Strategic Initiatives - Provincial Initiatives

In addition to our funding programs, MSFHR is helping to build a strong research base in BC through our strategic catalyst role.

New and continuing provincial initiatives
BC Directory of Health Researchers and Trainees
BC Ethics Harmonization Initiative
BC Nursing Research Initiative
HPV Vaccine Research Project
BCHLA Project Evaluation
Health of Population Networks
Technology/Methodology Platforms
Health Services & Policy Research Support Network

Past provincial initiatives
SARS Vaccine Development
MSFHR/CIHR Strategic Training Centres
Genome BC matching funds

New and continuing provincial initiatives

BC Directory of Health Researchers and Trainees
In 2007, MSFHR launched the province's first multi-disciplinary, multi-institution inventory of BC-based individuals working and training in health-related research. The Directory can be used to locate BC-based health researchers with specific research expertise and interests, and to facilitate networking between health researchers.

BC Directory of Health Researchers and Trainees

BC Ethics Harmonization Initiative
In the spring of 2007, MSFHR commenced facilitation of a BC-wide process for exploring opportunities and stakeholder interest in developing a more effective, coordinated provincial approach to ethical approval of research involving human subjects. Initiated at the request of stakeholders and endorsed by the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Advanced Education, this project offers an unprecedented opportunity for BC's health research community to collectively address a priority issue affecting the effectiveness and quality of the provincial research enterprise.

For more information , see BC Ethics Harmonization Initiative

BC Nursing Research Initiative
The BC Ministry of Health has provided $8 million to MSFHR to support broad health services research related to the nursing workforce and associated policy initiatives. Advising MSFHR on the BC Nursing Research Initiative is a Nursing Research Advisory Council (PDF), co-chaired by Dr. Lynn Stevenson, Chief of Professional Practice and Nursing at VIHA and Dr. Pamela Ratner, MSFHR Senior Scholar and Professor, UBC School of Nursing.

For more information, see BC Nursing Research Initiative

HPV Vaccine Research Project
In 2006, Canada granted regulatory approval for the use of a new vaccine – Gardasil™ – for the prevention of infection from four strains of human papilloma virus (HPV). This virus has been identified as a cause of genital warts and cervical cancer, and is often described as the most common sexually transmitted infection.

MSFHR received a request from the BC Provincial Health Officer to provide oversight and accountability mechanisms for a research project related to the vaccine. Undertaken by a team of researchers at the Vaccine Evaluation Centre at the Child & Family Research Institute and the BC Centre for Disease Control, the program will determine the most cost-effective way to provide immunity. The currently-approved protocol involves a three-dose protocol, at a cost of more than $100 per dose per individual. If a two-dose regimen is demonstrated to provide effective immunity, this could lead to significant cost savings for subsequent immunization programs. The project is anticipated to be a two and a half year study, involving clinical trial sites in Nova Scotia and Quebec as well as BC. The project also aims to develop an immune assay – a test to determine acquired protection from the virus – that is not proprietary to a vaccine manufacturer.

MSFHR's role in the project is to receive and administer funds; facilitate arms-length review of the studies, including protocols, methodology, IP issues, etc.; oversee grant administration; and ensure the BC Ministry of Health's reporting requirements are met.

MSFHR has struck an External Expert Advisory Panel (PDF) to provide advice and feedback, and make recommendations to MSFHR as requested.

BCHLA Project Evaluation
MSFHR has entered into an agreement with the BC Healthy Living Alliance (BCHLA) for third party project evaluation facilitation. Funded by ActNow BC, this group of organizations shares a mission to improve the health of British Columbians through leadership that enhances collaborative action to promote physical activity, healthy eating and living smoke-free.

MSFHR is facilitating the evaluation of up to 20 health promotion and population health projects across BC, currently being implemented by BCHLA members in support of the provincial government's ActNow BC initiative. ActNow BC is a partnership-based, cross-ministry health and wellness initiative that promotes healthy living choices to improve the quality of life for all British Columbians. For more information, read About the MSFHR/BCHLA agreement (PDF).

Health of Population Networks
In 2005, MSFHR launched the first phase of its Networking Infrastructure Program: Provincial Health of Population Networks. This initiative supports the formation and development of eight networks to help build capacity and connections between diverse researchers across BC whose work is relevant to specific population groups.

Profiles of Health of Population Networks

Technology/Methodology Platforms
In 2007, MSFHR launched the second phase of its Networking Infrastructure Program: Provincial Technology/Methodology Platforms. This initiative supports the development of key research resources that are accessible across institutions, disciplines and geography.

List of Technology/Methodology Platforms

Health Services and Policy Research Support Network
In 2004 and 2005, MSFHR received a total of $16 million from the Government of BC for programs that support and build BC's capacity to undertake health services and policy research focused on health system evaluation, redesign and innovation. Programs approved for funding under this initiative are developed through an extensive consultation process that engages the BC Ministry of Health, Health Authorities, health providers and the health services and policy research community. The Health Services and Policy Research Support Network (HSPRSN) provides the framework for consultation and is supported by MSFHR in the approval and implementation of research and capacity building strategies.

More information on the Health Services and Policy Research Support Network

Past Provincial initiatives

SARS Vaccine Development
In April 2003, the Government of British Columbia named MSFHR to manage the SARS Accelerated Vaccine Initiative (SAVI), a $2.6 million investment to fast track the development of a SARS vaccine. For more information, see the November 2004 SAVI update, SAVI one year update, SAVI fact sheet and SAVI website.

MSFHR/CIHR Strategic Training Centres
In 2002 MSFHR partnered with CIHR to jointly fund seven strategic training centres in health research at the University of BC and University of Victoria, for a combined commitment of $12 million.

Genome BC matching funds
In 2002 MSFHR contributed $6.1 million to Genome BC and triggered the release of another $6.1 million in matching funds from Genome Canada�s inaugural competition to help support cancer research and other genetic research at BC Cancer Agency and UBC.