May 2003 | Enteric Nervous System Symposium, Banff, July 2003 | GPCR Conference, Georgian Bay, October 2003 |
| Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders, Canmore, May 2003 | Autonomic Dysfunction after Spinal Cord Injury, Banff, July 2003 | Canadian VHL Family Alliance National Meeting, London, Fall 2003 |
| Symposium on Psychiatric Ethnoepidemiology, Halifax, May 2003 | Peripheral Nerve Society Meeting, Banff, July 2003 | Protéines membranaires et perception de la douleur, Montréal, January 2004 |
| 3rd World Child and Youth Health Congress, Vancouver, May 2003 | World Congress of Psychiatric Genetics, Quebec City, October 2003 | Canadian Physiological Society, Vernon BC, January/February 2004 |
| Institut d'été international sur la catégorisation dans une perspective interdisciplinaire, Montréal, June/July 3003 | HUPO / IUBMB Joint World Congress, Montreal, October 2003 | The Cost of Blindness, Toronto, January 2004 |
| Fetal and Neonatal Physiological Society, Banff, July 2003 | Second International Conference on Stigma of Mental Illness, Kingston, October 2003 | 4th International Conference on Unstable Microsatellites and Human Diseases, Banff, February 2004 |
| GAMIAN - Europe Annual Educational Convention, Marseille, France, October 2003 |
INMHA not only provides financial support to a wide range of events, but also is proactive in organizing priority setting workshops. For many of these meetings, we partner with other organizations who have a vested interested in the topic and in collaborating with INMHA. The following events were held in 2003-04 (see http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/ for reports on some of these events):
Inter-provincial Forum on Problem Gambling Research
Toronto, September 2003
Problem gambling researchers and representatives of provincial funding agencies from across Canada and from INMHA, were invited to participate in this forum jointly sponsored by the Institute and the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre (OPGRC). Accordingly, the forum set the stage for future collaborative research by identifying priorities for collaborative interprovincially-funded research; developing mechanisms and structures by which collaborative initiatives can be mounted; and by establishing resources to support such initiatives.
Forum on Alcohol and Illicit Drug Research in Canada
Kanata, October 2003
Attended by participant representing a broad range of key stakeholders in the area of addictions, this Forum was cosponsored by the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse, the Canadian Executive Council on Addictions, Health Canada, the Solicitor General of Canada and two other CIHR Institutes (Gender and Health, and Aboriginal Peoples Health). The purpose of the meeting was to develop a strategic addictions research agenda for Canada, ranging from basic to social, cultural and environmental research in relation to alcohol and illicit drugs. The workshop will lead to a Request for Applications to be announced in 2004.
Workshop on Early Life Events and First Episodes of Brain Disorders
Montreal, February 2004
The goal of this INMHA organized workshop was to invite a cross-section of the foremost scientists working in this field, and to develop a national research agenda on this important topic. The workshop is expected to lead to a Request for Applications in 2004.
2nd Annual Nanomedicine Workshop "Focus on Biophotonics"
Toronto, February 2004
Following on the success of the first workshop held in 2002, INMHA again led this workshop co-sponsored with Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. The special focus of this meeting was on Biophotonics, namely the application of the science and technology of light generation, transmission, and measurement to the life sciences and medicine. This event was open to anyone with an interest in Regenerative Medicine or Nanomedicine, and provided an excellent opportunity for scientists and interested individuals with similar or complementary backgrounds to engage in dialogue and build new working relationships.
CIHR Outreach Initiative
This unique initiative was conceptualized and developed by INMHA and is modelled after a similar program of the US National Institute of Mental Health. The first competition was co-sponsored by the Institute of Gender and Health and CIHR Communications Branch. The program offers awards of up to $10,000 to enlist Canadian non-governmental organizations in partnership to help bridge the communications gap between science and the general public. The competition offered awards of up to $10,000 for innovative promotional ideas that would take a given message to the public or targeted organizations. The four winners were announced at our 2003 Annual Meeting:
AUTISM SOCIETY CANADA received support for its Autism Spectrum Disorders Training Program. The program will share best practices in ASD screening and diagnosis with physicians, health professionals, educators and child care workers in order to increase Canada's capacity for early and effective screening for signs of developmental disability.
