March 22, 2023 – The Advisory Panel on the Federal Research Support System’s report released this week provides thoughtful recommendations towards building a health research ecosystem that supports Canadian research talent, strengthens Canada’s standing as a global research power, and positions research as a key driver of Canada’s knowledge and innovation-based economy.
HealthCareCAN is delighted that many of our recommendations were adopted by the Advisory Panel, including the need for an overarching governance body to coordinate Canada’s research and commercialization endeavours and foster collaboration across the research ecosystem, as well as the development of an ambitious, long-term, pan-Canadian strategic vision for research and innovation.
HealthCareCAN is extremely pleased that the report calls for increased investments in investigator-led, fundamental science – something we have been strongly urging the federal government to include in the upcoming budget – and balances this with the need for interdisciplinary mission-driven research to tackle pressing health and social challenges alongside the existing Tri-Council system.
The report also outlines enhanced supports and coordination of programs across the talent continuum, especially for students, trainees, and early-career researchers. This is crucial to retaining and fostering research talent, sustaining the excellence of Canadian research, and ensuring equity and diversity within the research ecosystem.
On the heels of the third anniversary of the declaration of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is encouraging that the pivotal role of Canadian health research institutes is recognized in the report, and that the Advisory Panel highlights the contributions and learnings of the research community over the last three years as the impetus for a bold way forward for research and innovation in Canada.
HealthCareCAN looks forward to working with the federal government in implementing the solutions put forward by the Advisory Panel in its report to strengthen health research and translate innovations into the health system.
Paul-Émile Cloutier,
President & CEO
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