Government of Canada announces a $372M investment in innovative health research
News Release
Over 500 Canadian researchers to receive funding for cutting-edge research projects to study mental health, multiple sclerosis, Indigenous health, and more.
January 24, 2018 – St. John’s, Newfoundland – Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Scientific discovery holds the key to finding solutions to many of the economic, social, and health challenges we face as a nation and around the world. That is why the Government of Canada proudly supports science in a number of key areas, which will help ensure Canadians thrive in the years to come.
Today, while touring the research facilities at Memorial University of Newfoundland, the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Health, announced a federal investment of $372 million to support hundreds of health researchers from coast to coast. This support, through the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, will help Canadian researchers study the full spectrum of health issues affecting the lives of Canadians.
While visiting the university, Minister Petitpas Taylor highlighted the $11.3 million in funding that will go to researchers in Atlantic Canada, of which $1.9 million will go to three researchers from Memorial University.
Minister Petitpas Taylor toured the lab of Dr. Craig Moore, a researcher at Memorial University who studies multiple sclerosis (MS), an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system for which there is no cure. Dr. Moore’s team will receive $600,000 over five years to develop new strategies to protect the brain from MS. Dr. Francis Bambico and his team will receive $650,000 over five years to better understand why some people are more vulnerable to contracting illnesses such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Dake Qi and his team will also receive $650,000 over five years for their work exploring how to limit the side-effects of drugs to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Quotes
“Our Government is fully committed to taking concrete action when it comes to the health and wellbeing of all Canadians. This investment will fund research that will lead to new treatments, breakthroughs, and fundamental advances in health science. We are proud of our researchers, and will continue to support them in their efforts to help keep Canadians healthy and continue their research right here at home.”
Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health
“This $372 million represents an enormous investment in health research for the science community and benefits all of Canada. Through these grants, CIHR is supporting researchers at all career stages, across the entire country, and in all areas of health research. Our investigators have made Canada a global leader in health research.”
Dr. Roderick R. McInnes, CM, O.Ont, MD, PhD, FRSC
Acting President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
“The Government of Canada is one of Memorial University’s most important partners in cultivating and mobilizing the talent needed to foster innovative research. Through the continued support of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, Memorial will lead critical health-related studies that will benefit all Canadians. I applaud the federal government for today’s investment as it will strengthen our university’s research capacity and enhance our reputation for pioneering health research.”
Dr. Neil Bose
Vice-President (Research), Memorial University of Newfoundland
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Contacts
Thierry Bélair
Office of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor
Minister of Health
613-957-0200
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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