PARTNERS SEEKING SOLUTIONS WITH SENIORS and CREATIVE RETIREMENT MANITOBA was supported to create a website entitled Seniors, Medication and Alcohol that will provide research-based information about addiction and dependency issues among Manitoba's seniors.
CANADIAN ALLIANCE ON MENTAL ILLNESS AND MENTAL HEALTH (CAMIMH) will be setting up its own stand-alone website (its site is presently hosted by the Mood Disorders of Canada's website) where it will address the public at large as well diverse stakeholders and partners, including CIHR, INMHA and other Institutes.
CANADIAN MENTAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION, ONTARIO will produce a strategically and widely disseminated booklet entitled A Matter of Importance to Women: Weight Gain Associated with Psychotropic Medications. The booklet validates women's concerns about weight gain, review the latest research and provide effective methods for dealing with the problem.
Second INMHA Annual Meeting,
Toronto, November 2003
Our second annual meeting brought together over 100 participants from a broad number of INMHA stakeholders - trainees and Brain Star recipients, scientists from all four CIHR pillars and representatives from the voluntary sector and non-governmental organizations (VHO/NGO). The focus this year was on three major themes - pain, addiction and spinal cord injury. An expert in each respective field organized and planned the sessions, inviting four or five speakers to talk about his or her personal experience, including trainees and persons affected by the disorder. The sessions were extremely successful and responded to one of the key objectives of INMHA - to keep in close contact with our community. The same is true for trainees, who benefit from interacting with patient and advocacy groups. Perhaps the most gratifying aspect about the meeting was the threads that linked all three sessions, such as stigmatized patient populations and a lack of adequate support and knowledge by the medical and research communities. In addition, the common mechanisms involved in addiction, spinal cord injuries and pain, stood out. The science, too, is linked across our mandate
and the left and right side of the brain community are coming together under the INMHA umbrella.
The Honourable Michael Wilson
Honourable Michael Wilson, a well-known advocate for the cause of mental health and mental illnesses in Canada, summarized the development of a recent $3 million announcement of the Brain Research Initiative by NeuroScience Canada, in partnership with INMHA and CIHR. In recognition of its ongoing efforts to encourage research and partnership in Canada, NeuroScience Canada was awarded the NGO/VHO of the Year Award. Other award announcements included the winners of the CIHR Outreach Initiative and the Brain Star of the Year awards. Finally, we launched a new partnership with the Canadian Centre on Substance Abuse and the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre - the Eric Single Studentship award for research in addiction and gambling. Dr Single is internationally recognized for his exceptional work on social aspects of addictions including tobacco, gambling and illicit drugs.
The meeting also focused on upcoming challenges to foster even more INMHA relationships with interested non governmental organizations (NGOs) and voluntary health organizations (VHOs). Building stronger relationships with these organizations is a process we first undertook in 2001, when we organized two workshops with our stakeholders to better understand their priorities and needs. The key, quite simply, is to keep open lines of communication, to respect one another and to focus on those things we share in common (which are many!).
The Brain from Top to Bottom
Another INMHA supported initiative is the Brain from Top to Bottom, a website encyclopedia to popularize scientific information about the brain and human behaviours and aimed at various audiences. The site is a work in progress but has already received international recognition for its uniqueness, easy to use and up-to-date information.
We have adopted a collaborative approach to all of INMHA's activities, including the strategic planning process, evaluation of the Institute, development of specific strategic initiatives and joint funding programs. Partnerships and stakeholder involvement are key to the success of the Institute and the fulfillment of our mandate. The efficiency with which we advance our research agenda are enhanced by leveraging the efforts and resources of other organizations who share our mission. Our funding programs encourage our scientists to collaborate and leverage the expertise of their colleagues in other Canadian and international research institutions. Thanks to the broad mandate of INMHA,opportunities for collaborations are abundant and it is gratifying that we are working with a large number and wide array of partners nationally and internationally. Our work in this area is extensive and the below list outlines the results of our efforts.
Neurobiology of Psychiatric Disorders and Addictions Program
This new grants program was announced in 2003. The program is led by the Canadian Psychiatric Research Foundation (CPRF). Other partners are Astra-Zeneca and the CIHR/Rx&D Research Program. The results of the competition will be announced in 2004.
