Ottawa, Ontario (October 9, 2009) - A recent survey conducted by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) shows that Canadian health researchers have offered more scientific support to Canadian youth this year through the Synapse - Youth Connection program.

Established in 2006, this mentorship program creates opportunities for researchers to educate Canadian youth about science so that they can learn more about the benefits of health research for Canadians and people around the world. Currently, there are over 5,500 CIHR-funded researchers who have expressed interest in being Synapse mentors. And this number increases on a daily basis.

The survey, conducted by CIHR on an annual basis, shows that between July 2008 and June 2009:

• 112,800 Canadian youth were reached through Synapse-related activities. This represents a 105% increase since the 2007-2008 survey, when 55,000 youth were reached.
• Synapse mentors devoted 27,300 hours of their busy schedules to reach, educate and inspire 62,000 Canadian students.
• An additional 50,800 Canadian youth participated in CIHR-funded health research activities delivered by various Synapse-based partners, which include non-profit science outreach organizations such as Actua, Let's Talk Science and Youth Science Canada.

"I'm very impressed and appreciative of the commitment that our Synapse mentors bring to the program," says Dr. Alain Beaudet, President of CIHR. "As the essential foundation of the program, they are voluntarily providing the educational outreach to Canadian youth that is needed in order for us to create the next generation of health researchers."

CIHR's increase in science-based educational outreach through the Synapse program further demonstrates CIHR's contribution to the Government of Canada's Science and Technology (S&T) agenda.

In Mobilizing Science and Technology to Canada's Advantage (2007), the Government of Canada's S&T strategy, CIHR's Synapse - Youth Connection program was recognized for its ability to provide "students with the skills, knowledge, and motivation they need to seek a career in health research. By engaging young people early in lecture series, workshops, demonstrations, competitions and lab mentoring, the program increases their interest in exploring career opportunities in this field."

The Synapse - Youth Connection program was also recently recognized by the Association of Public Service Executives (APEX) as part of CIHR's award for Leadership in Service Innovation.

For further information about Synapse, and how to become a mentor, please visit the CIHR site.

The Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) is the Government of Canada's agency for health research. CIHR's mission is to create new scientific knowledge and to catalyze its translation 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 13,000 health researchers and trainees across Canada.

-30-

Backgrounder

Further Information:

David Coulombe
CIHR Media Specialist
Tel (Office) : 613-941-4563
Tel. (Mobile) : 613-808-7526
E-mail: mediarelations@cihr-irsc.gc.ca

Christian Riel
CIHR, Manager, Youth and Public Outreach
Telephone: 613-941-5797
E-mail: Christian.riel@cihr-irsc.gc.ca