Table of Contents - Alberta · clinical trials for new medications, diagnostic or imaging techniques. While these are vital components of health research, the term “health research”

Table of Contents 1. Setting the Context .....................................................................................................................1

2. Defining Health Research ...........................................................................................................2

3. Understanding Relationships between Health Research and Innovation and the Health System ..4

4. Describing Alberta’s Health Research and Innovation System.....................................................9 4.1 Investments.......................................................................................................................9

4.2 Current Strengths ............................................................................................................12

4.3 Developing Strengths ......................................................................................................13

5. Deriving Maximum Benefit from Alberta’s Health Research and Innovation System ................16

6. Stakeholder Forum Discussion Questions .................................................................................18

LIST OF TABLES Table 1 Examples of Knowledge and Technology Needs that Support Vision 2020’s Strategic

Goals ................................................................................................................................................8

Table 2 Summary of Health Research Investment in Alberta (2007/08) ...........................................9

Table C-1 Areas of Expertise: Specific Diseases and Conditions.........................................................C-1

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1 Relationship Between the Health, Health Research and Innovation, and

Research and Innovation Systems...............................................................................................5

Figure 2 Sources of Research Program and Infrastructure Funding within Alberta’s Health Research and Innovation System (2007/08) ..............................................................10

Figure 3 Distribution of Research Program and Infrastructure Funding by Field of Research (2007/08)......................................................................................................................11

Figure 4 Distribution of Health Research Grants/Awards by Research Field (2007/08)...............11

Figure 5 Distribution of Research Program and Infrastructure Funding by Areas of Concentration (2007/08; $ millions).........................................................................................12

Figure 6 .................................................................................12

Distribution of Research Program and Infrastructure Funding by Fields and Focus of Research (2007/08)

APPENDICES A. Configuration of Alberta’s Provincially Funded Research and Innovation System B. Examples of Innovations from Alberta’s Health Research and Innovation System C. Highlighted Research Areas of Strength: Specific Diseases and Conditions D. Links to Other Government Initiatives E. Bibliography

Stakeholder Forum Workbook

1. Setting the Context

Alberta Innovations

#1 – Edmonton

Protocol (islet

transplantation)

In May 2000, a team

of University of

Alberta researchers

made medical history

when they

announced the first

successful islet cell

transplantations on

patients with Type 1

diabetes. Since 2000,

several hundred

people have received

islet transplants.

While most

participants were

unable to maintain

insulin independence

over time, many were

able to use less

insulin and maintain

better control of their

blood sugar.

Research continues

in this field with the

promise of further

discoveries.

For further details

see Appendix B.

The Ministers of Alberta Health and Wellness and Alberta Advanced Education and Technology are seeking your advice in developing a provincial health research and innovation strategy. This strategy will establish priority goals and actions to achieve a long-term (10-15 year) vision for health research and innovation in Alberta.

In March 2008, Premier Ed Stelmach mandated Advanced Education and Technology (AET) Minister Doug Horner to develop and implement a framework that defines roles and mandates for Alberta’s provincially funded research and innovation organizations. This work has led to a new framework to improve Alberta’s research and innovation system by making it less complex, more focused on the government’s strategic priorities, more consolidated, with less overlap and stronger links among Alberta’s research and innovation organizations (see Appendix A). The new framework also identifies a need for a strategic focus on health research and innovation.

Also in 2008, Alberta Health and Wellness (AHW) released a health action plan to improve access to health services in Alberta and to make the province’s health-care system more efficient and effective. A major theme of the health action plan was to ensure the future sustainability of Alberta’s health system. Released in December 2008, Vision 2020 is a strategic plan that represents phase one of achieving a long-term health system sustainability plan. It identifies a new direction for Alberta’s health system to deal with current and future challenges. Research and innovation will be required to help translate this new direction into necessary changes in systems, processes, diagnostics, treatments and delivery.

We now have a window of opportunity, created by the new research and innovation framework and the need for changes within the health system, to develop a coordinated, aligned and forward-looking health research and innovation strategy for Alberta.

Establishing an effective strategy for health research and innovation in Alberta requires the participation and involvement of key stakeholders to provide a full range of perspectives. This forum brings together stakeholders from across Alberta’s health research and innovation system. As a stakeholder, you are being invited to provide your insights and perspectives on:

the desired outcomes of Alberta’s health research and innovation

system,

the changes required in Alberta’s health research and innovation system

to achieve the desired outcomes,

Stakeholder Forum Workbook 1

the opportunities to be maximized and challenges to be addressed in the development of a health research and innovation strategy, and

the health research and innovation areas where Alberta should increase its emphasis, and the health research and innovation opportunities where Alberta could make a significant global contribution.

The purpose of this workbook is to stimulate discussion among forum participants by:

offering working definitions of health research and the health system,

positioning health research and innovation in relation to both the larger research and innovation system and the health system,

providing an overview of Alberta’s current health research and innovation system,

identifying challenges to deriving maximum benefit from health research and innovation in Alberta, and

posing specific questions to guide stakeholder discussions that will be used in formulating the health research and innovation strategy.

Your feedback and suggestions from the forum will help develop the health research and innovation strategy.

2. Defining Health Research

The term “heath research” often brings to mind images of lab experiments or clinical trials for new medications, diagnostic or imaging techniques. While these are vital components of health research, the term “health research” encompasses much more. Taken very broadly, “health research” is anything that is relevant to the understanding or betterment of human health1 and covers many types of research. Health research is multidimensional and can be categorized a variety of ways. For example, domains of health research can be categorized by the:

1 Roger Palmer. 2009. Inventory of Health Research and Innovation in Alberta.


• field of research, such as biomedical, clinical, health services, population and public health,

• type of research along the innovation continuum, such as basic, applied, demonstration and commercialization,

• nature of the research, such as quantitative, qualitative, or

• driver of the research, such as researcher driven, health system driven.

To describe Alberta’s health research and innovation system, this workbook will use the first approach, which is consistent with the approach used by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR):2

Biomedical research: Essentially laboratory research with the goal of understanding biological processes within the human body and the fundamental causes of disease. This includes developing tools and techniques to be applied for this purpose and developing new therapies or devices that improve health or the quality of life of individuals, up to the point where they are tested on human subjects.

Clinical research: Involves testing of new therapies or devices and moves research findings out of the lab and to the patient’s bedside.

Health services research: Centred on investigating the efficiency and effectiveness of the health system (e.g. policies, processes, systems, structures, technologies).

Population and public health: Focused on understanding how social, cultural, environmental, occupational and economic factors influence health.

It is important to note that a great deal of research is being conducted in other fields that are highly relevant to human health. Research in the social sciences, environmental protection, biological science and technology, various branches of engineering, nanotechnology, agriculture and food, information and communications technologies (ICT) and other areas can also be characterized as health research to the extent that they have health-related applications. For example, as of 2007/08, approximately 15 faculties at the University of Alberta (U of A) and 10 faculties at the University of Calgary (U of C) were conducting research that can be characterized as “health research.”3

2 Canadian Institutes of Health Research. 2008. 2008/09 CIHR General Grants and Awards Policies. 3 Roger Palmer. 2009. Inventory of Health Research and Innovation in Alberta.


The complexity of today’s research questions coupled with recent advances in science and technology are facilitating the pursuit of research that transcends traditional research domains. There is a strong tendency toward greater convergence and integration among formerly separate research fields.

This move toward convergence is expected to greatly influence the vision, strategic priorities and actions of the health research and innovation strategy. While the definition of “health research” might be broadly defined as including the four thematic areas outlined above, the strategy will need to recognize the linkages that exist among research fields and span the entire research and innovation continuum.