Vascular Health and Dementia Research Grant Program
This program was announced in 2003 and is led by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, in collaboration with the Alzheimer Society of Canada, the Institute of Aging, INMHA, Pfizer Canada Inc. and the CIHR Rx&D Research Program. The results of the first competition will be announced in 2004.
Canadian Community Health Survey on Mental Health and Well-being
This program funded 17 teams interested in the analysis of the Survey and is a partnership with Statistics Canada, the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre, the CIHR Rural and Northern Health Research Initiative, the Institute of Health Services and Policy Research and the Institute of Gender and Health. See page 8 & 9 for list of grants.
Eric Single Studentship
Announced at the 2003 INMHA Annual Meeting, this program is a partnership with the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre (OPGRC) and the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse. The program is administered by OPGRC.
Physician Health in Canada
Through a new partnership with the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) and the CMA Centre for Physician Health and Well-Being, INMHA will co-sponsor two research projects that are expected to make a significant contribution to the current literature and understanding of physician health in Canada. See page 9 for list of grants.
NeuroScience Canada Brain Repair Program
This major funding program was announced at the 2003 Annual Meeting and is aligned with the CIHR Regenerative Medicine Initiative. The results of the competition will be announced in 2004.
Barbara Turnbull Award for Spinal Cord Research
This annual award to recognize excellence in spinal cord research is a partnership with the Barbara Turnbull Foundation and NeuroScience Canada. For information on the 2003 awardee, please see page 11.
Co-funding of INMHA New Investigator Award
The Schizophrenia Society of Canada partnered with us to support a New Investigator Award on schizophrenia. The grant was awarded in 2002 to Dr. Ridha Joober at the Douglas Hospital Research Centre, McGill University, for his project entitled "Genetics of Schizophrenia: From animal models to human studies".
Mindscapes - an exhibition of art works by persons affected by mental illness
Participating in the organization of Mindscapes presented at the National Gallery of Canada in May 2004 was one of INMHA's most unique endeavors in 2003-04. The efforts were led by the Canadian Mental Health Association in collaboration with the art workshop Les Impatients and many sponsors.
Mrs. Inez Jabalpurwala, President, NeuroScience Canada,
receiving the NGO/VHO Award of the Year from
Dr. Martin Steinbach, member of the IAB.
Dr. Eric Single receiving the inaugural plate
for the Eric Single Addiction Studentship Award.
NIH Fogarty International Centre
INMHA interacts with a number of NIH institutes and has participated in two initiatives led by the NIH Fogarty International Centre. In 2003, we supported a Canadian-US collaboration working on Stigma.
International Brain Research Organization
INMHA became a member of IBRO in 2003. We co-sponsored the IBRO Neuroscience School on Epilepsy held in Cape Town, South Africa, in September 2003, one of a series of an advanced schools program to encourage former graduates and others to take up careers in neuroscience. Five Canadian researchers participated in the school as part of the faculty.
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
IMMHA initiated and led the negotiation for this new program with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS). Announced in 2003, the JSPS-CIHR Joint Health Research Program aims to support Japan-Canada collaborations. We also secured the participation of two other CIHR Institutes, the Institute of Human Development, Child and Youth Health and the Institute of Aging.
Society for Neuroscience and Canadian Association for Neuroscience
INMHA has joined forces with the the Canadian Association for Neuroscience and the Society for Neuroscience, a Washington, D.C.-based organization with over 30,000 members worldwide, to work together on a number of initiatives aimed at benefiting Canadian neuroscientists and the general public.
Dana Foundation
INMHA also collaborates with the Dana Foundation, a philanthropic foundation with principal interests in science, health, and education. In 2003, Dr. Quirion was invited to join the Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives, a group of more than 200 distinguished neuroscientists, formed to help provide information about the personal and public benefits of brain research.
As CIHR and the Institute support scientific excellence, we also strive for excellence in how we conduct our day-to-day business. Our efforts are dedicated to the fulfilment of our mandate and the objectives outlined in our first Strategic Plan. As the INMHA team is very small, individual effort goes above and beyond. Nowhere is this as apparent as with INMHA's Scientific Director, Rémi Quirion, whole leadership is inspirational to his staff and the INMHA community. In 2003, he received three major honours. He was named the inaugural Champion in Mental Health Research by the National Coalition for Mental Health and Mental Illness. He was also inducted into the Royal Society of Canada and the Ordre National du Quebec.
