It is with shock and sadness that CIHR learned of the death of one of Canada's most respected health reporters, Michelle Lang, who was killed by a bomb blast in Afghanistan along with four Canadian soldiers on December 30.

Ms Lang was recognized by all as an outstanding and courageous journalist. Her coverage of healthcare and health research issues for the Calgary Herald earned her a National Newspaper Award in 2008. On behalf of CIHR, I offer my deepest sympathies to Ms. Lang's fiancé, family, co-workers and friends.

We invite CIHR-funded researchers who had the opportunity to meet her to visit the Facebook page created in tribute to Ms. Lang's life, where they can share their comments.

Sincerely

Karen Spierkel
Director, Communications and Public Outreach
Canadian Institutes of Health Research