McGill receives $35.5 million in CIHR funding

Researchers at McGill University and four affiliated institutions received more than $35 million of health-research funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, out of $298 million allocated across Canada by the federal agency during the period from last July to January.

Of the 764 research projects covered by the CIHR funding nation-wide, more than 80 are based at McGill, the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI), the Jewish General Hospital (JGH) and the Douglas Mental Health University Institute. These grants support research 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.

McGill's $35.5 million allotment is one of the highest in the country. The funding amounts were announced earlier this month by Health Minister Tony Clement.

"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 mission of the CIHR, the Canadian government's agency for health research, is to create new scientific knowledge and help translate it 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.

"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, the institute's director. "Continued funding from the CIHR helps ensure these goals are supported."