Leadership is also provided by each and every member of the Institute Advisory Board (IAB). All of them participate in at least one our IAB Focus Groups, including NGO & Government Affairs, Training & Education, Industry and International. Through the 2003 IAB renewal process, INMHA appointed four new members, while three members have reached the end of their terms. Retiring members are Dr. Jack Jhamandas of the University of Alberta, Dr. Robert Ladouceur of Université Laval, and Dr. Bruce McEwen, of Rockefeller University. Each new IAB member brings in specific expertise and experience. Dr. Kathryn Bennett of McMaster University brings her expertise in population health; Dr. Patrice Roy of Pfizer Canada the unique viewpoint from the pharmaceutical sector as well as his background in neurosciences; Dr. Jane Stewart of Concordia University her expertise in the area of addiction; and Dr. Douglas Zochodne of the University of Calgary his expertise in neurology. Summaries of the IAB meetings are available on the INMHA website.
The Institute staff team is comprised of four members at the INMHA office in Montreal, three members in Ottawa (including part-time support) a one member in Toronto. Indirect support is also provided by the various departments at CIHR central office in Ottawa, most notably within the Research Portfolio where responsibility lies for competition management and peer review. Support also extends the other way and INMHA staff and IAB members participate in many CIHR central committees and working groups, assisting with activities such as renewal of the CIHR peer review process, website design and development of various partnership and program policies and guidelines.
The virtual institute model has many benefits but also brings many challenges and internal communication is vital to the overall success of the organization. To educate our colleagues in Ottawa about INMHA, we held an Institute Day in January 2004, successfully showcasing every aspect of our work. As the virtual model extends to the INMHA team itself, we also organized a staff retreat to ensure that our personal objectives are aligned appropriately with those of the Institute. We believe that INMHA is a fascinating work environment and every day brings with it new challenges. The Institute will be a tough career act to follow but some succeed - Justin Kingsley left his position as Head of Communications in December 2003 to join the Prime Minister's Office.
With the established expertise of our staff and the wise counsel of our Institute Advisory Board, we anticipate another successful year.
Mandate
CIHR's Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction supports research to enhance mental health, neurological health, vision, hearing, and cognitive functioning and to reduce the burden of related disorders through prevention strategies, screening, diagnosis, treatment, support systems, and palliation. Associated research will advance our understanding of human thought, emotion, behaviour, sensation (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell,) perception, learning and memory.
Mission
The mission of INMHA is to foster excellence in innovative ethically responsible research in Canada that aims to increase our knowledge of the functioning and disorders of the brain and the mind, the spinal cord, the sensory and motor systems, as well as mental health, mental illness and all forms of addiction. INMHA seeks to translate this new knowledge into a better quality of life for all Canadians through improved health outcomes, health promotion and health care service.
Vision
INMHA believes that innovative ethically responsible research will provide new knowledge of the biological and socio-cultural processes underlying neurological, mental and addictive disorders.
Strategic goals
PROMOTE and SUPPORT excellence in peer-reviewed, internationally recognized and ethically responsible research in the domains of the Institute, including co-occurrence with other health problems.
ENCOURAGE trans-disciplinary research in order to facilitate knowledge-transfer aimed at developing and improving health care treatments and services.
ENSURE the training and support of the next generation of Canadian scientists in all aspects of neurosciences, mental health and addiction by promoting and sustaining the development of trans-disciplinary programs of research and training.
WORK with non-governmental and volunteer health organizations, municipal governments and other interested stakeholders to reduce the discrimination and prejudices associated with neurological and sensory disorders, mental illnesses and addictions.
PROMOTE the mandate of INMHA and its contribution through effective communication with all sectors of civil society.
WORK with the Government of Canada, municipal, provincial and territorial governments, members of the scientific community, non-governmental and volunteer health organizations, foundations and all Canadians to ensure that sufficient human and financial resources, consistent with the burden of disease of the disorders covered by the INMHA, are made available to the Institute in order to enable it to achieve its goals.
