"The objective of CIHR is to 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."
(CIHR Act)
The Institutes will promote and build upon Canada's firm foundation of research excellence. They will engage the research community and encourage interdisciplinary, integrative health research. Through their Scientific Directors and Institute Advisory Boards and under the guidance of the Governing Council, they will work together to forge a health research agenda across disciplines, sectors, and regions that embraces scientific opportunity and reflects the emerging health needs of Canadians, the evolution of the health care system and the information needs of health policy decision-makers. They will facilitate partnerships and will accelerate the transfer of new knowledge into benefits for Canadians.
Each Institute will include fundamental bio-medical research, clinical research, and research respecting health systems, health services, the health of populations, societal and cultural dimensions of health and environmental influences on health.