3. Understanding Relationships between Health Research and Innovation and the Health System

A health research and innovation system includes the people, institutions and activities whose primary purpose is to generate and apply high-quality knowledge that can be used to promote, restore or maintain health.4 This system ideally comprises not only researchers and research funders, but also health professionals, policy makers, health organizations, entrepreneurs and industry.

There are societal and economic benefits to health research and innovation including improved health outcomes, enhanced health care delivery and increased economic development opportunities. Maximizing the benefits of health research requires not only the creation of new knowledge, but also the dissemination, exchange and application of knowledge, or knowledge “translation.” Examples include:

engaging health professionals and policy makers in an ongoing and iterative relationship in the production and translation of research findings, and

supporting commercialization so that knowledge generated by health research can lead to economic development opportunities, new diagnostics, therapies and technologies.

As illustrated in Figure 1, a health research and innovation system exists at the intersection of two complex systems – the health system and the research and innovation system.

4 World Health Organization. 2004. World Report on Knowledge For Better Health: Strengthening Health Systems.


Figure 1 Relationship Between the Health, Health Research and Innovation, and Research and Innovation Systems

Macro‐Environment

Society, Finance, Politics, Education, Private Sector

Applied research

Research not yet applied

Health Research and Innovation System Research and Innovation System

Health System

Source: World Health Organization, 2004. World Report on Knowledge for Better Health: Strengthening Health Systems. Adapted from Pang T et al. Knowledge for better health – a conceptual framework and foundation for health research systems. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 2003, 81:815-830.

The strategic position of the health research and innovation system within a larger research and innovation system offers opportunities for greater collaboration and synergies with such research disciplines as agriculture, engineering, nanotechnology and ICT. Such collaboration offers the possibility for new avenues of research and the development of multi-disciplinary, cross-sectoral research teams to address opportunities and challenges facing Alberta. These synergies are especially important for health research and innovation, because research that begins without a clinical application in mind can often lead to later clinical advances.

The health research and innovation system also intersects with the health system. The interconnectivity of today’s world can make it challenging to specifically define the health system, but broadly speaking it includes all activities whose primary purpose is to promote, restore or maintain health.5 Examples of these activities are:

health care services covered under Medicare (i.e., physician and hospital care),

other health care services, whether publically or privately financed, such as pharmaceuticals, rehabilitation, home and long-term care, mental health services, disease prevention, health promotion and other public health services, and

health enhancing interventions like environmental and safety standards for such things as major industrial projects, automobiles, food, sports equipment, etc.

5 World Health Organization. 2000. The World Health Report 2000: Health Systems: Improving performance.


Ideally, the relationship between the health research and innovation system and the larger health system should be one of mutual dependence. Health research and innovation is a tool that can produce the knowledge needed to develop new diagnostics, therapies and technologies, as well as improvements in health care, policy making, system development and service integration. As well, the needs and priorities of the health system create demand for the knowledge, products and services produced by health research and innovation. These close links will enhance the health system, create economic development opportunities and, ultimately, improve health outcomes.

One way in which research and innovation is already impacting the health system is through rapid changes in technology. Additional technological advancements on the horizon have the potential to revolutionize the health system and diversify Alberta’s economic base. For example:

Advances in the fields of genomics, proteomics and metabolomics are changing how clinical services are delivered by making possible “personalized medicine” with more person-specific tools for preventing, diagnosing and treating disease.

Advances in nanotechnology are leading to changes in diagnosing disease through developments such as the “lab-on-a-chip” (LOC), tiny glass or polymer chips that integrate one or several laboratory functions on a single chip of only millimeters to a few square centimeters in size. LOC devices are being used as research tools in pharmacy, biotechnology, health care and ecology.

Advances in ICT have led to implementing electronic health records and new ways of delivering health care, such as telehealth, to rural and remote communities.

Alberta Innovations

#2 – CV

Technologies

With its

breakthrough

discovery COLD-fx,

Alberta's CV

Technologies made

history by becoming

the first company to

successfully complete

a U.S. FDA-regulated

phase II clinical trial

with an herbal

product. Core to CV

Technologies'

success is

ChemBioPrint, an

internationally

recognized and

patented technology

that accurately

characterizes natural

mixtures ensuring

batch-to-batch

consistency, efficacy

and safety.

For further details see

Appendix B. New technologies are only one way that research and innovation can change the health system and generate economic opportunities. Research into the determinants of health, such as socio-economic status, culture and gender, as well as research into health system workforce planning, processes and structures can also contribute to improvements in individual health outcomes, reshape the delivery of health services, and create economic development opportunities.

Strategic health research that supports the priorities of the health system is crucial. It provides policy makers and health care providers with the evidence and tools they need to address the issue of health system sustainability.


Vision 2020: The Future of Health Care In Alberta provides direction for the provincial health system based on the following five strategic goals:

1. Providing the right service, in the right place and at the right time, 2. Enhancing access to high quality services in rural areas, 3. Matching workforce supply to demand for services, 4. Improving coordination and delivery of care, and 5. Building a strong foundation for public health.

Challenges identified in Vision 2020 include inequitable use of health facilities across the province, long wait times for some services, an aging population, a shortage of health professionals, and increasing costs and demand for services. If the rise in demand on the health system remains unchanged and more efficient health delivery systems are not implemented, Alberta Health Services spending could triple from $8 billion in 2007/08 to $24 billion by 2020.6

The strategic goals set out in Vision 2020 have certain knowledge and technology needs that health research and innovation can help to meet. Table 1 provides just a few examples that illustrate those needs. These illustrative examples demonstrate the breadth of research and innovation required to support Vision 2020’s strategic goals. There are likely other ways in which health research and innovation will also support Vision 2020.

6 Government of Alberta. December 2008. Vision 2020: The Future of Health Care in Alberta: Phase One.


Table 1 Examples of Knowledge and Technology Research that Support Vision 2020’s Strategic Goals

Areas of Health Research Strategic Goals of Vision 2020 Biomedical Clinical Health Services Population Health

GOAL 1: Providing the right service in the right place and at the right time

Research in biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology that supports the development of new treatments for specific conditions/diseases (e.g. cancer, cardiovascular disease).

Research into the effectiveness of medical interventions for certain conditions/diseases.

Analyze the relationship between health provider remuneration models and performance.

Research on various primary health care, assisted-living, and continuing-care models in terms of continuum of care, access to services, and patient satisfaction.

Research on health services for mental health and addictions patients.

Epidemiologic studies of population health outcomes associated with differences in access to community based health promotion programs.

GOAL 2: Enhancing access to high quality services in rural areas

Efficacy studies for E-health learning tools.

Research into Point of Care technologies and services.

Evaluate services that can be repatriated in local or regional settings.

Evaluative research, using the dimensions of quality, of alternative delivery models (e.g. telehealth).

Assess factors that influence health provider recruitment and retention in rural areas.

Epidemiologic studies of population health outcomes associated with differences in access to community based health promotion programs in rural areas.

GOAL 3: Matching workforce supply to demand for services

Evaluate research on lean processes that aim to improve health provider productivity.

Development, testing and implementation of web-based communication tools for use by health care providers.

Evaluation studies on the effects of new technologies on health care providers.

Research the factors that create effective inter-disciplinary teams in training and practice.

Research remuneration models to maximize benefits for patients, health providers and government.

Analysis of health provider scope of practice and options for optimization.

GOAL 4: Improving co-ordination and delivery of care

Economic evaluations and health technology assessment of new technologies.

Develop and test innovative screening techniques.

Innovation for enhancing communication flow in professional settings.

Analysis of patient flow in clinical environments and proposed re-engineering options.

Development of just-in-time technology for managing patient flows.

Research into proactive preventative models for protecting and monitoring health.

