Health Sciences
Overview
Alberta made investments in the health sciences a top priority of its innovation system. Alberta’s post-secondary institutions are home to leading researchers and cutting-edge research facilities in diverse fields, including oncology, diabetes, and cardiology. The province has a growing number of biomedical industries with strengths in pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
Prominent Health Sciences Research Facilities in Alberta
Northern Alberta Clinical Trials and Research Centre (NACTRC)
A joint venture between Alberta Health Services (formerly known as Capital Health), one of Canada's largest integrated academic health regions, and the University of Alberta, one of Canada's leading research-intensive universities. NACTRC was established in 1999 to provide pharmaceutical and research-intensive companies with access to high-quality, cost-efficient clinical trial research. It offers state-of-the-art phase one facilities located in a major population centre.
The Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience (CCBN)
This internationally-recognized group has a broad range of research interests, including the neural mechanisms of learning, brain plasticity, and recovery of function, brain development, and brain disease. The CCBN is a world-class research facility designed to provide a highly interactive and unique environment for behavioural neuroscience research. It has attracted post-doctoral fellows and visiting scientists from around the world.
Health Research Innovation Facility (HRIF)
HRIF is a translational research centre designed to create an environment for innovative "bench-to-bedside" health research by increasing interaction between researchers and clinicians focused on common medical issues. It is located at the University of Alberta, and home the Alberta Diabetes Institute, as well as many other research initiatives.
Health Research Innovation Centre (HRIC)
This centre is located at the University of Calgary and has the capacity to serve over 150,000 patients per year. The multi-story research facility consists of wet and dry labs, office space, and patient clinics. The buildings facilitate the translation of research from laboratory benches to patient bedsides. Institutes within the facility include the Southern Alberta Cancer Research Institute and the Libin Cardiovascular Institute of Alberta.
Alberta Cancer Board (ACB)
The ACB coordinates cancer research, prevention, and treatment programs in 17 cancer treatment facilities, including the Cross Cancer Institute and the Tom Baker Cancer Centre. The Government of Alberta provides annual operating funds to ACB. In addition, in 2005, the $500 million Alberta Cancer Prevention Legacy Fund was established to support additional cancer prevention and research. Alberta is a leading centre for cancer expertise in North America.
The National Institute for Nanotechnology
The National Institute for Nanotechnology (NINT) is an integrated, multi-disciplinary institution involving researchers in physics, chemistry, engineering, biology, informatics, pharmacy and medicine. Established in 2001, it is operated as a partnership between the National Research Council and the University of Alberta, and is jointly funded by the Government of Canada, the Government of Alberta and the university.
Alberta Cancer Prevention Legacy Fund
In 2005, the province established a $500 million Alberta Cancer Prevention Legacy Fund to support additional initiatives in cancer prevention, screening, education, and research. The fund supports a virtual research institute to coordinate all cancer research throughout the province. As well, existing cancer screening programs are being expanded and new ones created to help detect the signs of cancer in its earliest stages.
Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research (AHFMR)
Through a $1.5 billion endowment fund, AHFMR supports both biomedical and health research at Alberta universities, affiliated institutions, and other medical- and technology-related institutions. Since 1980, the foundation has directly contributed more than $850 million to the scientific community. In 2004, an International Board of Review applauded AHFMR on its record of programs and achievements.
The AHFMR Polaris award provides matching funding of up to $1 million per year per award for up to ten years to help Alberta universities recruit world-class health researchers. This award is the richest award of its kind in Canada.
