June 10, 2011
Province Invests $6 Million in Health Research Excellence: Chomiak
The Manitoba government continues to invest in new research opportunities by providing $6 million for the Manitoba Health Research Council, Innovation, Energy and Mines Minister Dave Chomiak announced today.
“The council has done excellent work to promote and assist clinical and applied research in the health field in Manitoba with its grants and awards programs,” said Chomiak. “Our continued support will help them continue that important mandate.”
The Manitoba Health Research Council (MHRC) supports excellence in research in the health sciences in Manitoba through its grants and awards programs. Funding will flow to 84 new research projects in 2011 and will leverage more than $900,000 from local and national partners. These projects will see research conducted in areas such as Type 2 diabetes, colon cancer, the economic burden of FASD and problem gambling.
The minister said MHRC strives to support researchers and trainees in Manitoba with the goal of making them competitive on the national and international stage. Funding health research taking place in the province is a catalyst for the innovation that has the potential to improve health, health‑care products and practices, he added.
The Manitoba Research Chair Award is MHRC’s most prestigious honour. Two researchers will be awarded $500,000 each over the next five years to support their research efforts. Michelle Lobchuk, assistant professor, faculty of nursing, University of Manitoba, will study the needs of people who care for chronically ill, disabled or dying relatives and how to better support these family caregivers. Brian Mark, assistant professor, department of microbiology, University of Manitoba, will focus on gaining knowledge about bacterial and viral pathogen defence mechanisms against antibiotics and the human immune system.
“Excellence in health research must be identified and given every opportunity to progress and prosper,” said Brian Postl, chair, Manitoba Health Research Council. “Thanks to the provincial government and MHRC’s partners, these opportunities are recognized and the best trainees and new researchers get their start in Manitoba. Continuing to invest in our province’s research potential is critical to the health of Manitobans and the enhancement of our health-care system.”
Chomiak noted government funding in health research provides training opportunities for skilled young Manitoba researchers. He also said it allows the province to attract brilliant researchers to the province and assists in retaining capable, experienced scientists who generate economic growth and commercial development.
Since 2007, the province has provided $27 million in support to the MHRC.
The MHRC was established in 1982 to promote and assist basic, clinical and applied research in the health sciences in Manitoba and advise the provincial government with respect to matters relating to health research. From support received from the province, the council provides funds for research in the health sciences through grants and awards programs. More information is available at www.mhrc.mb.ca.
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