Research
We all gain from better, long-lasting outcomes for patients and for Canada’s healthcare system.
2026 Health System Solutions Grant program
Supporting applied research that improves patient access to innovative medicines and strengthens systems across Canada.
Funding innovation for a stronger healthcare system
For 60 years, we’ve granted more than $30 million to more than 1,700 researchers across Canada. HRF-funded research projects not only examine solutions for timely issues affecting the Canadian healthcare system, they also analyze and develop meaningful actions that will help protect Canadians against health crises of the future.
Past projects have explored using artificial intelligence to detect lung cancer sooner, identified lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic for future pandemic preparedness, and highlighted barriers to health equity in Canada.
Our vision is one where every Canadian benefits from a world-class healthcare system powered by innovation. But this depends on more than cutting-edge research, and that’s why the HRF also strives to find gaps in the Canadian healthcare system, identify priority research areas that will affect Canadians most, and bring together leading Canadian academics, partners, and industry leaders who can share ideas and collaborate to foster innovation.
This is why we fund focused projects with multi-year strategies. Our priority is funding research that will demonstrably improve access and outcomes, support scalable health-technology solutions, and ultimately make health research more relevant to Canadians.
Our new strategy builds on a proud legacy of Canadian research funded by the HRF. Read more below to see how our researchers are building a society where everyone can enjoy longer, healthier, and more fulfilling lives.
Our Strategy
Mission
We are a catalyst for translating research into scalable solutions that transform the Canadian healthcare system. We unite leading academics, partners, and industry innovators, provide resources and create a collaborative environment needed to accelerate innovation together.
Vision
Healthy Canadians through scalable health system-level research and innovation.
Strategic priorities
Fund focused research
Generate real world evidence (RWE) with system level stakeholders, highlighting the links between improved access and better outcomes.
Implementation for impact
Apply research findings into scalable health technology solutions with clear governance and accountability that measurably improve system performance.
Tell a better story
Translate findings and real-world impact into accessible outputs that engage the health system stakeholders.
Our strategy is grounded in the priorities that the HRF’s most important stakeholders all aligned on.
Our contributions to Canadian health systems research
HRF fellowship in artificial intelligence health research – patient outcomes
Awarded to: Dr. Steven Hawken, Senior Scientist at the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute and an Associate Professor in the School of Epidemiology and Public Health at the University of Ottawa
HRF fellowship in artificial intelligence health research – health systems sustainability
Awarded to: Dr. Scott Adams, MD, PhD, FRCPC, Department of Medical Imaging, University of Saskatchewan and Saskatchewan Health Authority
HRF research team grant in virtual care
Awarded to: Dr. Megan Macpherson, Regional Practice Lead for Research and Knowledge Translation for Virtual Health at Fraser Health in British Columbia
HRF fellowship in health systems resilience
Awarded to: Dr. Brianne Wood, Associate Scientist at the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre
HRF chair in pandemic preparedness research
Awarded to: Dr. Srinivas Murthy, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia.