GOAL 5: Building a strong foundation for public health

Examining the biological effects of environmental factors such as water/air/soil contaminants, carcinogens and toxins.

Research into the clinical management of obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, aging.

Research to advance prevention and health promotion.

Research on the effectiveness of Alberta’s health promotion campaigns (e.g. dietary habits, healthy living).

Research on effectiveness of and impact of health impact assessments.

Research on models supporting self-responsibility for personal health status (e.g. diet, exercise).

Evidence to support healthy choices at a personal level, injury prevention, etc.


4. Describing Alberta’s Health Research and

Innovation System

4.1 Investments

In 2007/08, approximately $480 million was invested in health research in Alberta (Table 2).7

The majority of health research is performed within the public sector (84% or $403 million). Much of this research is performed in academic health centres, bringing together the education and research structures of post-secondary institutions with the health care delivery structures of health care institutions. Other faculties within Alberta’s four universities, several colleges and technical institutes, hospitals, long- term care centres and primary care networks are also involved in various forms of health research.8 Estimates show over 2,400 principal investigators are involved in health research at public institutions in Alberta.9

Health research in Alberta’s private sector is estimated at approximately $75 million or 16% of total investments in health research in Alberta. There are over 130 bioindustry companies in Alberta with the majority of them operating in the health biotechnology and medical devices and equipment sectors.10

Table 2 Summary of Health Research Investment in Alberta (2007/08)

Categories of Investment Funding

($ millions) % of Total Investment

Research program and infrastructure fundinga $335.3 70.1 Constructionb $20.0 4.2 Estimated R&D in Alberta health biotechnology companies $75.0 15.7 Other Clinical Trialsc $21.4 4.5 Salaries/Honoraria prorated for Researchd $26.3 5.5 Total $478.0 100.0

Source: Adapted from Roger Palmer. 2009. Inventory of Health Research and Innovation in Alberta. Notes: a) Sources of investment external to a public institution. Excludes funding captured under “Other Clinical Trials”. b) An estimate for the Health Research Innovation Facility (HRIF). c) This total includes aggregated revenue provided by the Alberta Cancer Board and estimated revenues from the

University of Calgary and the University of Alberta for Clinical Trials that would not be captured under the first category in this Table.

d) Estimated – for jointly appointed Medical Doctors with salary and benefits paid by Alberta Health Services.

Alberta Innovations

#3 – Novel treatment

for hepatitis B, C

It was research

conducted here in

Alberta that ushered in

the era of antiviral

therapy for hepatitis B.

The research begun in

1986 by Dr. Lorne

Tyrrell and Dr. Morris

Robins at the University

of Alberta resulted in the

discovery of several

potent antivirals against

hepatitis B and led to a

major collaboration with

Glaxo Canada (now

GlaxoSmithKline). One

of those antivirals,

lamivudine, is now the

primary drug used to

treat chronic hepatitis B

carriers and is licensed in

170 countries

worldwide.


Appendix B. The investment identified in Table 2 was from over 870 funding sources, ranging from governments to industry to private donations (Figure 2). Federal and provincial government funding sources together accounted for nearly three-quarters of all research program and infrastructure funding associated with health research and innovation in Alberta.

7 Adapted from Roger Palmer. 2009. Inventory of Health Research and Innovation in Alberta. 8 Health research represents a significant portion of research conducted at Alberta’s post-secondary institutions, accounting for roughly 40 per cent of

gross domestic expenditures on research and development (R&D) in the advanced education sector. (Sources: Statistics Canada. 2009. Gross Domestic Expenditures on Research and Development in Canada (GERD) and the Provinces, Statistics Canada, Table 4-1 (Catalogue No. 88-221-X). and Statistics Canada. 2008. Estimates of Research and Development Expenditures in the Higher Education Sector, 2006/07, Table 1-6, (Catalogue no. 88-001-X).

9 Adapted from Roger Palmer. 2009. Inventory of Health Research and Innovation in Alberta.


10 KPMG for BioAlberta. 2007. Bioindustry in Alberta: State of the Industry 2007.

Figure 2 Sources of Research Program and Infrastructure Funding within Alberta’s Health Research and Innovation System (2007/08)

Alberta Government Sources

38%

Canadian Government Sources

34%

Foreign3%

Foundations and donations

14%

Industry9%

Other1%

Other Canadian Universities

1%

Source: Adapted from Roger Palmer. 2009. Inventory of Health Research and Innovation in Alberta.

Provincial funding for health research11 also represents a significant portion of total Government of Alberta scientific expenditures,12 typically between 20% - 24%.13

Regarding the four broad fields of health research discussed earlier – biomedical, clinical, health services, and population and public health – all are conducted in Alberta to varying degrees. Figure 3 identifies the distribution of research program and infrastructure funding by field of research and Figure 4 identifies the number of grants/awards by research field. As both figures demonstrate, investment in Alberta’s health research system has a sizeable focus on biomedical and clinical research. These two research fields accounted for almost two-thirds of health research program and infrastructure funding in public institutions (Figure 3). Health services and population and public health research accounted for just over 20 per cent.

11 “Health research” here refers to scientific expenditures by the Alberta Government with “public health” or “protection and improvement of human

health” as the primary objective. 12 Scientific expenditures are expenditures on those scientific and technological activities which involve the generation, dissemination and application of

new scientific and technological knowledge. The central activity is research and experimental development (R&D). In addition, there are a number of activities closely related to R&D and referred to as related scientific activities, which complement and extend R&D (e.g. technical surveys, statistical surveys, etc.)

13 Government of Alberta. Scientific Activities of the Government of Alberta (2004/05 Annual, 2005/06 Annual, 2006/07 Annual, 2007/08 Annual)


Figure 3 Distribution of Research Program and Infrastructure Funding by Field of Research (2007/08)

Biomedical48%

Clinical17%

Health Services11%

Population & Public Health10%

Unknown14%


Figure 4 Distribution of Health Research Grants/Awards by Research Field (2007/08)

Biomedical38%

Clinical27%

Health Services10%

Population & Public Health13%

Unknown12%


Alberta Innovations

#4 – iRSM

At the Institute for

Reconstructive Sciences

in Medicine (iRSM), a

team of interdisciplinary

professionals provides a

full range of treatment

expertise for the

reconstruction and

rehabilitation of patients

with head and neck

defects. The Institute

fully integrates clinical

and research activities,

and has developed an

innovative research

structure comprised of

multi-sector and

international research

partnerships. iRSM has

achieved international

renown for its

achievements in areas

such as interfacial

biomechanics related to

implantable devices and

the application of

advanced digital

technologies to facial

prosthetics.


Appendix B.

Alberta’s health research and innovation system exists within a larger global marketplace for research findings and resources. Global investment in health research is significant – reaching almost $126 billion (US) in 2003.14 As part of the world-wide health research community, Alberta researchers are positioned to use this global knowledge pool to improve the health of Albertans and potentially to create knowledge-based economic opportunities.

14 Global Forum for Health Research. 2006. Monitoring Financial Flows for Health Research 2006.


4.2 Current Strengths

Investment in health research has created significant concentrations of expertise in Alberta in basic science, pathogenesis and clinical research (Figures 5 and 6).

