Two St. Michael’s researchers succeed in CIHR’s most recent grant competition

By Skaidra Puodziunas

Two St. Michael’s Hospital researchers were successful in the most recent round of Canadian Institutes of Health Research Foundation Grant competition. In total, more than $5.6 million was awarded to the St. Michael’s researchers by the CIHR.

CIHR Foundation Grants are designed to contribute to a sustainable foundation of health research leaders. These grants provide long-term support for the pursuit of innovative, high-impact research programs.

Dr. Prabhat Jha is founder of the Centre for Global Health Research of St. Michael’s and Research Chair in Global Health and Epidemiology at the University of Toronto. He received a seven-year Foundation Grant to fill large data gaps that prevent low- and middle-income countries from understanding causes of death.

“Reliable measurement of how people die helps us understand how to reduce premature deaths among the living, and to understand key risk factors, most notably tobacco,” says Dr. Jha, who is also a scientist with the hospital’s Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute. “This grant will help us extend our studies that already cover 120 million deaths in 11 countries.”

Dr. Sharon Straus is director of the Knowledge Translation Program of St. Michael’s and a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Knowledge Translation. Her seven-year Foundation Grant will standardize the way Canadians learn about research discoveries that can improve how older adults are cared for—particularly for chronic disease management.

“By focusing on developing sustainable solutions, we can ensure that this research will have a major impact over the long term,” says Dr. Straus, who is also a scientist with the hospital’s Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute and the Mary Trimmer Chair in Geriatric Medicine. “Our team of clinicians, patients, caregivers, policy makers and researchers will complete research to optimize care of older adults on a national and international scale.”

To learn more about the CIHR-funded projects and research programs, visit www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/50488.html.

About St. Michael’s Hospital

St. Michael’s Hospital provides compassionate care to all who enter its doors. The hospital also provides outstanding medical education to future health care professionals in more than 29 academic disciplines. Critical care and trauma, heart disease, neurosurgery, diabetes, cancer care, care of the homeless and global health are among the Hospital’s recognized areas of expertise. Through the Keenan Research Centre and the Li Ka Shing International Healthcare Education Centre, which make up the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, research and education at St. Michael’s Hospital are recognized and make an impact around the world. Founded in 1892, the hospital is fully affiliated with the University of Toronto.