Minister Ambrose highlights health research investments at the University of Alberta

University of Alberta researchers are advancing science, developing new therapies and improving patient care

EDMONTON, Aug. 20, 2014 /CNW/ - 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.

Quick Facts

• Since 2006, the Government of Canada has invested more than $7B in health research through the CIHR.
• The Government of Canada is the largest single investor in health research in Canada. Currently, CIHR is supporting more than 13,200 health researchers and trainees across Canada.
• The investments announced today are the result of the two most recent CIHR open operating grants competitions.

Quotes

"As a result of continued federal investments, the health research enterprise in Alberta is growing and we should all be proud of the work that is taking place.  I congratulate researchers at the University of Alberta on receiving grants from CIHR to support their excellent work. Our Government is committed to investing in research that will help improve the health of Canadians. We are proud to support these researchers who are a wonderful example of the excellent work being carried out across the country."
The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health

"The CIHR is committed to supporting the very best ideas of talented researchers in universities and teaching hospitals across Canada.  As a catalyst through which health research is improving the lives of Canadians and people around the world, CIHR congratulates the researchers at the University of Alberta on their continued excellence."
Dr. Alain Beaudet
President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research

"This important funding commitment demonstrates the quality and breadth of research and innovation at the University of Alberta in addressing some of the world's most pressing health challenges. The U of A is extremely grateful for this and ongoing support from the Government of Canada and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research."
Dr. Lorne Babiuk
Vice-President, Research, University of Alberta

Associated Links
The Canadian Institutes of Health Research 
University of Alberta - Research 
Health Canada – Gift of Life

About CIHR
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. www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca

SOURCE: Canadian Institutes of Health Research

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, [email protected]; Nella Sajlovic, University of Alberta, 780-492-8296, [email protected]