Figure 5 Distribution of Research Program and Infrastructure Funding by Areas of Concentration (2007/08; $ millions)

Basic Science63.719%

Pathogenesis107.332%

Clinical53.616%

Drug Development6.72%

Health Services & Policy23.57%

Nutrition, Obesity & Diabetes16.85%

Population23.57%

Unknown40.212%


Figure 6 Distribution of Research Program and Infrastructure Funding by Fields and Focus of Research (2007/08)

$-

$10,000,000

$20,000,000

$30,000,000

$40,000,000

$50,000,000

$60,000,000

$70,000,000

$80,000,000

Basic SciencePathogenesis

ClinicalDrug Development

Health Services & Policy

Nutrition, Obesity & Diabetes

Population

Unknown



Alberta’s health research and innovation system has strengths in a number of health research areas including:15

in the basic sciences such as biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology, and emerging fields of genomics, proteomics, metabolomics and transcriptomics.

in the clinical translation of medical advances into diagnosis and treatment. Influential research has been produced in areas such as general and internal medicine. The capabilities of institutions in the province to conduct clinical research are improving, led by new initiatives such as the Northern Alberta Clinical Trials and Research Centre (NACTRC) in Edmonton and the Calgary Centre for Clinical Research in Calgary.

in specific pathogenesis research such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, immunology and neuroscience. In addition, Alberta has a concentration of research strengths in nutrition, obesity and diabetes that has generated world-wide recognition (See Appendix C).

In 2007/08, just over half (90) of the 178 Canada Research Chairs (CRC) in Alberta were focused on health-related research.16,17 The distribution of these CRCs among research areas in Alberta demonstrates the wide breadtof health research and innovation occurring here. CRCs in Alberta span basbiomedical to clinical to health services/health policy research. They also span knowledge translation to application, including the application of nanotechnology in biomedical science and products.

h ic

Alberta Innovations

#5 – Infant Formula –

Dr. Tom Clandinin

Dr. Tom Clandinin at

the University of Alberta

proposed that optimal

development of the

brain in the last trimester

and early weeks of life

requires fatty acids

lacking in the formulas

provided to infants. His

studies and clinical trials

shaped the development

of an improved infant

formula with significant

benefit to infant growth,

developmental indices

and rate of acquisition of

visual acuity.

Dr. Clandinin brought

this innovation to

market with several

major infant formula

companies in over 65

countries.


Appendix B.

4.3 Developing Strengths

Alberta is developing strengths in other areas of the health research and innovation system. The following examples/initiatives are illustrative of the activity underway to enhance and expand the capacity of Alberta’s health research and innovation system.

15 Adapted from Roger Palmer. 2009. Inventory of Health Research and Innovation in Alberta. 16 The CRC Program invests $300 million a year in Canada to attract and retain world class researchers. 17 Canada Research Chairs Program. http://www.chairs.gc.ca/web/chairholders/index_e.asp


http://www.chairs.gc.ca/web/chairholders/index_e.asp

Health Services and Population and Public Health Research

Alberta's emphasis on health services and policy research has been growing – from a historical investment of 4% of total research program and infrastructure funding to 11% in 2007 - 2008.18 This trend in health services and policy research is consistent with trends in Canada and globally, as the importance of this research and innovation is recognized in order to get the true value from the investments in the other health research fields.

Indicative of this trend are the following initiatives that build upon existing programs and departments at Alberta’s post-secondary institutions:19, 20

the integration of a number of existing public health strengths at the U of A into the School of Public Health, Canada’s first stand alone faculty dedicated solely to public health (2006),

the creation of the Population Health Intervention Research Centre at the U of C to provide the evidence that policy makers need to put more resources into prevention (2004),

the participation of U of C researchers in the International Collaboration on Complex Intervention, linking investigators in Canada, USA, Australia and the UK in the study of complex interventions to promote health (2004), and

the beginnings of the Alberta Interdisciplinary Primary Health Care Research Network to enhance primary care research and knowledge translation (2008).21

Along with these initiatives, AHS is actively engaged in conducting applied health services and population health research within its own facilities. As well, SEARCH Canada, an Alberta-based public service organization, links health professionals with academic mentors and provides seed funding to conduct applied health services research and evaluation projects.

Knowledge Translation

There are a number of initiatives in Alberta to distribute, disseminate and increase the impact of health research findings among researchers and from researchers to clinicians. For example:


Canadian Institutes of Health Research. http://webapps.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/funding/Search?p_language=E&p_version=CIHR 19 These initiatives often involve faculty and staff of post-secondary institutions in the province and AHS. 20 Examples of existing programs and departments include the Centre for Health and Policy Studies (CHAPS) and the Department of Community Health

Sciences at the U of C, as well as the Department of Public Health Sciences, the Centre for Health Promotion Studies and the Alberta Centre for Injury Control and Research at the U of A.

21 The ABIN is in initial planning stages involving staff from the Universities of Alberta, Athabasca, Calgary, Lethbridge and Alberta Health Services.


Providing learning opportunities, project facilitation, network support and information services to health professionals and researchers to increase the application of high quality research evidence in health system practice and management (SEARCH Canada),

Strengthening assessment capacities of new technologies, protocols

and methods of information dissemination (Health Technology Assessment program), and

Supporting the learning, teaching, and practice of evidence-based health care by providing educational, consultation, and technical services, including building customized Internet Desktops, to health organizations and professional associations(Centre for Health Evidence).

Opening two new facilities dedicated to fostering trans-disciplinary and translational models of research (The Health Research Innovation Centre at the U of C and the Health Research Innovation Facility at the U of A).

Commercialization

The commercialization of health research and innovation achievements in Alberta offers the potential to provide global economic opportunities.

Bio-industry commercial ventures report that the three most important issues they face are alliances and partnerships, launching new products and services, and securing financing.22 Periodically concerns have also been expressed regarding the lack of venture capital investment in Alberta biotechnology companies.23 As a result, in 2008, the Government of Alberta released a $178 million commercialization plan that offers a number of initiatives to assist Alberta businesses including:

a new provincial Scientific Research and Experimental Development tax credit,

the Alberta Enterprise Corporation to develop a locally managed venture capital industry,

“Innovation Vouchers,” to assist small technology and knowledge-driven businesses, and

product development centres.

22 KPMG for BioAlberta. 2007. Bioindustry in Alberta: State of the Industry 2007. 23 Roger Palmer. 2009. Inventory of Health Research and Innovation in Alberta.


5. Deriving Maximum Benefit from Alberta’s

Health Research and Innovation System

It is clear that health research and innovation produces significant benefits. It attracts almost one-half a billion dollars annually in Alberta, provides employment and income for world class researchers, support staff and students; offers commercialization opportunities; improves health outcomes for patients around the world; and helps to improve the efficiency of health service delivery. While the benefits of health research and innovation are not in question, there are challenges in managing the health research and innovation system in order to maximize those benefits. Some of the challenges in ensuring maximum benefits to Alberta include the following:

Alignment of health research priorities with the strategic priorities of Alberta’s health system (e.g. Vision 2020) and other important policy documents that detail the health needs of Albertans. If we want to better address the pressing needs of the health system, we need a culture and practice of health research that goes beyond academic institutions and laboratories to involve health service providers, policy makers and the general public. Support of basic research, which creates the foundation of knowledge from which new practices and new products evolve, needs to be balanced with the requirements for strategic health research.

Uptake of health research findings in the actual delivery of health services. The issue is how to build better bridges between health research and application so that research can have an early and direct impact on the quality of the health system. Maximizing the application of health research findings requires an environment in which decision-makers and health providers have access to relevant knowledge that they then use to inform the developers of policy and clinical practices.

Access to databases and information systems to effectively carry out health research and clinical trials in Alberta. A number of initiatives exist to develop and enhance information products, such as the Electronic Health Records system and the recent establishment of the Health Data Access Advisory Committee. Limitations to accessing data include the complexity of the data, secure data storage systems and health legislation which restricts the use of information collected for health purposes. However, new technologies are changing the way in which information can be handled, and are providing new options for collaboration between the public and research institutions.


Additional challenges that will need to be addressed include:

Moving new and innovative technologies from the lab bench to the marketplace to create economic development opportunities for Albertans and Alberta businesses.

