As recently as 20 years ago, many of these notions were accepted and
acted upon without question. We now know these ideas are not true and
some are, in fact, dangerous. If ever evidence were needed to show the impact of ongoing health research on everyday life, we need only think of these examples. And there are
countless other examples of the results of research transforming our lives.
Since its inception 18 years ago, AHFMR has played an integral part in
developing a strong provincial health research community. More than 250
senior researchers have come through our competitive awards system, the
majority of whom are staff members at the province's universities. Others
have gone to pursue opportunities outside of Alberta and of Canada.
Alberta ambassadors who take with them the excellent standards of
training and scientific inquiry upheld by AHFMR. Certainly there is no
shortage of applicants for AHFMR funding, as bright young researchers
here in Alberta and from far beyond our borders vie to undertake research
in the province.
In the past year, AHFMR made innovative additions to its health research
portfolio. New funding programs were implemented for research into seniors' health, for bringing research expertise into all corners of the
province, and for encouraging bright young students to pursue both M.D.
and Ph.D. degrees simultaneously. One of the largest investments made by
the Foundation is the five-year, $15-million AHFMR Opportunity Fund (AOF),
designed to match funds with federal and provincial partners to support
major research infrastructure projects. The AOF is a clear signal that the
successes of the Alberta research community are an investment
opportunity not to be missed by governments, corporations, and society.
The combination of AHFMR's rigorous standards, exemplary stewardship,
and considered, long-term support applied to the brightest researchers
inevitably results in new health applications, a strong provincial knowledge
base and increased health and well-being for Albertans and those beyond
our borders.
One of the primary responsibilities of the Foundation's Board of Trustees is
to safeguard the endowment for funding in perpetuity yet encourage
exciting new initiatives and nurture ongoing excellence in our research
community. The Board of Trustees has accomplished this task with
distinction and its members are to be commended for their dedication to
the betterment of health research in Alberta. The Trustees acknowledge
the enthusiasm and able leadership of Dr. Matt Spence and the
contributions of his hard working staff. Certainly the top-notch scientific
community we fund and the many funding partners we work with to further
the development of health research knowledge in Alberta are to be
applauded for their vision, determination, and pursuit of excellence.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees and the staff at AHFMR, it is our
pleasure to introduce to you in the pages that follow, examples of a wide
spectrum of AHFMR-funded health research currently underway in the
province. Allowing for the fact that much of AHFMR health research is
basic biomedical investigations that have a wide application to many
human diseases and conditions, we have nevertheless grouped research
activities under the headings of some of the diseases and conditions that
affect many of us and our loved ones. Our aim is to show clearly the links
between a solid foundation of AHFMR supported, health research activity
and the reality of better health in the future.
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