Ottawa, August 24, 2022 – Today, the Health Research Foundation (HRF) of Innovative Medicines Canada (IMC) launched the call for applications for its HRF Research Team Grant in Virtual Care. The grant will provide a research team with $500,000 in funding over three years to further examine the impacts of virtual care on underrepresented groups.
“Virtual care played an important role in Canada’s response to COVID-19, offering an innovative alternative to in-person visits with health providers,” said Mel Cappe, Chair of the HRF Board of Directors. “While there’s an exciting potential for virtual care to help alleviate increasing pressures on our health-care systems, it’s important for us to better understand its limitations and explore possible solutions, particularly for underrepresented groups.”
The HRF is seeking applications from diverse, cross-functional teams who will examine the disparities, barriers, and impacts of virtual care experienced by Canadians, including underrepresented groups, and provide solutions to enhance virtual care for these groups. Underrepresented groups may include visible minorities, women, members of the LGBTQ2IA+ community, people living with disabilities, and First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities, among others.
“The Health Research Foundation has a rich history in supporting research-driven health innovation in Canada and virtual care is an emerging platform that can complement future health delivery models. The pharmaceutical industry is proud to support this research to help ensure all Canadians have equitable access to virtual care as the platform evolves,” said Pamela Fralick, President of Innovative Medicines Canada.
About the Health Research Foundation
The Health Research Foundation (HRF) is a Canadian non-profit organization dedicated to fostering healthcare innovation and improved patient outcomes through applied health-systems research. The HRF invests in research that reimagines how care is delivered, accessed, and experienced—focusing on bold, evidence-based solutions that drive system-wide transformation. Through strategic collaboration with leading academics, industry innovators, and partners, the HRF provides the resources and networks needed to accelerate meaningful, lasting change.
About Innovative Medicines Canada
Innovative Medicines Canada is the national association representing the voice of Canada’s innovative pharmaceutical industry. The association advocates for policies that enable the discovery, development, and delivery of innovative medicines and vaccines to improve the lives of all Canadians and supports the members’ commitment to being a valued partner in the Canadian healthcare system. The association represents 49 companies who invest nearly $1.4 billion in R&D annually, fueling Canada’s knowledge-based economy, while contributing $8 billion to Canada’s economy. Guided by the Code of Ethical Practices, all members work with governments, private payers, healthcare professionals, and stakeholders in a highly ethical manner.
For further information: media@imc-mnc.ca