Sharing resources and benefits while working together not just provincially, but also inter-provincially, nationally and internationally to optimize jurisdictional advantages in infrastructure and expertise.

Developing a culture of research that integrates service delivery, education and research as a means of recruiting leading clinical scientists, basic scientists, and health researchers to build capacity and quality across the health system.

Building relationships with other disciplines (e.g. engineering, informatics) to break down research silos and foster convergence and integration between research fields.

Understanding the important role that health services research and population and public health research play in improving the quality of health services and individual health outcomes.


6. Stakeholder Forum Discussion Questions

The previous sections of this workbook have indicated that:

Health research and innovation is important to Alberta because it provides the knowledge needed to achieve societal and economic benefits such as an enhanced health system, increased economic development opportunities and, ultimately, improved health outcomes.

Investment in Alberta’s health research and innovation system has already led to a concentration of expertise in various research areas and developing strengths in others. Alberta’s health research and innovation system is well positioned to continue making advances in all areas of research.

Maximizing the benefits to Alberta from health research and innovation requires us to better meet the knowledge and technology needs of the health system.

It is now time to turn it over to you and ask for your insights and perspectives. Your input will help shape Alberta’s health research and innovation strategy.

Session 1: Proposed outcomes for an Alberta health research and innovation strategy

Health research and innovation provides the means to tackle the increasing challenges that disease and ill health are placing on our society. It also contributes to economic growth by providing commercialization opportunities for innovative health products and services. Given the roles health research and innovation play in addressing challenges and maximizing opportunities, the provincial government is proposing a health research and innovation strategy with the following outcomes:

improving health outcomes for Albertans,

improving the efficiency of Alberta’s health delivery system, and

contributing to Alberta’s economic development.

Are these the right outcomes?

Are there other outcomes that an Alberta health research and innovation strategy should seek to achieve?


Session 2: Changes to Alberta’s current health research and innovation landscape

Vision 2020, the Alberta government’s strategy for improving health service delivery in the province, has certain knowledge and technology needs that must be met to achieve its strategic goals. Some of these needs have been outlined in Section 3 of this workbook, and include research and innovation related to alternative service delivery models, workforce planning and processes, and public health. There might be other ways in which health research and innovation in Alberta can support the future directions for Alberta’s health system.

The knowledge and technology needs of Vision 2020 imply the need for strong support from all four areas of health research: biomedical, clinical, health services, and population and public health.

Alberta has particular strengths in basic biomedical sciences. We also have expertise in understanding the pathogenesis of certain diseases. We have built strong research communities and infrastructure in these areas that can help attract outstanding people, industry trials, manufacturing and venture capital to Alberta while also working to meet the strategic goals outlined in Vision 2020.

Given Alberta’s current areas of expertise and the knowledge and technology needs of Vision 2020:

What needs to change across the current health research and innovation landscape in Alberta to achieve the outcomes identified in Session 1?

Which would be the most important changes?


Session 3: Opportunities and challenges for an Alberta health research and innovation strategy

Section 5 of this workbook identifies some challenges to maximizing the benefits from Alberta’s health research and innovation system. As development of Alberta’s health research and innovation strategy proceeds, there are likely to be both further challenges that need to be addressed and opportunities that can be maximized.

In the development of an Alberta health research and innovation strategy, what are the opportunities to be maximized and challenges to be addressed?



Session 4: Potential areas of focus

This workbook provides a “snapshot” of health research in Alberta – where we are succeeding; where there are challenges; and where additional research is needed to ensure benefits for health, the health care system, and the economy.

Given this information, and the discussions that have occurred throughout the day today:

In what health research and innovation areas should Alberta increase its emphasis?

What are the three or four specific health research and innovation opportunities where Alberta could make a significant global contribution and achieve some of the outcomes identified in Question #1 (health, health system and economic development outcomes)?

Please also consider:

health needs of Albertans,

the strategic direction for the health system identified in Vision 2020,

current areas of research strength in Alberta,

resource capacity (financial and human), and

the capacity of Alberta-based companies to develop and market health-related products and services.

APPENDIX A

Configuration of Alberta’s Provincially Funded Research and Innovation System


On March 18, 2009, proposed legislation was introduced into the Alberta Legislature to implement a framework, developed in consultation with stakeholders, which restructures provincially funded research and innovation organizations. The diagram above represents the proposed configuration of the provincially funded research and innovation system.

The framework would merge ten existing entities into five new entities: one advisory body and four board-governed provincial corporations. The four new corporations would be focused on bioindustries (i.e. agriculture, forestry, life sciences), energy and the environment, health, and bringing technology to market. These corporations would facilitate initiatives that support the Alberta government’s strategic priorities, as well as industry development initiatives in areas where Alberta has the opportunity to be a leader or enhance its current standing in the global economy. The advisory board, the Alberta Research and Innovation Authority, would provide strategic advice and recommendations to the Minister of Advanced Education and Technology to support government decisions and directions. It would monitor the performance of the overall system through suitable measures and regular reporting to government.

The transition to the new framework is expected take place over the next several months.

The new framework is expected to improve Alberta’s research and innovation system by making it less complex, more focused on the government’s strategic priorities, more consolidated, with less overlap and stronger links between the players. The system will support and enhance Alberta’s strong research base. Researchers, entrepreneurs and other key stakeholders would benefit from

Stakeholder Forum Workbook A‐1

Stakeholder Forum Workbook A‐2

more clearly defined roles of participants in Alberta’s innovation continuum, and more easily access support and information services.

Further information on the configuration of Alberta’s provincially funded research and innovation system is available online at: http://www.advancededucation.gov.ab.ca/technology/wwwtechnology_asp/techprior/framework/

http://www.advancededucation.gov.ab.ca/technology/wwwtechnology_asp/techprior/framework/

APPENDIX B

Examples of Innovations from Alberta’s Health Research and Innovation System


Examples of Innovations from Alberta’s Health Research and Innovation System

1. Edmonton Protocol (islet transplantation)

The Edmonton Protocol, pioneered by a team of U of A researchers led by Dr. James Shapiro, made medical history in May 2000 when it announced the first successful islet cell transplantations on patients with Type 1 diabetes. In 2005, the researchers published five-year follow-up results for 65 patients who received transplants at their centre and reported that about 10 percent of the patients remained free of the need for insulin injections at five-year follow-up. Most recipients returned to using insulin because the transplanted islets lost their ability to function over time. The researchers noted, however, that many transplant recipients were able to reduce their need for insulin, achieve better glucose stability, and reduce problems with hypoglycemia, also called low blood sugar.

In 2001, the research received significant financial investment from the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in the form of a $23.8 million grant to open a clinical centre at the U of A. In 2005, Dr. Shapiro and a team of Japanese surgeons achieved a breakthrough in the islet transplant, which was performed using a living donor. The expectation was that, in addition to near perfect organs performing better than ones from brain-dead donors, treatment wait times would be reduced.

Sources:

1) Cairney, Richard. “$23.8-million grant launches islet transplant centre: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation

finances clinical centre”. University of Alberta Folio. 39(6) 16 November 2001. Accessed 12 March 2009 from

http://www.ualberta.ca/~publicas/folio/39/06/front.html.

2) Cairney, Richard. “Edmonton Protocol takes giant leap forward”. Express News. University of Alberta (3

February 2005). Accessed 12 March 2009 from http://www.expressnews.ualberta.ca/article.cfm?id=6354.

3) Shapiro AMJ, Lakey JRT, Ryan EA, Korbutt GS, Toth E, Warnock GL, Kneteman NM, Rajotte RV. Islet

transplantation in seven patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus using a glucocorticoid-free immunosuppressive

regimen. N Engl J Med. 2000;343:230-238.

