CIHR-IGH is the first national research institute of its kind in the world. Its existence is testament to Miriam's vision, dedication and expertise in research areas highly relevant to questions of gender and health, such as social determinants of health status, health behaviour and health services use.
Although this transition is still almost one year away, I would like to thank Miriam for her leadership, not only in helping establish CIHR-IGH but also for helping clarify goals and research priorities for this important and long neglected area of study. During her tenure, Miriam has made it her priority to demonstrate the importance of rigorous research into the interaction between sex and gender and other factors that influence health. CIHR-IGH projects have touched on all four pillars of research supported by CIHR. Among many important initiatives, she spearheaded the creation of the Reducing Health Disparities Initiative which enables interdisciplinary groups of researchers to assess and reduce health disparities as well as promote equity for vulnerable populations.
Under Dr. Stewart's direction, the Institute has provided leadership in knowledge translation, and recently launched a Resource Guide for Gender and Sex-Based Analysis in health research. The objective of the Guide is to embed gender and sex-based analysis in all CIHR activities as well as in the culture of health research in Canada. CIHR is now pressing ahead to implement this project. Thanks to her efforts, CIHR-IGH has many key national and international partnerships which are advancing research in the field of gender and health. Miriam has also provided the leadership and energy of the national initiative Women in Science which encourages women to choose a career in health research.
Over the coming year, staff at CIHR-IGH, both in Edmonton and Ottawa, the Institute's Advisory Board, and senior CIHR management will continue to work together to ensure that this leadership transition proceeds as efficiently and smoothly as possible. I am confident that the future Scientific Director of CIHR-IGH will continue to build on Miriam's successes.
Sincerely,
Dr. Alan Bernstein, O.C., FRSC
President
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
