PROVINCIAL SUMMIT KICK-STARTS IMPLEMENTATION OF HEALTH RESEARCH STRATEGY

Research and health leaders from across the province are in Saskatoon today for a Health Research Summit.

The goal of the Summit is to build understanding and collaboration to help move forward the province's Health Research Strategy, released this summer. The Strategy helps focus the province's health research resources and expand its capacity for health research.

Saskatchewan Health Minister John Nilson and Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Board Chair, Dr. Liz Harrison, officially opened the one-day "think tank" session this morning.

Health research produces the evidence needed for better health and health services for Saskatchewan people. It helps to enhance our universities' capacity and successes, and health research strengthens the Saskatchewan economy.

Health Minister John Nilson has asked SHRF to lead the implementation of the Strategy, which identifies major priority areas for health research. While SHRF will provide leadership and serve as a catalyst, the Health Research Strategy's success will depend on the commitment and collaboration of many individuals and organizations.

"SHRF's goal at the Summit is to build on the broad consultation we started when developing our strategic advice to the Minister last year," Dr. Harrison said. "We're asking a key group of leaders to work with us in moving forward the key actions items in this ambitious 10-year plan."

In conjunction with the Health Research Summit, SHRF is hosting its annual Awards Dinner this evening, recognizing researchers who were successful in its recent funding competitions. Thirty-eight health researchers will receive $1.9 million for projects to be carried out over the next two years. Also tonight, prestigious new top researcher awards will be given in three categories: Establishment Grant – Socio-Health; Establishment Grant – Biomedical; and Postdoctoral Research Fellowship.

"With the leadership of the Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation and the collective commitment of our research community, we can significantly enhance health research in Saskatchewan," Nilson said. "Health research provides the evidence and tools that we need to create a healthy population and a stronger health care system."

"We are hoping to work with our partners in the universities, the health system, and community organizations to build on the existing strengths we have in Saskatchewan," SHRF's Chief Executive Officer June Bold said. "We also want to ensure that Saskatchewan's citizens are more aware of these strengths and benefit from health research taking place here."

Resources:

Saskatchewan Health Research Strategy Document – Hard copies available at the Summit, or online at http://www.health.gov.sk.ca/ic_hlth_research_strat.pdf.

Health Research Strategy Project (history, background, related publications, etc.) available online at http://www.shrf.ca/research.html

Research Summaries (project descriptions of all newly funded SHRF research being recognized at tonight's dinner) are available in hard copy at the Summit/Dinner Registration table, or online at http://www.shrf.ca/funding_competition-results_grants-awards-04-05.html.

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For More Information, Contact:

Suzanne Cornforth Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation Saskatoon Phone: (306)664-2723 Cell: (306)880-1945

Pete Paczko Saskatchewan Health Regina Phone: (306)787-2743