4) Edmond A. Ryan, Breay W. Paty, Peter A. Senior, David Bigam, Eman Alfadhli, Norman M. Kneteman,

Jonathan R.T. Lakey, and A.M. James Shapiro. “Five-Year Follow-Up After Clinical Islet Transplantation.”

Diabetes: A Journal of the American Diabetes Association. 2005. Accessed 19 March 2009 from

http://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/54/7/2060?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESUL

TFORMAT=&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&volume=54&firstpage=2060&resourcety

pe=HWCIT

Stakeholder Forum Workbook B‐1

http://www.ualberta.ca/%7Epublicas/folio/39/06/front.html

http://www.expressnews.ualberta.ca/article.cfm?id=6354

http://diabetes.diabetesjournals.org/cgi/content/full/54/7/2060?maxtoshow=&HITS=10&hits=10&RESULTFORMAT=&searchid=1&FIRSTINDEX=0&sortspec=relevance&volume=54&firstpage=2060&resourcetype=HWCIT



2. Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine (iRSM)

iRSM is a joint initiative of the U of A, Covenant Health and AHS, and is focused on medical reconstructive sciences. The Institute fully integrates clinical and research activities, believing that research is the fundamental driver to achieving excellence in clinical care. At iRSM, a comprehensive team of interdisciplinary professionals provides a full range of treatment expertise for reconstruction and rehabilitation of patients with head and neck defects. Within this patient-centric model, iRSM has developed an innovative research structure comprised of multi-sector and international research partnerships focused in three Priority Research Themes: Modelling and Analysis, Biomedical Engineering, and Treatment Outcomes. iRSM has achieved international renown for its achievements in interfacial biomechanics related to implantable devices, functional assessment for head and neck surgery, skull vibration and bone conduction amplification, solid modelling and surgical simulation, and the application of advanced digital technologies to facial prosthetics.

Source:

http://www.irsm-canada.com/index.html

3. Infant Formula – Dr. Tom Clandinin

Dr. Clandinin is recognized as a pacesetter in intestinal health research and technology commercialization with an established record of scientific and technological advances that have led to the delivery of outstanding health products and services.

Dr. Clandinin's animal research was the first to demonstrate that brain membrane structure and function could be altered by early dietary fatty acid intake. He determined the fatty acids required for growth of the human brain and proposed that optimal development of the brain in the last trimester and early weeks of life required a source of 20:4 n-6 and 22:6 n-3, lacking in the formulas provided to infants.

His studies and clinical trials shaped the development of infant formula, which now contain fats that enhance brain development in infants. Dr. Clandinin brought this innovation to market with several major infant formula companies in over 65 countries. His contribution to the development of infant formula has been of significant benefit to infant growth, developmental indices and rate of acquisition of visual acuity.

Sources:

http://www.professorpufa.com/

http://www.adi.med.ualberta.ca/Home/Research/PrincipalInvestigators/Bio/clandinin.cfm


http://www.irsm-canada.com/index.html

http://www.professorpufa.com/

http://www.adi.med.ualberta.ca/Home/Research/PrincipalInvestigators/Bio/clandinin.cfm

4. CV Technologies

The proverbial “cure for the common cold” is one step closer to reality

Colds and flu are estimated to cost the North American economy over $45 billion per year in lost productivity and medical costs. For decades, science has pursued a cure for those twin maladies with limited success. The breakthrough discovery of COLD-FX® made by Dr. Jacqueline Shan and her colleagues represents a promising development in that pursuit.

CV Technologies made history by becoming the first company to successfully complete a U.S. FDA-regulated phase II clinical trial with an herbal product. Designed to combat influenza and common colds, COLD-FX® is an herbal extract with multi-active phytochemicals. The clinical trials of COLD-FX® demonstrated a significant preventative effect on influenza- and cold-virus infections leading to its approval by Health Canada in 2007.

Core to its success, CV Technologies has developed an internationally recognized and patented technology – ChemBioPrint – which is both a discovery and standardization tool. ChemBioPrint is thought to be the only process that accurately characterizes natural mixtures, to ensure batch-to-batch consistency, efficacy and safety. Representing a major scientific breakthrough in the discovery and standardization of nutraceuticals and opening the door to increased consumer confidence in natural health products, ChemBioPrint may pave the way for ground-breaking regulatory approval of medical claims involving natural products by offering the same degree of scientifically verifiable consistency, safety and efficacy as synthetic drugs.

CV Technologies’ scientific approach over the past decade has built a strong foundation for the company’s commercial success. Its goal is to successfully commercialize a line of -FX products, resulting in a society with healthier individuals enjoying a better quality of life.

Source:

http://www.cvtechnologies.com/index.aspx

5. Novel treatment for hepatitis B, C – D.L. Tyrrell, University of Alberta

The first oral antiviral agent for hepatitis B, lamivudine, is a true Canadian success story with roots in Alberta. The research was begun in 1986 by Dr. Lorne Tyrrell and Dr. Morris Robins at the U of A. Their work resulted in the discovery of several potent antivirals against hepatitis B and led to a major collaboration with Glaxo Canada (now GlaxoSmithKline). One of the antivirals was lamivudine, a drug that had been developed for treating AIDS patients.

In 1989, Dr. Tyrrell’s team showed that lamivudine is a very effective antiviral for the hepatitis B virus. Successful animal testing and human trials followed. Lamivudine is now the primary drug used to treat chronic hepatitis B carriers (HBV). It is licensed in 170 countries worldwide. “We have a lot to be proud of with this story,” says Dr. Tyrrell. “Our work ushered in the era of antiviral therapy for hepatitis B.”


http://www.cvtechnologies.com/index.aspx


On a worldwide basis, over 80% of all patients being treated for hepatitis B are being treated with a drug that was discovered to be effective for HBV at the U of A.

Source:

“Taking on Infectious Disease: A Canadian Success Story”. Research News (Winter 2008). Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. Accessed 13 March 2009 from http://www.ahfmr.ab.ca/download.php/638c48e27f5f79d5a49386f5a3b975f2.

http://www.ahfmr.ab.ca/download.php/638c48e27f5f79d5a49386f5a3b975f2

APPENDIX C

Highlighted Research Areas of Strength: Specific Diseases and Conditions


Highlighted Research Areas of Strength: Specific Diseases and Conditions

Alberta has developed recognized research expertise in a number of areas dealing with specific diseases and conditions. The following table summarizes some of these areas of strength. The table is not exhaustive and is not intended to diminish research being conducted in Alberta into other diseases and conditions. It is presented simply to provide an indication of the breadth of Alberta’s health research system.

Table C-1 Areas of Strength: Specific Diseases and Conditions24 Disease/ Condition Description

Centres of Excellence/Institutes

Cancer Success across research areas, from basic research to clinical trials to population research.

Alberta Cancer Research Institute (ACRI) provides province-wide coordination of cancer research.

Alberta Cancer Research Institute

Cardiovascular Over 275 active researchers in this area.

Examples of research collaborations in this field include TORCH, a joint training program, and APPROACH, a coordinated initiative for collecting data on patients undergoing cardiac catheterization in Alberta.

Libin Cardiovascular Institute

Mazankowski Heart Institute

Diabetes Internationally recognized success with the Islet Cell Transplant Program (Edmonton Protocol).

The Alberta Diabetes Institute involves a multidisciplinary approach to research involving 35 principal investigators from five different university faculties.25

Alberta Diabetes Institute

Obesity Over 100 researchers working in this general area from surgical solutions to innovative obesity prevention.

Canadian Obesity Network

Neurosciences All three universities have expertise in neurosciences. Centre for Neuroscience

Hoskiss Brain Institute Maternal and Child Health

Well-funded endeavors with the goal of bringing together basic scientists, fertility clinicians, obstetricians, and pediatricians.

