This consensus document was developed in the spring of 2000 by the Coalition for Health Research in British Columbia. It outlined a vision and strategy for building health research capacity for health and economic gains. The document was the basis for a series of negotiations with the Government of British Columbia, which resulted in the creation of the Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research as the major provincial planning and funding body for the development of health research in BC.

Foreword

The planning principles and recommendations contained in this report have been broadly circulated and endorsed by the B.C. Research Community and its supporters. They were developed in a planning process facilitated by the Coalition for Health Research in British Columbia that was driven by an urgent need to restore B.C.'s ability to qualify for a per capita share of new federal research funds (currently $550 million and as much as $1 billion by 2004/05). Building a B.C. Health Research Strategy contains recommendations for action that will position B.C. to take full advantage of these and future opportunities and bring home funding that exceeds our per capita share.

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Part I: Introduction

Part II: The Problem - The Status of Health Research in B.C.

Part III: The Opportunity - Realizing the Benefits of Health Research

Part IV: The Solution - Building Research Capacity

Part V: Key Planning Principles

Part VI: Plan Elements
     General Recommendations
     A. Human Resources Training, Recruitment and Retention
     B. Infrastructure Support
     C. New Opportunities/Regional Development
     D. Space Development

Part VII: Conclusion

Appendices
     A. Notes: Alberta Scholar and Trainee Development Program
     B. Notes: Quebec Infrastructure Support Program
     C. Summary of new Federal Funding Opportunities
     D. Work Shop Participants