Government provides $28M in support to Western University researchers working at the cutting edge of health research

News Release

July 6, 2017 – London, Ontario – Canadian Institutes of Health Research

At hospitals and universities across the country, Canada’s health researchers are working hard to create new scientific knowledge and tackle some of the most serious and debilitating conditions that affect Canadians.

Today, the Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health, visited Western University to highlight recent investments of $28M from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) that are supporting 24 health research projects. Minister Philpott was joined by Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary for Science, and Peter Fragiskatos, MP for London North Centre.

They had an opportunity to meet the researchers behind projects to improve access to kidney transplants, develop new techniques for the earlier diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, treat painful nerve damage, address antimicrobial resistance, reduce the viral loads of people living with HIV, and control the growth of the most aggressive and fatal brain cancer, among other projects.

Quotes

“It is always an inspiration to visit the researchers who are the forefront of creating the new scientific knowledge Canada and the world need to treat illnesses, cure diseases and improve the quality of life of people living with countless devastating conditions. The researchers working at Western University are a great source of pride to Canadians and of hope to all those who will benefit from their hard work.”
- The Honourable Jane Philpott, Minister of Health

“Western University is once again putting London on the international stage for leading edge scientific research.  Twenty-four research projects funded through the federal government will enrich the learning experience of Western students who, led by Western University researchers will be tackling some of the most devastating health issues of our time. They should feel very proud of what they are accomplishing.”
- Kate Young, Parliamentary Secretary for Science
MP, London West

“I wish to congratulate the most recent recipients of CIHR funding working at Western University. Each of your projects shows tremendous potential for adding to the scientific knowledge we have about conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, kidney disease and schizophrenia, among others. Thank you for your contributions to health research and to building a healthier Canada.”
- Dr. Roderick McInnes, CM, MD, PhD, FRSC
Acting President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

“As one of Canada’s leading research-intensive universities, Western is focused on bringing teams together to solve complex problems. This funding from CIHR is both a vote of confidence in the research taking place at Western and a crucial element in successfully advancing scientific discovery to benefit the health and well-being of Canadians.”
- Amit Chakma
President, Western University

Quick Facts

  • CIHR has two flagship funding programs - the Foundation Grant competition and the Project Grant competition.

  • Foundation Grants are designed to support research leaders build and conduct programs of health research. In the most recent Foundation Grant competition, CIHR provided over $15M to fund five researchers at Western University.

  • Project Grants are designed to support researchers at any career stage build and conduct health research and knowledge translation projects covering a range of areas, from discovery science and clinical research to strengthening the health care system and examining the social determinants of health. In the most recent Project Grant competition, CIHR provided almost $13M to support 19 researchers at Western University.

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Contacts

Andrew MacKendrick
Office of the Honourable Jane Philpott
Minister of Health
613-957-0200

David Coulombe
Media Relations
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
613-941-4563
mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

At the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), we know that research has the power to change lives. As Canada's health research investment agency, we collaborate with partners and researchers to support the discoveries and innovations that improve our health and strengthen our health care system.

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