Institute of Maternal and Child Health (IMCH)

Women’s and Children’s Health research institute

Reconstructive Science and Medicine

Combines expertise in surgery, medicine, dentistry, rehabilitation medicine, engineering and computing science.

Leader in the complex area of bone implanted devices (osseointegration) for prosthetic replacement of skull and facial defects resulting from cancer, trauma and congenital conditions.

Institute for Reconstructive Sciences in Medicine (iRSM)


Stakeholder Forum Workbook C‐1

25 Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta. Alberta Diabetes Institute. Accessed from http://www.adi.med.ualberta.ca/Home/index.cfm

http://www.adi.med.ualberta.ca/Home/index.cfm

APPENDIX D

Links to Other Government Initiatives


Links to Other Government Initiatives

The desired outcomes of an Alberta Health Research and Innovation Strategy will directly support two of the Alberta Government’s five priorities:

Priority 2: Increasing access to quality health care and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of health care service delivery.

Priority 4: Enhancing value-added activity, increasing innovation, and building a skilled workforce to improve the long-run sustainability of Alberta’s economy.

The health research and innovation strategy will form part of a network of initiatives and strategies, all supporting Alberta’s long-term strategic vision of “an innovative and prosperous province where Albertans enjoy a high quality of life built on vibrant communities and a healthy environment.” Initiatives and strategies with connections to the health research and innovation strategy include:

Vision 2020: Health Care for Today and the Future: Vision 2020 is a strategic plan that represents phase one of achieving a long-term health system sustainability plan. It identifies a new direction for Alberta’s health system to deal with current and future challenges. Accessible online at: http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/Vision-2020-Phase-1-2008.pdf

Continuing Care Strategy: Aging in the Right Place: The strategy will improve health and personal care service options for seniors and persons with disabilities by enhancing supports to help them live within the community. Accessible online at: http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/Continuing-Care-Strategy-2008.pdf

Alberta Pharmaceutical Strategy: The purpose of the Alberta Pharmaceutical Strategy is to make drug coverage more accessible, affordable, efficient and therapeutically effective by improving the management, funding and purchasing processes for prescription drugs paid for fully or partially by the Government of Alberta. Accessible online at: http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/Pharmaceutical-Strategy-2008.pdf

Connect – Alberta’s Action Plan: Bringing Technology to Market: In 2008, the Government of Alberta released a $178 million commercialization plan that highlights a range of coordinated actions - from a research and development tax credit to increased investment capital to technology-specific business supports and new technopreneurship projects. The goal of the action plan is to increase the number of new companies in emerging advanced technology sectors. Accessible online at: http://www.advancededucation.gov.ab.ca/technology/wwwtechnology_asp/techprior/techcomm/ActionPlan/actionplan.asp

Making the Food-Health Connection: An Alberta Framework for Innovation: The framework is an overarching strategy document that aims to help Albertans become healthier, and for Alberta companies to participate in the global marketplace for healthy food products. Provincial ministries are currently in the process of developing detailed actions

Stakeholder Forum Workbook D‐1

http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/Vision-2020-Phase-1-2008.pdf

http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/Vision-2020-Phase-1-2008.pdf

http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/Continuing-Care-Strategy-2008.pdf

http://www.health.alberta.ca/documents/Pharmaceutical-Strategy-2008.pdf

http://www.advancededucation.gov.ab.ca/technology/wwwtechnology_asp/techprior/techcomm/ActionPlan/actionplan.asp

http://www.advancededucation.gov.ab.ca/technology/wwwtechnology_asp/techprior/techcomm/ActionPlan/actionplan.asp

Stakeholder Forum Workbook D‐2

plans that may guide future provincial investments leading to food and health innovations. Accessible online at: http://alsi.alberta.ca/media/39569/making%20the%20food-health%20connection.pdf

Growing Our Future: An Integrated Life Sciences Strategy for Alberta: The Life Sciences Strategy brings together health, agriculture, forestry, environment, energy, and ICT into new areas of opportunity in the cross-sectoral platform technologies of functional genomics, proteomics, informatics, biodiversity, and nanobiotechnology. The goal of the strategy is for Alberta to accelerate its bioeconomy through innovation and bioproducts that will help provide a sustainable quality of life for all Albertans. Accessible online at: http://www.asra.gov.ab.ca/resources/publications/pdf/ASRA_Life_Sciences_Strategy.pdf

Roles and Mandates Framework for Alberta’s Provincially Funded Research and Innovation System: In 2008, a new framework was developed to improve Alberta’s research and innovation system by making it less complex, more focused on the government’s strategic priorities, more consolidated, with less overlap and stronger links among Alberta’s research and innovation organizations. The new framework identifies a need for a strategic focus on health research and innovation. Accessible online at: http://www.advancededucation.gov.ab.ca/technology/wwwtechnology_asp/techprior/framework/

http://www.asra.gov.ab.ca/resources/publications/pdf/ASRA_Life_Sciences_Strategy.pdf



APPENDIX E

Bibliography


Bibliography

Alberta Advanced Education and Technology - Technology Commercialization Division. Connect: Alberta’s Action Plan: Bringing technology to Market. June 2008.

Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. Business Plan 2008-11: learn and imagine. April 2008. Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. Changes proposed for Alberta’s research and innovation

system. News Release - March 18, 2009. Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. Did You Know? October 2008. Accessed February 11,

2009 from http://www.advancededucation.gov.ab.ca/technology/wwwtechnology_asp/techprior/techcomm/ActionPlan/didyouknow.asp

Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. New Act sets next generation economy in motion. News Release - April 24, 2008.

Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. Roles and Mandates Framework for Alberta’s Provincially Funded Research and Innovation System: Focusing and Accelerating Innovation. November 4, 2008.

Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. Roles and Mandates Framework for Provincially Funded Research and Innovation Organizations: Stakeholder Consultation Workbook. July 29, 2008.

Alberta Advanced Education. A Learning Alberta: Fostering Innovation in Alberta: A Discussion Document. July 2005.

Alberta Health and Wellness. 2008 to 2011 Ministry Business Plan. April 2008. Alberta Health and Wellness. Alberta Pharmaceutical Strategy. December 2008. Alberta Health and Wellness. Continuing Care Strategy: Aging in the Right Place. December 2008. Alberta Health and Wellness. Health Action Plan Status Report. December 15, 2008. Alberta Health and Wellness. Healthy Mothers - Healthy Babies: Prevention of Low Birth Weight Action Plan

(Draft). January 2009. Alberta Health and Wellness. Vision 2020 – The Future of Health Care in Alberta - Phase One. December

2008. Alberta Health and Wellness. Vision 2020 - Health Care For Today And The Future - Phase One -

Highlights. December 2008. Alberta Health and Wellness and Alberta Advanced Education and Technology. Alberta Health

Research Strategy Project Charter (Draft). December 18, 2008. Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. 2008 Annual Report. September 2008. Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. AHFMR Implementation Plan for the “Health

Research Agenda for Alberta”. March 2003. Retrieved February 20, 2009 from http://www.ahfmr.ab.ca/grants/HRF/Agenda/implement.php

Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. Grants and Awards: AHFMR Interdisciplinary Team Grants Program. Retrieved from http://www.ahfmr.ab.ca/grants/team_guidelines.php

Alberta Heritage Foundation for Medical Research. Health Research Agenda for Alberta. March 2003. Retrieved February 20, 2009 from http://www.ahfmr.ab.ca/grants/HRF/Agenda/hra.php

Alberta Life Sciences Institute. Making the Food-Health Connection - An Alberta Framework for Innovation. July 2008.

Alberta Life Sciences Institute. Making the Food-Health Connection - An Alberta Framework for Innovation: Factsheet. August 2008.

