Backgrounder - Renewal of CIHR/Rx&D Collaborative Research Program

[ Press Release 2012-13 ]

Through the renewed collaborative agreement, CIHR is doubling its investments of up to $150 million, with a complementary objective from Rx&D members to match this contribution dollar for dollar over the next five years. Via the CIHR/Rx&D Collaborative Research Program, both organizations will optimize their research efforts. The partnered program will lead to new clinical practices, innovative health policies and better health care for all Canadians.

CIHR and Rx&D share the vision that Canada has a vibrant environment for conducting internationally competitive research and accelerating the commercialization of new knowledge for the benefits of Canadians and others around the world. Canada's competitiveness depends on the steady entry of highly skilled graduates into the many areas of health research, such as clinical research. One of the main goals of this agreement will be to develop and implement mechanisms to support, train, recruit and retain outstanding researchers such as clinical investigators, biostatisticians, methodologists, epidemiologists, health economists, and technicians.

Additionally, this agreement will help solidify Canada's clinical research environment by facilitating increased and sustained investments and by bringing key partners together to identify and pursue new research opportunities. It will enhance coordination at the national, provincial and regional levels and simultaneously reduce barriers and red tape for clinical researchers.

The goals of the agreement are to:

• improve the coordination of key clinical research activities;
• develop and implement mechanisms to effectively support, train, recruit and retain outstanding researchers; and
• catalyze clinical research and research training.

This partnership will align with the national Strategy for Patient-Oriented Research led by CIHR.