University of Alberta researchers are advancing science, developing new therapies and improving patient care
August 20, 2014 – Edmonton, Alberta – Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, was joined by Dr. Lorne Babiuk, Vice-President, Research at the University of Alberta to visit with researchers Dr. Locksley McGann and his collaborator Dr. Janet Elliot who will carry out a five-year project on the cryopreservation – or low-temperature storage – of cells and tissues. Their work aims to improve the preservation of cells and tissues for use in transplantation and surgical procedures.
As part of the visit, the Minister announced funding of $26M from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to support innovative research projects that will be led by scientists at the University of Alberta. The 42 funded projects will be carried out over three to five years and exemplify CIHR's comprehensive approach to funding health research. Funded projects address the full spectrum of health research – from genetics to access to health services – and include such priority areas as cancer, dementia, heart disease, diabetes and emerging health threats. The highlighted project is an example of the outstanding work being carried out by the brightest health researchers across the country with support from the Government of Canada.
The Minister also spoke about the #Giftoflife, a Government of Canada social media campaign designed to raise awareness and promote organ and tissue donation in Canada. Each donor has the potential to save up to eight lives and, through tissue donation, enhance the lives of up to 75 others.
Michael Bolkenius
Office of the Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health
613-957-0200
David Coulombe
Media Relations
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
613-941-4563
mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca
Nella Sajlovic
University of Alberta
780-492-8296
nella.sajlovic@ualberta.ca
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada’s health research investment agency. CIHR’s mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to enable its translation into improved health, more effective health services and products, and a strengthened health care system for Canadians. Composed of 13 Institutes, CIHR provides leadership and support to more than 13,200 health researchers and trainees across Canada.