Stakeholder Forum Workbook E‐1

http://www.advancededucation.gov.ab.ca/technology/wwwtechnology_asp/techprior/techcomm/ActionPlan/didyouknow.asp

http://www.advancededucation.gov.ab.ca/technology/wwwtechnology_asp/techprior/techcomm/ActionPlan/didyouknow.asp

http://www.ahfmr.ab.ca/grants/HRF/Agenda/implement.php

http://www.ahfmr.ab.ca/grants/team_guidelines.php

http://www.ahfmr.ab.ca/grants/HRF/Agenda/hra.php

Alberta Life Sciences Institute. Strategic Business Plan 2008-2013. 2008. Alberta Life Sciences Institute. Toward the Integration of Food and Health in Alberta: Factsheet. December

2007. Alberta Science and Research Authority. A Health Research Strategy for Alberta: A Discussion paper from

the Alberta Science and Research Authority. 2000. Alberta Science and Research Authority. A Health Research Strategy for Alberta. 2000. Alberta Science and Research Authority. Growing Our Future - An Integrated Life Sciences Strategy for

Alberta. 2003. Brown, Michael. November 14, 2007. Doors open for innovation at Alberta Diabetes Institute.

Express News. Retrieved from http://www.president.ualberta.ca/news.cfm?story=69198 Canadian Institutes of Health Research. 2008. 2008/09 CIHR General Grants and Awards Policies.

2008. Canadian Institutes of Health Research. CIHR Funded Research Database. Funded Research Database.

Accessed from http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/826.html Canadian Institutes of Health Research. Canadian Research Information System. Funded Research

Information. Accessed from http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/825.html Canada Research Chairs. Find an Expert. Chairholders, Canada Research Chairs. Accessed from

http://www.chairs.gc.ca/web/chairholders/index_e.asp Centre for Health Evidence. Accessed from http://www.cche.net/default.asp Conference Board of Canada. Unleashing Innovation in Health Systems: Alberta’s Symposium on Health:

Report. August 2005. Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta. Alberta Diabetes Institute. Accessed from

http://www.adi.med.ualberta.ca/Home/index.cfm Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary. Health Research Innovation Centre. Accessed from

http://medicine.ucalgary.ca/research/hric Global Forum for Health Research. Monitoring Financial Flows for Health Research 2006 - The changing

landscape of health research for development. 2006. Retrieved from http://www.globalforumhealth.org/filesupld/monitoring_financial_flows_06/Financial%20Flows%202006.pdf

Government of Alberta. 2008-11 Government of Alberta Strategic Business Plan. April 2008. Health Sciences Council. Alberta Interdisciplinary Primary Health Care Research Network. Retrieved from

http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/healthsciences/nav02.cfm?nav02=71968&nav01=15072 Institute of Health Economics. Health Technology Assessment. Accessed from

http://www.ihe.ca/research/health-technology-assessment/ International Collaboration on Complex Intervention. Accessed from

http://www.interventionresearch.ca/ Leaders’ Forum Steering Committee - Leaders’ Forum for Health Research in Canada. Strengthening

the Foundation of Canada’s Health Research Enterprise: A Backgrounder. September 8, 2004. Manitoba Health Research Council and Health Research Strategy Steering Committee. Envisioning the

Future: Manitoba Health Research Strategy: Provincial Consensus 2006-2011. November 2006. Manitoba Health Research Council. Development of a Provincial Health Research Strategy. 2006. Mason, Gary. February 24, 2009. R&D must firmly take root in the consciousness of Canadian

boardrooms. Globe and Mail. Mason, Gary. February 21, 2009. Scarcity of R&D driving top minds from Canada. Globe and Mail.


http://www.president.ualberta.ca/news.cfm?story=69198

http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/826.html

http://www.cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/825.html

http://www.chairs.gc.ca/web/chairholders/index_e.asp

http://www.cche.net/default.asp

http://www.adi.med.ualberta.ca/Home/index.cfm

http://medicine.ucalgary.ca/research/hric

http://www.globalforumhealth.org/filesupld/monitoring_financial_flows_06/Financial%20Flows%202006.pdf

http://www.globalforumhealth.org/filesupld/monitoring_financial_flows_06/Financial%20Flows%202006.pdf

http://www.uofaweb.ualberta.ca/healthsciences/nav02.cfm?nav02=71968&nav01=15072

http://www.ihe.ca/research/health-technology-assessment/

http://www.interventionresearch.ca/


Michael Smith Foundation for Health Research. Building a BC Health Research Strategy. Retrieved October 15, 2008 from http://www.msfhr.org/sub-about-history-building.htm.

Ministry of Advanced Education and Ministry Responsible for Research and Technology. B.C. Research and Innovation Strategy - Local Excellence, Global Impact.

Murgatroyd, Stephen, Moran, Stephen, & Wasson, Susan. Food for Health - An Asset Map. January 2009.

On Management Health Group - Birdsell, Judy & Asselbergs, Maaike et al. Health Research Funding In Manitoba: A Description and Comparison Across Canada - A background paper. May 2006.

Palmer, Roger. Inventory of Health Research and Innovation in Alberta. February 6, 2009. Population Health Intervention Research Centre. Accessed from http://www.ucalgary.ca/PHIRC/ Saskatchewan Health. Health Research Strategy. 2004. School of Public Health, University of Alberta. Accessed from

http://www.publichealth.ualberta.ca/ Science and Technology Surveys Section of Science, Innovation and Electronic Information

Division (Statistics Canada). Scientific Activities of the Government of Alberta 2006/2007 and 2007/2008; Estimates; Survey Results. April 2008.

Science and Technology Surveys Section of Science, Innovation and Electronic Information Division (Statistics Canada). Scientific Activities of the Government of Alberta 2005/2006 and 2006/2007; Estimates; Survey Results. May 2007.

Science and Technology Surveys Section of Science, Innovation and Electronic Information Division (Statistics Canada). Scientific Activities of the Government of Alberta 2004/2005 and 2005/2006; Estimates; Survey Results. March 2006.

SEARCH Canada. Accessed from http://www.searchca.net/users/folder.asp Statistics Canada - Science, Innovation and Electronic Information Division. Estimates of Total

Spending on Research and Development in the Health Field in Canada, 1996 to 2007. July 2008 edition.

Statistics Canada. Gross Domestic Expenditures on Research and Development in Canada (GERD), and the Provinces - National Estimates 1997 to 2008 and Provincial Estimates 2002 to 2006. Catalogue no. 88-221-X.

Statistics Canada. Science Statistics - Estimates of Research and Development Expenditures in the Higher Education Sector, 2006/2007. August 2008 edition. Catalogue no. 88-001-X.

Statistics Canada. Service Bulletin: Science Statistics - Estimates of total spending on research and development in the health field in Canada, 1988 to 2005. May 2006. Catalogue 88-001-XIE/ISSN1209-1278. Vol. 30, No. 3.

Statistics Canada. Science Statistics. August 2007 edition. Catalogue no. 88-001-XIE. Sweet, Sandra. March 2008. Business in Calgary. Skin care company a “natural” spin out for Alberta

pharmaceutical venture, 94. Task Force on Value-added and Technology Commercialization. Final Report to the Minister. May

2007. World Health Organization. World Report on Knowledge for Better Health: Strengthening Health Systems:

Summary. 2004.

http://www.msfhr.org/sub-about-history-building.htm

http://www.ucalgary.ca/PHIRC/

http://www.publichealth.ualberta.ca/

http://www.searchca.net/users/folder.asp

Documents

Table of Contents - Alberta · clinical trials for new medications, diagnostic or imaging techniques. While these are vital components of health research, the term “health research”