Government of Canada invests nearly $10M to strengthen partnerships that turn health research into action across Canada
News release
New funding will support collaborative research partnerships to improve health outcomes for Canadians
May 27, 2026 – Ottawa, Ontario – Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Improving health outcomes in Canada depends on strong collaboration between researchers, communities, and health system partners. Through knowledge mobilization, research findings can be shared and applied in real-world settings to strengthen healthcare policy, practice, and patient outcomes.
Today, the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, announced nearly $10 million to support 73 grants that will strengthen collaboration and accelerate the use of research evidence in practice. This investment will help improve the implementation of school food programs, strengthen primary care and mental health partnerships, support communities experiencing health inequities, and help health systems adopt evidence-based practices more quickly.
The grants were funded under the Partnering for Impact Catalyst Grant program, part of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) Knowledge Mobilization Strategy and Action Plan, which aims to ensure that publicly funded research generates timely, tangible impacts for Canadians. The investment includes contributions from CIHR and Employment and Social Development Canada, which is supporting several partnerships focused on the Government of Canada’s National School Food Program.
Quotes
“Investing in knowledge mobilization helps ensure research makes a real impact in the lives of Canadians. These projects will create meaningful partnerships that help move evidence into action — improving community programs, supporting better health services, and delivering practical health solutions for Canadians.”
The Honourable Marjorie Michel
Minister of Health
“Investing in research will have a real impact on the successful delivery of school food programs across Canada. By ensuring these programs reach as many children as possible, the Government of Canada is making sure more students learn on a full stomach and get the best possible start.”
The Honourable Anna Gainey
Secretary of State (Children and Youth)
"Knowledge mobilization is at the heart of CIHR’s mandate. It is the vital link between what we know and what we do, ensuring that research evidence is quickly turned into meaningful actions that improve health, well-being and prosperity for everyone.”
Dr. Paul Hébert
President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Quick facts
-
CIHR is recognized internationally for its leadership in knowledge mobilization, which helps move research evidence into practice and policy.
-
In March 2026, CIHR launched its new Knowledge Mobilization Strategy and Action Plan, supported through several new funding programs.
-
The Partnering for Impact Catalyst Grant was the first funding opportunity launched under the strategy and supported 73 projects through contributions from multiple CIHR institutes and initiatives and Employment and Social Development Canada.
-
Funded projects focus on areas including school food programs, primary care, mental health, health equity, and rapid learning within health systems.
Related products
Associated links
Contacts
Alexandre Bergeron
Press Secretary
Office of the Honourable Marjorie Michel
Minister of Health
alexandre.bergeron@hc-sc.gc.ca
Media Relations
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
media@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.