間眅埶AV

Supporting Health and Wellness of Individuals, Populations and Communities

VPRI portfolio lead
Valorie Crooks
Associate Vice-President, Research

Priority Area

The connection between the health and wellness of an individual, and the (global) community in which they live has never been more obvious. As we write this plan, British Columbia is in the midst of two public health emergenciesthe global COVID-19 pandemic and a sharp rise in drug overdoses and deaths (the opioid crisis). These simultaneous emergencies have together exposed the effects of deep social inequities and discrimination, the fragility of our health systems, the psychological consequences of isolation, a lack of trust in authority/science and many other profound issues that can only be addressed through world-class research. 間眅埶AV researchers are engaged in responding to the threats and burdens of disease via many approaches, including basic research into fundamental molecular and cellular processes, development of new technologies, tests and treatments for individuals, as well as education and public health approaches. They are also leaders in transforming our response to health issues through social determinants and cultural critique. Harnessing big data, genomics, molecular and cellular tools and treatments, wearable technologies, digital technologies, and other technological and social interventions, our researchers are influencing therapeutic development, health policy and individual health throughout the lifespan. 間眅埶AV researchers also generate wellbeing in the communities they work with by engaging in mutual, respectful and empathetic processes of knowledge production. Harnessing research informed by indigeneity, nature-based experience, contemplation, and anti-racism can make important contributions to wellbeing, both individual and collective. 

(SDGs 1, 2, 3, 6, 10)

Project Goals

1. Develop strategic external partnerships with research activities centred around the identified institutional priority of supporting health and wellness of individuals, populations and communities.

Updates

  • December 2024
    A case for support has been developed by 間眅埶AV Advancement to explore partnership and funding opportunities for 間眅埶AV-FH Joint Research institute.
  • August 2024
    The office of Vice President Research and Innovation has agreed to provide $75k in start-up funding for the 間眅埶AV-FH Joint Research institute.
  • July 2024
    間眅埶AV (間眅埶AV) and Fraser Health Authority (FHA) have endorsed the idea of creating a joint research institute to bridge the gap between clinical care and cutting-edge research by establishing a dynamic hub for research excellence, collaboration and knowledge exchange.
    The 間眅埶AV-FH Joint Research Institute will bring together expertise and partners from 間眅埶AV, FHA and across B.C.s health sector to accelerate discovery and translate ideas into practice for improved health and wellbeing.

2. Identify a program of support for internal community-building

Updates

  • November 2024
    間眅埶AV School of Medicine is searching for the inaugural Associate Dean, Research. The AVPR is on the search committee for this position and will support integrating this person into 間眅埶AVs research landscape, which centrally includes activities related to this SRP priority.
  • October 2024
    Faculties have been invited to submit Expressions of Interest to allocate one centrally designated Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC) at 間眅埶AV that aligns with this SRP priority area: Supporting Health and Wellness of Individuals, Populations and Communities and fosters inter-disciplinary and inter faculty- collaboration.