INTERACT with all stakeholders to identify research priorities, establish partnerships and undertake collaborative activities.
Values
In pursuing its strategic goals, INMHA has adopted the following guiding principles as values. INMHA:
For the year ended March 31, 2004
| Contributions through Grants and Awards | ||||||
| Strategic Initiatives | Number | 2003-04 | 2004-05 | 2005-06 | 2006 | Total |
| Canadian Community Health Survey | 4 | $ 118,665 | $ - | $ - | $ - | $ 118,665 |
| Invention - Tools, Techniques and Devices | 1 | 98,943 | 98,943 | 90,698 | - | 288,584 |
| Reducing Health Disparities | 2 | 20,000 | - | - | - | 20,000 |
| Ice Teams | 1 | 100,000 | 100,000 | 100,000 | 175,000 | 475,000 |
| Understanding the Placebo Effect | 1 | 242,000 | 240,000 | 240,000 | 480,000 | 1,202,000 |
| Regenerative Medicine-Neuroscience | 1 | 146,220 | 146,220 | 146,220 | 292,440 | 731,100 |
| Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder | 2 | 465,399 | 432,546 | 442,246 | 884,492 | 2,224,683 |
| Operating Grants | 12 | 657,476 | 113,798 | 771,274 | ||
| Knowledge Translation Applications | 5 | 99,666 | 73,334 | 10,000 | - | 183,000 |
| New Emerging Team Grant Program (NET Program) | 8 | 1,041,751 | 1,041,351 | 1,041,350 | 975,844 | 4,100,296 |
| Access for Marginalized Groups | 2 | 48,198 | 13,340 | 61,538 | ||
| Training Awards | 21 | 596,523 | 433,125 | 166,664 | 137,500 | 1,333,812 |
| National Network for Aboriginal Mental Health Research & Training | 1 | 85,387 | 87,133 | 58,427 | - | 230,947 |
| Health Research Partnership Program | 1 | 20,750 | 3,167 | - | - | 23,917 |
| Gene Therapy-Neuroscience Diseases | 1 | 125,000 | - | - | - | 125,000 |
| Strategic Training Initiative in Health Research | 14 | 1,641,390 | 2,038,845 | 2,045,094 | 5,980,801 | 11,706,130 |
| Palliative End of Life Care | 61,149 | 61,149 | ||||
| Stigma Global Health | 1 | 58,333 | 100,000 | 100,000 | 41,667 | 300,000 |
| EJLB Foundation Chairs | 1 | 50,000 | 50,000 | 50,000 | 100,000 | 250,000 |
| 79 | $ 5,615,700 | $ 5,032,951 | $ 4,490,699 | $ 9,067,744 | $ 24,207,094 | |
| * Note : Grants and awards in respect to these programs are approved for 1 to 6 years. Figures displayed represent CIHR financial commitments for these programs in 2003-04 and subsequent years. Availability of these funds in future years are subject to funding appropriations by Parliament. For some initiatives, partners also contributed to the funding of grants and awards. and beyond | ||||||
For the year ending March 31, 2004
| Total funds available EXPENDITURES |
A | $ 1,104,839 | |
| Institute Development | |||
| Conference, symposia and workshops | $ 657,785 | ||
| Institute Advisory Board expenditures | 61,832 | ||
| Professional Services | 38,525 | ||
| Travel Expenditures | 105,818 | ||
| Other costs | 39,693 | ||
| Subtotal | $ 903,653 | ||
| Institute Operations | |||
| Salaries and benefits | $ 417,132 | ||
| Telephone and communication services | 9,051 | ||
| Supplies, material and other services | 10,516 | ||
| Computer equipment and IT support | 726 | ||
| Professional Services | 54,523 | ||
| Travel expenditures | 18,040 | ||
| Subtotal | $ 509,988 | ||
| Total expenditures | B | $ 1,413,641 | |
| UNSPENT BALANCE | A - B | $ - 308,802 |
Year 2003-2004
| No. of Grants and Awards (not including the Networks of Centres of excellence and Canada Research Chairs) | 1,160 |
| Total funded (in thousands of dollars) | $ 85,586 |
