Message from Dr. Alain Beaudet, CIHR President, about IHSPR's Transition

At the end of December 2010, Dr. Colleen M. Flood, Scientific Director of CIHR's Institute of Health Services and Policy Research (IHSPR), will conclude her term. Although this transition is still a few months away, I would like to thank Dr. Flood for her outstanding contributions to health research in Canada.

Over the last four years, under Dr. Flood's leadership, IHSPR has supported research programs and built research capacity to address health services and policy priorities. She has developed new research programs that respond to real-life health system needs, successfully creating linkages between researchers and decision makers, and informing policy-making with timely and responsive research evidence. Notable achievements include the revitalisation of the Partnerships for Health Systems Improvement (PHSI) program and the creation of Evidence on Tap: Expedited Knowledge Synthesis and Best Brains Consultations.

Most recently, under Dr. Flood's leadership, IHSPR has championed primary and community-based healthcare through the organization of an important national Primary Healthcare Summit, and subsequent development of a research strategy for this area. The Institute also developed notable partnerships to support, for example, the first ever study of patient safety in home care and a public dialogue on mental health issues through a national series of Café Scientifiques in partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada. Thanks to Dr. Flood's exceptional vision and collaborative abilities, CIHR has been a sought-after partner at the forefront of healthcare policy in Canada.

Over the coming year, IHSPR staff in Toronto and Ottawa, the Institute's Advisory Board, and senior CIHR management in Ottawa will be working to ensure that this transition proceeds as effectively as possible.

Recruitment for a new Scientific Director for IHSPR will begin shortly. I am confident that the next Scientific Director of IHSPR will continue to provide the necessary vision and leadership to further build support for health services and policy research in Canada and to accelerate the effective translation of research knowledge for the benefit of Canadians.

Sincerely,

Alain Beaudet, M.D., Ph.D.
President, Canadian Institutes of Health Research