For immediate release -
2006-41
Vancouver (October 19, 2006) - The Honourable Chuck Strahl, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Minister responsible for British Columbia, on behalf of the Honourable Tony Clement, Minister of Health, highlighted today along with Dr. Alan Bernstein, President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), the recipients of an investment of $48.5 million to fund health research in British Columbia.
"Canada's new government believes that promoting ground breaking health research is a crucial component to building a healthy, prosperous and innovative country," said Minister Strahl. "The funding announced today for 238 projects across British Columbia is helping to enhance the health research capabilities of our institutions and will benefit all Canadians."
The 238 research projects funded will be conducted at universities and research institutions throughout the province. The studies will be carried out over periods of one to five years and cover a wide spectrum of health research. Minister Strahl highlighted three researchers whose work exemplifies CIHR's comprehensive, problem-based approach to funding health research:
Dr. Marlene Moretti (Simon Fraser University) will investigate the causes for aggression and violence in adolescent girls and boys.
Dr. Jessica de Villiers (University of British Columbia) will study how youths with Autism Spectrum Disorder understand what is being said.
Dr. Samuel Aparicio (University of British Columbia) will use genetic profiling techniques to better classify cancer tumours so that treatment can be better targeted.
Dr. Ryan Rhodes (University of Victoria) will research ways of improving marketing campaigns to promote increased physical activity.
"I take tremendous pleasure in seeing how CIHR's programs are supporting talented and committed Canadian researchers in all areas of health and how their research is leading to important new findings that will benefit all of us," said Dr. Bernstein.
The funding highlighted today is part of a larger package announced on Friday, October 13 by the Minister of Health.
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's agency for health research. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to catalyze its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened Canadian health care system. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support over 10,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada. http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/
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Attachments:Grant Allocations Highlighted projects backgrounder
Further information:Marie-France Poirier, CIHR Media Relations, (613) 447-4794Eric Waddell, Press Secretary, Office of the Honourable Tony Clement, (613) 957-0200
