$35.5 Million In CIHR Funding Awarded To Health Researchers In McGill Network

Main Category: Cancer / Oncology
Also Included In: Cardiovascular / Cardiology;  HIV / AIDS;  Public Health
Article Date: 12 May 2008 - 3:00 PST

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The Honourable Tony Clement, federal Minister of Health has announced unding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) for 764 health research projects across Canada, totalling more than $298 million. Researchers at McGill University and four of its affiliated institutions - the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI), the Jewish General Hospital (JGH) and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute - received more than $35.5 million, one of the highest allotments in the country.

These grants, allocated between July 2007 and January 2008, fund more than 80 cutting-edge research projects in fields as diverse as arthritis, Alzheimer's disease, multiple forms of cancer, nutrition, epilepsy, medical imaging, health care delivery, infertility, heart disease, cell biology and pharmacology, to name but a few.

"Funding from CIHR, in the hands of our researchers, leads to knowledge-creation, improved quality of life, and even cures for many of the diseases and conditions that affect Canadians and people the world over," said Denis Thérien, McGill's Vice-Principal (Research and International Relations). "McGill, in partnership with CIHR, will continue to provide our researchers with the support they need to pursue their important investigations."

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 to more than 11,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

"We are immensely proud of the researchers at the MNI," said Dr. David Colman, Director of the Montreal Neurological Institute. "Our extraordinary success in securing CIHR funding is a testament to the outstanding and innovative new projects under development here at the MNI and McGill, and to the commitment of the CIHR to advance the best biomedical research, which is the ultimate key to improving the health of all Canadians."

"The Jewish General Hospital's Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research (LDI) has become a world leader thanks to the work of our dedicated researchers," said Dr. Hartley Stern, Executive Director of the JGH. "With the assistance of the CIHR we will be able to continue the excellent work that has improved the lives of patients at the JGH and the province of Quebec."

"The results from the most recent competition amount to just over $7.3 million in operating and seed grants for Douglas researchers. We are proud of those results, which testifies to the high quality of scientific research at the Douglas," stated Rémi Quirion, OC, PhD, FRSC, CQ, MS, Scientific Director of the Douglas Research Centre and Scientific Director of the Institute of Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction (INMHA).

"One of the primary objectives of the Research Institute of the MUHC is to ensure that the MUHC continues its role as a leader in patient-centered, innovative medicine to provide the best care for life to our patients," said Dr. Vassilios Papadopoulos, Director of the Research Institute of the MUHC. "Continued funding from the CIHR helps ensure these goals are supported."

"The Government of Canada is committed to investing in knowledge, science and innovation," said Minister Clement. "In Budget 2008, we increased CIHR's budget by $34 million and we made a number of other strategic investments designed to further strengthen Canada's research capacity. The research being supported with the funding announced today will help us address important health issues affecting Canadians, such as cancer, heart disease and HIV/AIDS."

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Article adapted by Medical News Today from original press release.
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This release is available in French.

Source: Mark Shainblum
McGill University