I agreed to serve as CIHR's inaugural President to help formulate and implement a unique vision and structure for health research, an inclusive vision that embraces all approaches to health and disease, built on a base of excellence in research, a vision that is transparent, strategic, accountable and outcomes-driven. Seven years later, and with the help of the research community and our many partners, CIHR has made significant strides in advancing and transforming Canadian health research. Indeed, CIHR has become a model for the world as noted by the International Review Panel that reviewed CIHR in 2006, and the Review by Sir David Cooksey tabled in the British Parliament in 2006 on the organization of health research.
This remarkable progress, coupled with the outstanding team that we have built at CIHR, makes this a good time for me to step aside and allow the Government of Canada to seek new leadership for Canada's flagship health research agency.
I am confident that the new President will be given the opportunity, as I was, to take CIHR to new heights over the next critical phase of its growth. I am looking forward to working with the Government, CIHR's Governing Council and staff over the next few months as we make this transition, keeping CIHR's momentum and strategic directions moving forward.
Since the announcement of my decision to step down as President, I have been overwhelmed by the many emails, calls and letters that I have received. My thanks to everyone who have taken the time to contact me. I also want to again thank everyone who have given so generously of their time and energy to build the world's most innovative health research agency and to develop a national health research effort built on excellence and responsive to both scientific opportunity and the health needs of Canadians.
