On January 11, 2005, marking the beginning of both the province’s centenary year and AHFMR’s 25th anniversary, the Government of Alberta announced a $500 million boost to the Foundation’s endowment. The money will be paid over three years, beginning in fiscal year 2005/06.
"We are delighted to learn of this decision and thank the provincial government for this strategic new long-term investment,” says AHFMR president and CEO Dr. Kevin Keough. “Our reputation is based on funding excellent people of international calibre, and we look forward to strengthening our existing research programs to enhance Alberta's standing in the world of health research. We also look forward to undertaking new directions that resonate with Alberta's research community and our partners in order to advance the health and well-being of Albertans."
AHFMR funding has attracted many world-class scientists to Alberta over the years. People like Dr. Rob Sutherland, who studies the biological systems involving memory and learning in the fetal brain that are permanently blunted by relatively low daily doses of alcohol. After spending 10 years at the University of New Mexico, Dr. Sutherland returned to Lethbridge in 2001. In addition to the prospect of AHFMR funding, another big draw for Dr. Sutherland was the University of Lethbridge’s $8-million behavioural neuroscience centre, towards which AHFMR contributed about $1.4 million.
After 25 years, AHFMR has helped build a critical mass of research talent, an accomplishment that has monumentally changed the landscape for health research in Alberta. The addition of this $500 million will help build a lasting legacy of innovation that will translate into improved health for Albertans and people around the world.
AHFMR 25th anniversary events
To mark AHFMR’s 25th anniversary, the Foundation is planning a number of special events and initiatives around the province, including a series of lectures on health research topics. Lectures planned for February will address the topic of heart research and include the following dates and locations:
February 8
Medicine Hat
Drama Centre, Crescent Heights High School
February 16
Grande Prairie
2nd Street Theatre
February 23
Edmonton
Corbett Hall, University of Alberta
Lectures begin at 7:00 p.m.
For more information on these or other upcoming lectures, check AHFMR’s website at http://www.ahfmr.ab.ca or call AHFMR Communications at (780) 423-5727. Check back frequently for the details of health research lectures coming to a community near you.